Back To School Program
Many students and families across the region in need of support with material costs associated with attending school have been provided with some additional support through the Geelong Community Foundation’s partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
The FRRR Back to School Program has been delivered in the Region by the Geelong Community Foundation for many years. The partnership with a range of Trusts and Foundations, including the Glover Family Trust, in 2024, will deliver $118,000 worth of $50 Target vouchers and a small number of $100 JB HiFi vouchers to support technology purchases. The vouchers will be distributed to many primary and secondary schools across the region.
Consultation with Wellbeing Coordinators, Teachers and Principals ensures the vouchers get to where they are needed most. It is the knowledge of family and individual student circumstances that guides the equitable distribution, although often the need far outweighs our ability to assist.
![Last week our Program & Impact Manager Charlotte Walker visited our grant partner, the Geelong Arts Centre, who delivers ‘Time to Thrive’.
Time to Thrive provides movement and dance for mature aged movers aged 60+ and this new initiative was developed in response to the limited opportunities for older adults to participate in dance and movement in our community. There has been significant demand for the pilot 6-week program, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from current participants.
Upon arrival, the ‘Dancing for Dementia and Parkinsons’ group was in action and the group participants were so joyous, with endless smiles and active participation in the dance steps and exercises. The classes have fostered physical and mental health benefits alongside genuine connection and belonging for group members.
Pictured is the Active and Agile over 60’s class on Monday 2 December, 2024.
[Image credit: Peter Foster.]
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