In The Chair: President Carmel
Members: 14
Guests: Lisa Harrison, Carol Chiswell
********************************
Lisa Harrison – Leeton Jumpstart
Lisa was an exchange student from this club to Alabama in 1996. She has a career in the health profession chiefly as a sonographer. She has been employed as the office person for JumpStart (12 hours per week). She thanked the Cub for their support through the charity golf day.
In 2002, a local lad’s battle with cancer brought the community together in a remarkable way. Residents rallied to support him and his family, realising the immense power of collective action. Shortly after another family came forward asking for support. These initial efforts led to the formal establishment of Leeton JumpStart Fund in early 2003, aimed at helping all residents facing hardship.
The Committee were formed to help locals in the community by raising funds and providing anonymous support to those in need. Fund raising became an important need for JumpStart and this included major projects like ‘Pizza Pasta and Plonk nights’, growing a barley crop and restoring a Mini. Fund raising culminated in ‘The House that JumpStart Built – 2010-2012’. This was an amazing community project but, unfortunately it led to ‘volunteer fatigue’ and the Committee went in a recess shortly after.
JumpStart was reformed with a new Committee in 2021.
Over the years, they have raised over $750,000 and assisted more than 750 families, embodying the essence of community support and resilience.
The Vision
To create a strong and supportive Leeton Shire community where everyone facing hardship finds help and connection.
The Mission
To provide practical and immediate financial assistance to Leeton Shire residents, ensuring no one faces adversity alone.
The Values
The heart of Leeton Jumpstart Fund
Compassion
Collaboration
Inclusion
Impact
Wellbeing
Integrity
Local residents in need can contact the (24/7) Helpline and leave a message or complete a form on the website. One of the Assessment team will get in touch with them within 24 hours to arrange a suitable time to discuss their needs. Once the Assessment has been done, the Assessment Committee will make a decision based on the individual needs of the client. The cases are treated with confidentiality and urgency to ensure the best possible outcomes. If JumpStart cannot help, they can refer to other organisations.
The Assessment Committee is anonymous and compassionate. The JumpStart Committee is focussed not so much on fund raising as on making real, tangible differences in people’s lives.
For more information and contacts:
0436462870
After some vigorous discussion, Lisa was thanked on behalf of the club by Bill.
