Victorian Arabic Social Services http://vass.org.au en-us Aged Care Services - Northern and Western Subrbs http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=43 The Home and Community Care (HACC) program, funded by the Departement of Human Services, covers the NOrthern, Western and Southern regions of Melbourne. There are three main programs that run under HACC, including the Culturally Equitable Gateway Strategy (CEGS), the Volunteer Social Support Program (VSSP), and the planned Activity Group (PAG)- Well for Life- at the VASS Newport Office. Anti-Racism Action Band (A.R.A.B) http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=42 Anti-Racism Action Band (A.R.A.B)Contact Details Kate Gillick (Artistic Co-Director)A.R.A.B, VASS ProjectTel: (03) 9359 3670.P.O Box 118 Fawkner 3060Email: a.r.a.b_vass@bigpond.comWeb site: www.arab-vass.com No Excuse for Family Violence http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=41 Family violence is a complex and poorly understood issue, one which is shrouded in secrecy and shame. It is of importance to all families, none more so than families of Arabic speaking backgrounds who are newly arrived/settled in Australia Drug and Alcohol Education and Prevention Program http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=39 The Arabic Community Drug Education and Prevention Project is a three-year project funded by the Department of Human Service and administered by the Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS). Project commenced in July 2001 and is expected to finish by end of 2003. Amal Diab was appointed by VASS as Project Consultant in 2001. Arabic Youth Leadership and Public Speaking Courses http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=38 In September 2006, VASS held a Public Speaking and Leadership course at NMIT Preston. The course involved 17 Arabic youth graduating from a eight day course. The first week involved topics such as team building, communication, leadership and conflict resolution with guestspeakers from MFB, Victoria Police, 3Al Hawa youth radio and Duke of Edinburgh.Target GroupArabic Youth.Location of Target GroupNorthern region of Melbourne . Turkish Neighborhood Watch Program http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=37 VASS, the Turkish Elderly Citizens Group and the Broadmeadows Police identified a need in the geographical and ethnic community for a neighborhood watch program. The first meeting was held in June with over 60 community members presents, as well as representatives from the police, VASS and the local MP’s (Maria Vamvakinou) office.Target GroupThe Turkish community- all ages.Location of Target GroupBroadmeadows . Refugee Support Program http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=36 VASS has run a support program for TPV refugees since October 2002. To date the program has assisted over 90 women, over 70 men ands over 40 children. A women’s only groups runs every Thursday as part of this project. This group provides information and support, help with settlement needs and improves their knowledge of the local servicesTarget GroupTemporary Protection Visa (TPV) Refugees.Location of Target GroupMoreland, Hume, Darebin, Whittlesea . Rituals of a Diverse Community http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=35 Rituals that link yesterday, today and tomorrow was the theme of the Immigration Museum’s display of VASS’s project depicting the rituals of a diverse community. Thousands of visitors saw the displays of photographs and text panels showcasing Arabic Australian rituals.Target GroupAll community members: Arabic and non-Arabic.Location of Target GroupStatewide . Refugee Women’s Silk Quilt http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=34 More than 1000 refugees on temporary protection visas live in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. Over half live in Darebin. Since 2000, The Victorian Arabic Social Services has been funded by local governments of Moreland, Hume and Darebin to employ a part time support worker to provide on-arrival settlement support and services to TPV refugees Girl’s Self-Esteem Program http://vass.org.au/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=33 In conjunction with Roxburgh College, the Girl’s Self-Esteem group commenced on 17th July 2006 and runs on a weekly basis. The group gives girls from Year 8 an opportunity to voice their concerns, talk about things that are of interest and importance to them in a safe and trusting environment. It is also a group where the girl’s can learn more about services in the wider community