As we move towards the end of 2021, I have had the time to reflect on what has been one of the busiest years for the organisation. To say 2021 has been our most challenging year to date would be somewhat of an understatement. Staff across both companies were forced to be innovative regarding how we continue to service the Aboriginal Community because using the pandemic as an excuse to not provide services to those most vulnerable, simply wasn’t an option.
And service the community we did…
Every fortnight we delivered more than 150 food relief hampers to those most in need.
Every fortnight staff provided a lending ear to those experiencing the impact of social isolation.
We supported regional communities to access vital health and food supplies when COVID hit the hardest.
Our Family Preservation team worked around the clock to support families at risk of escalating through the child protection system. Their hard work paid off with all families engaged in the program coming out of the lockdown period more resilient than ever.
Our Community Programs and Early Intervention Teams embraced virtual programming and offered services around the clock to provide structured routine to households in limbo.
We revamped our vacation care program to ensure households across Australia had access to activities that promote family time and increased cultural connection.
We supported several Aboriginal entrepreneurs to establish their businesses as we recognise real culture change comes from collaboration and building one another up so that Aboriginal people have access to a strong service system of support.
Working alongside Troy Dargan, Cultural Unit Manager extraordinaire, we created a series of cultural awareness and immersion programs to support our partners on their journey to a more reconciled Australia.
And most excitingly, we launched KAP. KARI Aboriginal procurement – An Aboriginal procurement arm of the KARI Foundation whereby Aboriginal people are creating prosperity for Aboriginal people.
I would like to take the time to thank our community, corporate partners, and especially our staff who have helped both KARI Limited and KARI Foundation once again achieve outstanding results.
On behalf of the KARI Board and myself, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to working alongside you during 2022.
Regards,
Casey Ralph
KARI CEO