Continuing on with our Spreading the Good Stuff community series, which features local initiatives and volunteers improving the lives of many, this week we are shining a light on Murray Human Services – a not-for-profit organisation providing support to adults living with disability in our region.
Murray Human Services (MHS) was established back in 1963 and is passionate in its mission to partner with adults living with disability to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Operating services here in Echuca Moama, and further afield at Swan Hill, Kerang, Kyabram, Cohuna and Rochester, the MHS team supports 200 adults in a range of programs aimed at building capacity to achieve positive outcomes.
Social and community participation, health and wellbeing and lifelong learning underpin the organisation, which aims to enhance the lives of those involved, offering greater choice and independence.
MHS is well known for its robust and well-recognised social enterprise Task Force, which offers employment opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful work, where they receive a wage and ongoing support. The Task Force holistic approach includes family support, liaising with government bodies and incorporates both social and community skills and inclusion. The program employs 85 supported employees across sites at Echuca, Swan Hill and Kerang.
Community support is key at MHS and a strong band of volunteers, including the newly established and enthusiastic women at FUNRaising Committee, work hard year round to raise much-needed funds via regular events and activities.
In mid June MHS and Task Force Echuca were lucky to receive a boost from the generous team at Airbiz – an international aviation consultancy.
As part of its yearly conference Airbiz contributes to a community project and MHS was chosen as recipients for this year – quite incredible for a humble organisation based in regional Victoria.
Airbiz donated both time and the materials to transform a MHS site and within just a few hours the crew of 39 people had the job done with additional support from locals including Macca’s Painting.
MHS explained the day with Airbiz, and ongoing support from its volunteer base, are great examples of community partnerships and what can be achieved when people work together for the benefit of many.
Murray Human Services… #spreading the good stuff.
Christy xo
TSW
