Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery is the proud recipient of a 2008 Victorian Children Communities’ Award, in the Drug and Alcohol Services Category. The Award acknowledged Windana’s SAFE at Home Program with a special note of the hard work of Program leader Karen Efron being made. The Awards are presented by the Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Foundation and the Victorian Government. The award was accepted by Amanda Kelly (Windana’s Business Manager) at the Communities in Control Conference.
SAFE at Home is an important program for the Victorian Community. It provides support for families who have a parent or care-giver affected by harmful drug and or alcohol use. It opens the door for the extended family, particularly the children, to receive support, develop a sense of connectedness and move together as a family with improved quality of life.
Carol Nikakis, CEO of Windana, said
‘We are thankful to the Jack and Robert Smorgon Families Foundation and the Victorian Government for this acknowledgement. We are proud of the work Karen and her staff undertake and are looking forward to continuing this significant work with children and families in the future.’
SAFE at Home assists children by encouraging parents to openly discuss their strengths and concerns in regards to parenting. Information and peer support are key components. The program focuses on the children’s wellbeing and actively promotes their resilience. Children involved in the program are supported in key areas such as education, physical, emotional and behavioural development, health connectedness and minimising risk-taking behaviour.
To assist Windana in managing this program, a partnership was formed with Berry Street Victoria. Berry Street’s specialist staff have provided necessary expertise and guidance for Windana’s families and staff
In any one month there are over 25 families, with a minimum of 50 children, who access the SAFE at Home program and all parents are encouraged to participate in the variety of parenting groups on offer, allowing them the opportunity to explore their identity as a parent and develop skills and knowledge to enhance their family
