The Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) has announced changes to its client services and operations as it refocuses on future priorities identified by the community.
MASP recently published a new strategic plan, setting out how it will better service communities across the Mallee region.
“As an organisation, we’ve put a huge amount of work into planning how we can better serve our communities into the future,” Chief Executive Officer Vincent Wilson said.
“Our strategic plan – based on our CARES values of being Connected, Accountable, Responsive, Empowering and Safe – commits us to working towards a community free from homelessness, abuse, poverty and disadvantage,” he said.
“To make this happen, we need to focus on programs where we can deliver excellent service and tackle these issues head-on.
“We’ve listened to the community and our planning for future services responds to the needs they have identified.”
The restructure of its operations means MASP will wind down a small number of long-running programs and services, including NDIS support coordination and personal support programs, along with Just Redgum and MASP’s Community Centre.
“They are difficult decisions and they have not been taken lightly but are made with the best interests of participants and their families as the priority,” Mr Wilson said.
“Our teams will work with clients to transition them to other local NDIS providers who are providing specialist services to people with disabilities. We think the change will provide participants with more opportunities to thrive and grow,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege to work with so many people and families over the years, and to see the development and joy these programs have provided to both our clients and our organisation.
“Some of the staff who have delivered dedicated and much-loved services, will also be affected by these changes. We are working with them to identify opportunities to transition to new employers or to redeploy within MASP.
“We appreciate this will be tough news for many people, and other support services will be made available as everyone involved works through this transition.”
The MASP Strategic Plan 2022-25 process received strong community feedback and direction regarding the areas of greatest need for MASP to focus on over the coming years:
- Homelessness
- Social housing
- Family violence
- Youth services
Mr Wilson said the organisational priorities are in areas of high need for Mallee communities.
“Priorities such as expanding our very successful youth mentoring program and establishing the program in Swan Hill are a clear shift in the direction the community identified for us,” Mr Wilson said.
“As another key action, we are also working on new ways to recruit more foster carers and support them in the vital role they play for kids and families in our community,” he said.
“At a very practical level, work is due to start soon on several new social housing projects and work continues on the 13-unit Sunnyside development, which all aim to increase accommodation options for vulnerable people at risk of homelessness.
“Our goal is on strengthening the influence we are having and the role we are playing in the community by helping people build more stable lives that reduce the impact of homelessness, abuse, poverty and disadvantage.”
