Not for profit group The Coffee Table is one of twenty organisations to receive a $1500 grant through the Manor Lakes Community Fund, an initiative of the Dennis Family Corporation.
The Coffee Table’s Sally Vuli Napolioni said the organisation supports women in the Manor Lakes community struggling through hardship, loneliness, trauma and abuse by coming organising weekly meetings, and says they will use the funds to continue helping and upskilling members who use the service.
“We started last year with seven members, and we now have 63 ladies who connect each Thursday at the Community Centre, learning sewing, cooking, art, card making and barista skills, as well as accessing additional support and funding if needed via Community Connect”, she said.
“Recently the group were asked to run the community kitchen, where we provide free breakfast to those in need, and also meals at reduced rates. We will use the funds to purchase a fridge for this purpose, as well as ongoing training, and to welcome new members via an end of year celebration.”
Dennis Family Corporation chief executive Peter Levinge said the intention of the initiative is to support and give back to the community.
“We take enormous pride in the communities we create and recognise the important role community groups play in connecting people and fostering a sense of belonging,” he said.
To date, the Manor Lakes Community Funds has distributed more than $410,000 to eligible groups since it was established in 2003.
