Jacob’s House gets a facelift
Jewish Care Victoria has successfully secured a grant of $12,642 from the Marian & EH Flack Trust to redevelop the external areas of the Jacob’s House, a shared supported accommodation for adults living with a disability, based in Carnegie.
The Flack Trust makes grants to a variety of charitable institutions and diverse causes that seek to benefit and improve a broad range of philanthropic causes throughout Australia, including services for those living with a disability.
“The improvements will provide an enhanced quality of life for our residents who have profound developmental and intellectual disabilities from birth. Behaviours such as aggression, depression and agitation can often result from feelings of frustration, disempowerment or overstimulation. Specifically, we are re-developing the existing outdoor space by establishing a sustainable greenhouse, fernery and shade sail”, says Marilyn Kraner, Acting General Manager, Community Services at Jewish Care.
Access to garden areas and outdoor activities are a proven therapy for individuals displaying these tendencies. The sensory stimuli provided by greenery, sunlight, birdsong and breeze assist with calming and de-escalation. In addition, gardening activities encourage a sense of accomplishment and wellbeing, generating a sense of personal fulfilment as the user experiences the capacity to contribute and shape his or her world.
Work will commence in December 2014, with residents counting down the days until they can enjoy the sunshine in their new outdoor space.
