UnitingCare Kippax is an Australian nonprofit community organisation based in West Belconnen, Canberra. Established to provide comprehensive support and assistance, it serves individuals and families facing significant life challenges, including poverty, housing stress, and social disadvantage. As part of the nationwide UnitingCare network, UnitingCare Kippax aims to foster a healthy, connected, and resilient local community through holistic and integrated care[1][2][3].

Mission and Vision

UnitingCare Kippax’s mission revolves around caring for the whole person by addressing physical, social, and emotional needs. The organisation strives to empower people through education, employment opportunities, and various support programs, helping break cycles of poverty. Its vision is to build an equitable community endowed with strong human, social, economic, spiritual, and cultural capital, supported by robust social platforms. This reflects a commitment to collaborative effort with individuals, other agencies, and community sectors to achieve lasting social change[3][2].

Services and Programs

UnitingCare Kippax offers a wide array of wraparound services aimed at providing practical assistance and emotional support to those in need. Key support areas include:

• Food assistance and emergency hampers
• Help with utility and other essential bills
• Training and education opportunities through programs like SPARK
• Employment pathways, notably through initiatives such as The Mower Shed which has employed numerous people since 2016
• Child and family-focused programs designed to strengthen families and ensure children have the best start in life
• Advocacy and social connection opportunities to foster inclusion and community engagement

The organisation also auspices "A Village for Every Child," an initiative fostering cross-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for children in the Belconnen region[1][3].

Community Impact

UnitingCare Kippax plays a critical role in addressing social issues prevalent in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where over 38,000 people live in poverty, including 8,000 children. Food insecurity, housing affordability, and social disadvantage affect thousands in the region. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for emergency material and financial aid provided by UnitingCare Kippax has increased by 117%, underscoring the ongoing and growing need for its services[3].

The organisation is supported by a team of dedicated staff and approximately 130 volunteers annually, reflecting strong community involvement. Since its inception, it has distributed thousands of food hampers and facilitated training and employment opportunities, demonstrating tangible outcomes in community support and empowerment[1][3].

Affiliations

UnitingCare Kippax operates in close cooperation with the Kippax Uniting Church and is part of the broader Australia-wide UnitingCare network, which includes over 400 agencies delivering diverse and high-quality community services nationally. This network synergy enhances the organisation’s ability to provide integrated and holistic care to its clients[2].

In summary, UnitingCare Kippax is a vital community-based nonprofit organisation focused on delivering holistic support to vulnerable populations in West Belconnen and the wider ACT. Through its diverse programs, partnerships, and commitment to empowerment, it contributes significantly to building stronger, healthier communities.

[1] https://kippax.org.au [2] https://unitingcarekippax.uca.org.au [3] https://kippax.org.au/about/ [4] https://kippax.uca.org.au/about-kippax/community-services/ [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/89c13ff0-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182