Our programs are funded by state and Federal government to support families in the local community we support all types of families who need help with food, bills, parenting, housing, and finding the right service to meet their needs.
Our support for Families can include help with your bills and food for the week. Supporting you with tips and strategies to raise your children and keep communication open, social groups and community activities to get to know other parents
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Thrive provides emergency support for families in crisis through our food and bill relief programs through our Katoomba office drop-in service.
BILL ASSISTANCE
When: Mon, Weds, Fri
Time: By appointment only, please call 02 4782 1555 to enquire
Where: Katoomba office only
Bill assistance is provided through the NSW government Energy Payments Assistance Vouchers for families that have been impacted by a crisis or emergency situation and are having difficulty paying a gas or electricity bill. Thrive provides vouchers for energy bills and is available to families experiencing a short-term financial crisis or emergency, such as unexpected medical bills. EAPA vouchers are sent directly to your energy provider and used to credit your home gas or electricity account. Before you apply for an EAPA voucher, you need to call your energy provider first to see if you are eligible for their financial difficulty management program. Then book an appointment with the Thrive intake team. For more information on the EAPA program>
FRESH FOOD PARCELS
When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Time: From 1pm
Where: Katoomba office only
Thrive receives food from Second Bite and Woolworths Supermarket each week to provide free food to families on a budget. The amount available varies depending on availability, so it is provided on a first come, first serve basis.
PANTRY FOOD
When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Time: 10am – 3pm
Where: Katoomba office only
Donated pantry food items are available for anyone experiencing short-term financial stress. Up to six items can be collected each week per family we have a range of tinned food, long-life milk, bread and pet food.
FOOD VOUCHERS
When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Time: 10am – 3pm
Where: Katoomba office only
Food cards can be given to families experiencing difficulties to assist with purchasing specific grocery items for their family. Received through Wesley Mission and Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre the cards can be accessed once every three months from $30 value. We only receive a limited supply and when they have run out, we cannot issue any more.
DRIVE PROGRAM
ONGOING
Thrive clients who are women, aged over 25 years and living in Blue Mountains and Lithgow who have experienced domestic violence and/or are financially or socially disadvantaged, can be supported through our Drive program to obtain their driver’s licence.
By supporting women to gain their licence, we aim to increase women’s independence around choices such as housing, education, employment, health, and social opportunities (and for their children). Major Drive Supporters include: Blue Mountains Mazda and On the Soul Side Café.
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
TERM 4 EACH YEAR
Each year we prepare Christmas Hampers of food and gifts for families in need, who register with us.
These hampers are funded by donations of food and money and help to provide Christmas food and
treats at a time where many miss out. Every year we pack over 120 hampers for families across
Katoomba and Lithgow. To register please call 4782 1555
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Thrive volunteers assist us with many aspects of service support, including packing food bags,
and assisting us with activities such as playgroups and community events for families. Volunteers can
receive letters of recognition for their service to assist with job seeking and skill development. We
also provide placement experience for students of welfare and community services. To enquire,
please email info@thriveservices.org.au.
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