2013

Understanding background circumstances of emergency relief clients at TurningPoint Support Centre.

Karen Davis Research 2 9/11/2013

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Understanding background circumstances of emergency relief clients at TurningPoint Support Centre

Executive summary
The aim of this report is to gain an understanding of the background circumstances of the clients of TurningPoint Support Centre, an emergency relief agency in Cranbourne, Victoria. The Literature review will discuss current research and various definitions of poverty and the resources available to those in poverty. It examines the existing research on poverty and identifies that there is little research on the experience of poverty in the Cranbourne area. The review discusses the many definitions of poverty and finds that the words Poverty and Hardship are interchangeable. The effects of poverty are discussed as are the various resources needed to leave poverty. The Methodology of the research will discuss how the research was performed and the data was analyzed. The methodology assumes that many clients come from a background of generational poverty and that those who are not from generational poverty have suffered circumstances beyond their control. This research aims to gather the voices of the participants to illustrate the results. A series of open-ended questions were formulated and asked of clients at four different interviews and focused on past experience, present experience, future hopes and lifestyle values. The interview conversations were transcribed and emerging themes based on participants responses identified. The Research Findings will examine the results of the investigation and make recommendations on how the practice at TurningPoint Support Centre can be improved. It discusses the experiences of the clients with the findings presented under the themes of Past, Present, Future, Values and Resources. Surprisingly the findings concluded that the clients interviewed were from situational poverty (rather than generational poverty) adhering mostly to the social norms and values of middle class. Recommendations are made both by the interviewees and the researcher, and varied in range from adding pet food to the food parcels and rearranging the chairs in the waiting room, to building a purpose-built amenity complete with paid co-ordinator and community bus. Most recommendations however, cannot be implemented without an increase of funding to TurningPoint Support Centre for the strengthening of resources of individual clients, the building of their capacity to be resilient members of the community, which in turn leads to a stronger and wealthier community of Cranbourne!

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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the staff and clients at TurningPoint Support Centre for their patience and encouragement throughout my placement but particularly in relationship to the weeks when the interviews were happening. A particular thank you goes to those clients I interviewed, thanks for sharing your lives with me.

Glossary of Terms
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service ER Emergency Relief ESIS Economic and Social Impact Survey NSA New Start Allowance YA Youth Allowance

Authors note
Mrs Karen Davis has a Diploma in Community Development and a Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) and has many years experience working with the community at grass roots level.

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Table of Contents
Executive summary.................................................................................................................... 3 Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... 4 Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................................................... 4 Authors note .............................................................................................................................. 4 Introduction Background .......................................................................................................... 7 Literature Review.......................................................................................................................8 About Cranbourne and Casey ................................................................................................8 State-wide and Nationally ...................................................................................................... 9 Definitions of Poverty .......................................................................................................... 10 Absolute or Abstract Poverty ............................................................................................ 10 Relative Poverty ................................................................................................................ 10 Generational Poverty ......................................................................................................... 11 Situational Poverty ............................................................................................................ 11 The Poverty Line ............................................................................................................... 12 The Working Poor and Social Poverty.............................................................................. 12 Effects of Poverty ................................................................................................................. 13 Resources ............................................................................................................................. 15 Financial resources ........................................................................................................... 15 Other resources ................................................................................................................ 15 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 17 Data Collection ..................................................................................................................... 17 Timeline ............................................................................................................................... 18 Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 19 Research Findings....................................................................................................................20 Past .......................................................................................................................................20 Types of Payment .............................................................................................................20 Length of Payment............................................................................................................20 Circumstances ..................................................................................................................20 Feelings ............................................................................................................................. 21 Present.................................................................................................................................. 22 Circumstances .................................................................................................................. 22 Feelings ............................................................................................................................. 23 What clients said about the food parcels .......................................................................... 23

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Future ................................................................................................................................... 23 Circumstances .................................................................................................................. 24 Feelings ............................................................................................................................. 24 Changes to get ahead ........................................................................................................ 24 Values ................................................................................................................................... 25 Education.......................................................................................................................... 25 Entertainment .................................................................................................................. 26 Instant Rewards ............................................................................................................... 26 Spending/Saving .............................................................................................................. 26 Food Quality ..................................................................................................................... 27 Notions of Family ............................................................................................................. 27 How families were described ............................................................................................ 29 Other Values .....................................................................................................................30 Orderly or Chaotic ............................................................................................................30 Resources ............................................................................................................................. 31 What clients said about the staff at TurningPoint Support Centre ..................................... 32 What clients said about TurningPoint Support Centre ER parcels ..................................... 34 A hand up, not a hand out .................................................................................................... 34 Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 35 From the horses mouth! ...................................................................................................... 35 Community development ..................................................................................................... 37 Prevention and Early intervention .......................................................................................38 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 40 Appendix 1 Consent Letter ................................................................................................... 42 Bibliography Cited ................................................................................................................ 44 Bibliography Referenced ...................................................................................................... 46

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Introduction Background
TurningPoint Support Centre is an emergency relief organization in Cranbourne which supports a low socio-economic area. The Support Centre is a member of the Casey Emergency Relief Network and is currently open one day per week, seeing approximately 50 clients a fortnight. Clients receive 26 food parcels, a minimum of 2 weeks apart. Some come regularly every fortnight. Others stretch it out, coming when they feel the need. Clients do not simply wake up one morning and say think Ill go and get a food parcel today. Past events and circumstances have led them to have this need. There are two types of poverty generational and situational. This research will discuss the different types of poverty and explore the circumstances and events that have led clients to presenting for emergency relief at TurningPoint Support Centre. While there is extensive research on poverty at state, national and international levels, there is no solid research on poverty in Cranbourne. The aim of this research is to identify strategies for staff so that they may more effectively work with clients and offer preventative and early intervention options to the wider community which may divert people away from the need for emergency relief. The research will also discuss the areas of empowerment that may be available to clients. The motto for TurningPoint Support Centre is a hand up, not a hand out. Clients were asked what a hand up looks like for them. Participants in the research group were clients who share the postcode 3977. This postcode covers numerous suburbs and towns, and while it was preferred that participants come from central Cranbourne, the selection range was small and as a result needed to be expanded to include other neighbouring areas. Being a small selection range, all clients of the Centre were eligible for selection as participants. As many clients as possible were met in the waiting room and offered an information letter which included an invitation to participate. If they were interested, an appointment time for them was made. A staff member called them the day before to remind them of their appointment time. The Voices of the Participants will be heard

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Literature Review
The following is a discussion on the literature that has been written about Poverty in Cranbourne and Casey, as well as about Victoria and Australia. Poverty will be defined, the effects of poverty on people examined and other resources available to people of low socioeconomic status discussed.

About Cranbourne and Casey

Cranbourne, a suburb within the City of Casey and is located 43 km south-east of Melbournes CBD. Cranbourne is a low socio-economic area with a high proportion of single parent families. On Monday 14 April 2008, the Cranbourne Journal reported that Cranbourne has rated as one of Greater Melbournes most socio -economically disadvantaged suburbs in figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Cranbourne was eighth in the top 10 most disadvantaged suburbs when taking into account factors such as income, education, unemployment and car ownership (Bell, 2008). It is here that TurningPoint Support Centre is located. The researcher found that although there is much current research on Poverty both nationally and internationally, and some research within the state of Victoria, although this can be over ten years old. However, there was no research specifically on the suburb of Cranbourne besides statistics from the 2011 census from the Bureau of Statistics. Hansen acknowledges that The amenity enjoyed by a resident of an established suburb like Hawthorn, six kilometres east of the CBD, or Clayton, some 19 kilometres southeast of the CBD, is quite different from that of a Melburnian putting up stumps in areas like Cranbourne, 43 kilometres to the south-east (Hansen, 2012, p. 1). The Inquiry on Growing the Suburbs: Infrastructure and Business Development in Outer Suburban Melbourne, which includes the City of Casey, found that this municipality has relatively high levels of social economic disadvantage, low educational outcomes, poorer health outcomes, relatively high unemployment levels, significant deficits in local employment opportunities, low provision of higher order services including arts and culture services, and a heavy reliance on private vehicles-based travel (Hansen, 2012, pp. 4-5). Furthermore, average wages in these council areas (including Casey) are 12 per cent lower than other metropolitan areas with only 11 per cent of residents holding a bachelor degree or high education qualification compared to 24 per cent in inner Melbourne. . Only 1.5 percent of residents use public transport for their daily commute as opposed to 12.1 percent in metropolitan areas (Hansen, 2012, p. 5)

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Hansen describes knock on effects an increasing geographical divide in the mode of travel to school, to work, to local sh0ps and community facilities (which) extends to educational options, ranging from child care and pre-school to primary, secondary and tertiary education (Hansen, 2012, p. 2). She also found that jobs were not available within a reasonable travel distance from homes disrupt(ing) work and life balance. There is less time to spend with children, family and friends (Hansen, 2012, p. 2). Within the Melbourne metropolitan area there is division between where jobs are located and where many people on the lower economic rungs can (sometimes barely) afford to live. The inevitability of rising petrol prices and the rising cost of living in comparison to salaries for paid work are all factors that have a knock-on effect on our social connectedness and economic future (Hansen, 2012, p. 2) St Vincent de Pauls 2005-2006 Annual report found that in their Southern Central
I dont tell my friends that you know I cant afford fuel thats why Im not going to parties, because I cant pay for the fuel. I mean, it costs over $100 to put fuel in the car. I cant go, I get invited out all the time and I cant afford to go. Cant go to shows or anything. Female 5

Council, which covers the Cranbourne area, the clientele of their ER services were increasingly from the working poor. The working poor are those who are on low incomes and in private rental accommodation. Increases in rents and petrol prices make it very hard for these people to make ends meet, thus they turn to Vinnies for support (St Vincent de Paul Society, 2006, p. 14).

State-wide and Nationally

Looking further a field for research on Victoria and more broadly on Australia, we find that Across Australia, around 13.8 per cent of households live in poverty1 (Phillips & Nepal, 2012, p. 19). This means that 2569 people in Cranbourne are living in poverty. In 2010, 12.8% of all people lived in households below the most austere poverty line (Australian Council Of Social Services, 2012, p. 9). This translates to 2383 people in Cranbourne (not to mention Cranbourne West, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne East and Cranbourne North. Even across the Pacific in the USA, it has been documented that The structures that created the middle class well-paying jobs, the 40-hour workweek, assistance with college
Youve got to save up for a couple of months even to achieve a $50 item. Female 1

loans and home mortgages, and employer-provided health care and pensions are falling away (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 5) and the same can be said about Australia.

According to disposable income after tax, Medicare and housing costs

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Definitions of Poverty
There are many different definitions of Poverty. In fact, the terms Poverty and Hardship are interchangeable. When Australians themselves (Department of Social Services clients) were asked to define poverty, 41.9% replied said Not having enough to buy basics like food, housing and clothing (Saunders, 2004, p. 7). Others may define Poverty as being unemployed or on government benefits such as New Start Allowance or Youth Allowance. Phillips and Nepal found the average duration on some form of income support (NSA and YA) was 2.6 years. Around one in four remain continuously on income support for more than two years (Phillips & Nepal, 2012, p. 9). While the Australian Council of Social Services defines Poverty as the pronounced deprivation of well-being, or the inability to satisfy ones basic needs (Australian Council Of Social Services, 2012, p. 4). However, what we generally experience in Australia is termed Relative Poverty which is different to Abstract Poverty. Looking at the length of time, or even reasons for poverty we need to explore Situational Poverty and Generational Poverty, and the differing mind-sets people in these types of poverty possess. Then we will investigate an emerging type of poverty, Social Poverty and discuss the Poverty Line. Absolute or Abstract Poverty The terms Absolute and Abstract are interchangeable and is what we think of when we imagine the destitute plight of third world countries. St Vincent de Paul Society clearly differentiates between Abstract Poverty and Relative Poverty. Abstract Poverty is lacking sufficient resources to meet basic needs such as food and shelter while Relative Poverty is lacking the resources required to have a standard of living that is regarde d as acceptable by society generally (St Vincent de Paul Society, 2013). Abstract Poverty in Australia is pretty rare and exists when a family or an individual has barely sufficient money coming in to maintain a decent standard of life (Tsumori, 2002, p. 2). Relative Poverty Relative Poverty refers to a situation where a familys or an individuals standard of living is low as compared with that of other families or individuals living in the same society (Tsumori, 2002, p. 2) or, as stated above, lacking necessary resources to have a standard of living that is regarded as acceptable by society generally (St Vincent de Paul Society, 2013).
Even though we are doing it rough, we do realize that there are people doing it even rougher again. Female 1 I dont buy clothes. Female 5

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So what is acceptable by society generally? It seems how we view ourselves is central here. If everyone around you has similar circumstances, the notion of poverty and wealth is vague. Poverty or wealth exists only in relationship to known quantities or expectations (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 6). Are we keeping up with the Jones? Are we enjoying the comforts we perceive others are enjoying as beamed to us every evening on the TV? Subsequently Relative Poverty has more to do with inequality than poverty. Even if we all become a lot better off, those receiving least still get defined, implausibly, as poor (Tsumori, 2002, p. 1). This notion is discussed further on in regards to the Poverty Line. Generational Poverty Generational poverty and situational poverty are different. Generational poverty defines the experience of being in poverty for two generations or longer. Situational poverty is a shorter time and is caused by circumstance (i.e. Death, illness, divorce, etc.) (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 7). Ruby Payne has done extensive research into class distinctions in America and the hidden rules of each class. Generational Poverty has its own culture, hidden rules, and belief systems. One of the key indicators of whether it is generational or situational poverty is the prevailing attitude - . That society owes one a living (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 49). When a child is brought up in poverty, they tend to see this circumstance, culture and beliefs as the norm, and subsequently have no or little aspiration to better themselves as adults. They will generally emulate their parents circumstances of disadvantage, bringing their own children up in poverty. Thus Generational Poverty can also be termed as The Poverty Cycle. The Salvation Army, who provide material aid to those in poverty, see time after time that children growing up in disadvantaged households are more developmentally vulnerable than other Australian children, and that the cycles of socioeconomic disadvantage, neglect and abuse can rob them of the chance to develop the good health, social skills and learning abilities they need to flourish in the contemporary world (The Salvation Army, 2013, p. 6) Situational Poverty Those experiencing Situational Poverty are doing so due to a specific circumstance, for example, loss of a job, death of a loved one, illness or divorce etc. They maintain the belief systems and culture of their original social class, while using all available resources, of which they have many to call on, to rise out of poverty. In situational poverty the attitude is often one of pride and a refusal to accept charity (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 49). Once the situation has been overcome, people hope to return to life as it was before , with their time in poverty as just a memory of a bad time. 11 | P a g e

The Poverty Line Jesus Christ said, You will always have poor people with you (Matthew, chapter 26 , verse 11) and the Poverty Line is the reason why. The Poverty Line is an income level below which everybody is deemed to be poor. How do we measure it draw a line at half of the median (middle) income in the society (Tsumori, 2002, p. 2). The problem that arises here is that no matter how prosperous a society becomes, there will always be people below the line. The line may move, but there will still be people whose income is less than half the median income of that society. Poverty is relative. There will always be poor with us. In any society where incomes are unequally distributed, research using a relative definition of poverty is almost bound to discover people who are poor those with the lowest incomes will nearly always get defined as poor poverty researchers will always be able to find poverty, no matter how affluent the society becomes. (Tsumori, 2002, p. 4) Another problem we have in establishing the Poverty Line is, well, theres no app for it! Am I on it? Am I below it? How do I know? There is no measureable means for the average person to know whether their personal income is actually below the poverty line without extensive research. It has been suggested when trying to establish a poverty line that It is probably better to look at expenditure rather than income data if we want a reliable guide to peoples living standards (Tsumori, 2002, p. 1). People from Generational Poverty have definite views on how money is used, and when asked about their expenditure tend to underestimate the amount they spend on tobacco, alcohol and gambling (Tsumori, 2002, p. 8). The Working Poor and Social Poverty With the rise of the Working Poor a new type of poverty is emerging Social Poverty. Casey South, of which Cranbourne is a part, has a large number of people who are
The consequences of moving means the rent more, you have to have money to adapt to that. Female 1

in fulltime, part-time or casual positions. These people (the working poor) often receive low wages and many rely on overtime payments, to see them through (Petrides, 2003). They are not eligible for health care card entitlements, and therefore pay full price for essential items like medication

and utilities (Petrides, 2003). Material and social poverty go hand in hand: access to adequate housing, education, maintaining health and wellbeing, and inclusion in the wider social community are all aspects of poverty in that they effect material wellbeing and limit a persons life chances (SACOSS , 2011) 12 | P a g e

Social Poverty is the inability to meet social needs. the inability to meet regularly with family or friends, to travel to job interviews, to afford school books and excursions for children, or to complete an education (Ng, 2006). The working poor may be able to just make ends meet, to pay bills, to put food on the table, petrol in the car and clothes on the backs, but they do have much left over for socializing, for having friends over, for eating at restaurants, enjoying outings to the cinema. Tickets
1. The household does not have holiday away from home for at least one week a year because they cant afford it. 2. The household does not have a night out once a fortnight because they cant afford it. 3. The household does not have friends or family over for a meal once a month because they cant afford it. 4. The household does not have a special meal once a week because they cant afford it. 5. The household members buy second hand clothes most of the time because they cant afford it. 6. The household members do not spend time on leisure or hobby activities because they cant afford it.

for theatre shows or other cultural events are out of the question. The ABS Household Expenditure Survey (HES) asks a series of 6 statements to establish Deprivation. The more statements a person agrees with, the more deprived or socially poor they are. Not only do restricted economic situations weaken social connections, but also impacts health and wellbeing, thereby decreasing social links and personal capabilities (The Salvation Army, 2013). The public are not aware of the isolating outcomes poverty has on individuals and families. Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO of ACOSS says The social implications are often overlooked because they arent measured, and if they are, they arent brought to public attention (Australian Council Of Social Services, 2012, p. 4).

Effects of Poverty
The effects of poverty are felt throughout neighbourhoods, local government areas, regions, states and nationally. Poverty effects people on a very personal level: not only financially and socially, but also physically, mentally and emotionally. St Vincent de Paul Society some of the effects of poverty as lack of power, higher mortality rate, solace in substance abuse, poor health and higher incidence of illness due to stress, crowded housing and poor nutrition, mental illness, family breakdown, loss of self-esteem and motivation, (and) hopelessness and antagonism, which breed violence. (St Vincent de Paul Society, 2013) People living in poverty have fewer choices than the rest of society. They have reduced choices with housing, education, health care, food, clothing and other consumer items. Usually they have to settle for the cheapest, often sub-standard and least convenient options in almost everything that they do (Martin & Murphy, 2007, p. 26). They are often 13 | P a g e

overweight or obese, which leads to health issues and subsequent high mortality rates. This is not only to do with poor nutrition but the belief that quantity of food is important. The key question is Did you have enough? (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 44) (rather than Did you like it? Middle class or Was it presented well? Wealth class). Dr Morawetz, director of the Social Justice Fund says poverty is bad for those who are experiencing it: for their sense of self-worth, for their physical well-being, and perhaps most importantly for their children, for our future generations (Australian Council Of Social Services, 2012, p. 4). The flow on effect of poor physical health is poor emotional and mental health. Poor self-worth and self-esteem caused by poverty can lead to compromised social connections and impacts health and wellbeing, thereby decreasing social links and personal capabilities (The Salvation Army, 2013, p. 4). Emotional stress on families can lead to loss of self esteem and social status. These can lead to family conflict and separations; to psychological and physical health problems; to homelessness and to a range of disadvantages for children growing up in these families (Brotherhood of St Laurence, 2003, p. 15). It is a vicious cycle, which can spiral downwards into a pit of hopelessness. Poverty often leads to poor housing, lack of transport, limited educational and work based experiences (The Salvation Army, 2013, p. 28), access to training or child care if needed, all which are significant barriers to finding and holding employment, the very thing which would help families improve their economic situation. employment insecurity affects (peoples) ability to plan for the future in terms of a career, time for relationships, the possibility of buying a house, or saving for retirement. While individuals bear the brunt of this impact, in the long term governments will carry the costs: increased dependence on the social security system, greater demand for public housing, loss of tax revenue, and possibly increased crime or family breakdown. (Brotherhood of St Laurence, 2003, p. 13) In the long term, governments will carry the cost of the generations in poverty, while individuals experiencing it are isolated with limited resources and limited connection to others. Poverty robs the rest of us of their contribution (Australian Council Of Social Services, 2012, p. 6).
It put a lot of stress on living and not knowing where, oh is there going to be enough money for food so thats really hard to the extent that you get migraines. Female 1

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Resources
FINANCIAL: Having the money to purchase goods and services. EMOTIONAL: Being able to choose and control emotional responses, particularly to negative situations, without engaging in self-destructive behaviour. This is an internal resource and shows itself through stamina, perseverance, and choices. MENTAL: Having the mental abilities and acquired skills (reading, writing, computing) to deal with daily life. SPIRITUAL: Believing in divine purpose and guidance. PHYSICAL: Having physical health and mobility. SUPPORT SYSTEMS: Having friends, family, and backup resources available to access in times of need. These are external resources. RELATIONSHIPS/ROLE MODELS: Having frequent access to adult(s) who are appropriate, who are nurturing to the child, and how do not engage in selfdestructive behaviour. KNOWLEDGE OF HIDDEN RULES: Knowing the unspoken cues and habits of a group. COPING STRATEGIES: Being able to engage in procedural self-talk and the mindsets that allow issues to be moved from the concrete to the abstract. It is the ability to translate from the personal to the issue.

It is easy to hold the mistaken belief that if people only had enough money they would easily be able to climb out of poverty. However, this is not the case. For the rise out of poverty to be successful, many other resources are necessary. Even when these resources are available to clients, it is always their choice whether they take them up or not. Financial resources Income is only one of many resources available to those living in poverty and can be defined differently. Most people have an understanding of the terms Gross and Net in regards to wages. Disposable income refers to the Net income but can be defined differently. One study regarded disposable income as netting off tax and Medicare paid from total income from all sources (Phillips & Nepal, 2012, p. 12). While another defines it as netting off not only tax and Medicare, but also housing costs, whether that is mortgage or rent. This makes comparisons difficult. Other resources Payne defines the experience of poverty as the extent to which an individual does without resources (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 11). Resources she lists besides financial are emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, support systems, relationships/role models, knowledge or hidden rules, and coping strategies (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 11). Emotional resources are possibly the most important of all resources. They allow people to be persistent and not give up. Mental and physical resources allow a person to be self-sufficient. Spiritual resources give a 15 | P a g e
Yeah, its been a God send having the food parcels. Its been huge, massive. So its rekindled my faith in God. So I came here for a food parcel and had my life changed. Female 3

person a purpose for living, help develop self-worth and value, along with a sense of hope and capability. Support systems and role models are important as it is from them that a person learns how to live life emotionally (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 13). Knowledge of hidden rules is a crucial resource. Without it, an individual will have terrible trouble being acceptable by the middle class. Coping strategies are mindsets, approaches and techniques that allow issues to be moved from the concrete to the abstract (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 13), which allows the person to focus on the issue rather than making the issue personal.

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Methodology
This research will explore the assumption that many clients come from a background of generational poverty and that those who arent, have suffered circumstances which were beyond their control. This research aims to gather the voices of the participants to illustrate the results. Research results will be disseminated to the staff at TurningPoint Support Centre and will be discussed and used by them as a guide to identify self-help courses/programmes/groups to run, as a guide on how to improve their service to clients, and will also provide key areas to address support for funding applications. This research will use the Social Action Research method of surveying and will be asking open ended questions to collect qualitative data. Action research is a flexible spiral process which allows action (change, improvement) and research (understanding, knowledge) to be achieved at the same time. The understanding allows more informed change and at the same time is informed by that change. People affected by the change are usually involved in the action research. This allows the understanding to be widely shared and the change to be pursued with commitment. (Dick, 2004-2012) All social research methods have weakness and the weakness discovered in this research is that there were not enough participants questioned. For the purposes of this research we will be looking at relative poverty and using the terms Generational Poverty and Situational Poverty as defined on page 11. This research received ethics approval through Chisholm Frankstons Research Ethics Committee.
I try not to go to these places, but when I have to I will. Its mainly cos I run out of money basically. I go to the other joints but you can only go to them so many times which makes it a bit of a problem. Male 3

Data Collection
A series of open-ended questions were formulated and asked of clients at four different interviews. Interviews were planned to co-incide with clients fortnightly visits to the Support Centre so as not to add to the clients petrol bill by getting them to make a special trip especially for the interview. While it was hoped that there would be a focus group of 7-8 participants at each interview, in reality a total of only nine people were indeed interviewed, five women and four men. Demographics questions were asked before hand to determine the eligibility of participants. All were from postcode 3977, however two of them were not from Cranbourne (central) but from surrounding neighbourhoods. Six people were within the age range 40-49 years, while there was one represented from the 20-29, 30-39

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and 60-69 age ranges. The interviews were conducted face to face during September and October 2013 and participation was entirely voluntary. It was anticipated that interviews would be 30 minutes long; however, they varied in length from 20 to 90 minutes. Participants have been identified as male or female so their perspective can be noted. The questions focused on past experience, present experience, future hopes and lifestyle values. Emerging themes based on participants responses will be identified. The questions were as follows: What circumstances and/or events have led you to come here for support? How long ago did these circumstances and/or events take place? How did you feel during that time? How do you feel now you are receiving support? How do you see your future? What kind of support would still be of value that is not being offered? How long have you been a health care card recipient? Type of Health care card? Single parent, Disability etc.? What circumstances lead you to be issued with a health care card? What are your notions about family? Immediate/extended Describe your household in terms of orderly to chaotic. What are your values around education, entertainment, instant reward vs long term reward, spending and saving, food quantity vs quality.? What would need to happen or change for you to get ahead? TurningPoint offer many self-help courses/programmes/groups around topics of budgeting, parenting, boundaries, marriage enrichment, would you be interested in attending? What would need to happen for you to attend a self-help course? The motto for TurningPoint Support Centre is a hand up, not a hand out, wha t does a hand up look like to you? Do you have any further comments or questions? Would you be interested in a copy of the results of the research?

Timeline
The interviews took place over a four week period in September and October 2013. Participants were recruited from current clients who are receiving emergency support. No Chisholm teachers or students (besides myself) were involved. A letter of invitation was issued in person to all participants. Those willing to participate were then contacted to remind them of the interview time. Interview times were arranged to co-incide with clients

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parcel pickups. Each interview was to last 30 minutes; however, it seemed that the more participants in the interview the longer it went. Time Line June/July Literature review July Ethical clearance August clients approached with invitation and information letters August develop interview schedule September/October interviews take place October - interviews transcribed October research takes place November final report available

Analysis
Four separate interviews took place during September and October 2013. Each of the four interviews were transcribed and then merged together under the headings of the fifteen questions. The master transcription was then colour coded to highlight the themes of Past, Present and Future, along with Values, Recommendations and Resources. The Voices of the clients were also captured in the colour coding. From there each theme was analysed to assess the Research Findings and Recommendations.
so yeah its difficult. Its not the life for a family really so, trying to change careers but that doesnt work so. Female 4

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Research Findings
Past
The past experiences of the nine people interviewed varied widely, although within these 9 there were two sets of couples whose experiences were somewhat shared. Types of Payment Two of the women were on the Parenting Payment and had been since they had had children. Four people were on Disability Support Pensions and one had been for the past 10 years but had recently been changed to Aged Pension since turning 65 earlier this year. One person was on Carer Payment and one person had been on it for 10 years but for the past two years had chosen not be on any allowance even though she was eligible for New Start Allowance. And although not interviewed the husband of one of the women was also currently on New Start Allowance. Length of Payment One person (originally from New Zealand) had been on the Disability Support Pension since childhood (now in the 40-49 age range) although she had only been on the Australian Disability Support Pension for 7 years. A woman had been on the low income Parenting Payment on and off for the past 20 years (also in the 40-49 age range). Two people had been on a Payment (Carers and Disability Support retrospectively) for 10 years but their circumstances had changed so that neither was currently on that Payment. One was not on any payment since she stopped being a carer two years ago and the other had changed to Aged Pension upon retirement age. Another had been on Disability Support Pension for 6
Interviewer: How do you see your future? Male 3: I dont, just day to day.

years and had no hope of this changing in the future. Another had been on Disability Support Pension for 4-5 years but was very hopeful of coming off it in the near future. One woman had been on Parenting Payment for two years while her

husband (not interviewed) had been on New Start for 5 months since losing his job. Another woman had been on Disability Support Pension for two years and a man on Carers Pension for 2 years. Circumstances Most, if not all of those interviewed appeared to be from Situational Poverty rather than Generational Poverty. The situation or circumstance which led each one into poverty was as individual as the participants themselves. Male 1 had been a middle class investor when things went horribly wrong he described it as one big theft which not only robbed him of his wealth but his health as well. Once suicidal, he now suffers from depression. His 20 | P a g e

partner, Female 1, had been through a divorce and now the couple had a young son. As a family they were homeless for two years. While Female 2 had been on a Disability Support Pension since she was a young child, her husband, Male 2 had been on a Carers Pension since resigning from his job to care for her after she had surgery

Female 1: we were homeless there for about two years. Male 1: we still on the list for emergency housing with the department of Housing

two years ago. Male 3 began suffering from mental health issues (depression and anxiety) 10
Yeah, my $6000 TV didnt make it through the time we spent in the tent we were living in a tent. We were living in a tent for almost a year. Male 1

years ago, but wasnt put on the Disability Support Pension for three years. He also suffered from significant loss of trust and loss of friends. Unable to work, he soon ran out of money. Female 3 suffered depression and was placed on a Disability Support Pension 2 years ago after she suffered a miscarriage at the same time as moving with her husband to Cranbourne. She lost the support of her family and friends at a time when she was very vulnerable. Female 4 has a toddler and a baby and as a result has

been on Parenting Payment since the birth of her eldest child, 2 years ago. Her husband (not interviewed) had become unemployed 5 months ago and been placed on New Start Allowance. He had actually retrained from being a chef to being a forklift driver in the
Id have to go to Centrelink. Its funny, I feel much more comfortable coming here (TPSC) than to them. Female 5

hope of finding employment but still had not been successful. Female 5 had given up full time work about 12 years ago now to care for my father who had Alzheimers. And so I went onto a carers pension for about 10 years until he passed away 2 years ago. And I

wasnt ready to go back into work at that point. Id been literally house bound where I could only leave the house for about two hours a week if that. As a result, she had been living off her savings for the past two years, even though she was eligible for New Start Allowance. Male 4 had suffered a stroke 10 years ago when he was 55 and was placed on a Disability Support Pension. He recently turned 65 and was changed to the Aged Pension, which is the same amount of money. Feelings Even though the experiences of the participants varied
I wanted to run away. Female 3 I took a whole bunch of pills and decided that I was out of here, and waking up the next morning the worst thing that I thought that morning was great I cant even kill myself properly. Male 1

widely, their feelings about their circumstances were very similar. Suicidal, depressed, anxious, stressed, worried were among the negative
You felt embarrassed to come and get help. Female 1

emotions mentioned by those interviewed.

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Ive got a lot of problems, Anxiety and a lot of stress and phobias and ... its sort of a bit harder trusting people and making new friends. Male 3

I was very transient from 03 onwards, here there everywhere from Phillip Island, Wonthaggi, to Lake Eildon to Lakes Entrance all over the joint. And you cant keep couch surfing all over the joint. Male 3

Hes stressed (unemployed husband), he gets down sometimes because of it, yeah and it does, it just puts a real burden on him. ..., so its really hard makes you feel like crap really. Female 4

I was just too scared to go and ask for help. Female 2

Present
For most of the participants the present was better than the past. While they were still struggling with their circumstances and (for some of them) their disabilities, their situation had improved with the assistance they had received through TurningPoint Support Centre. Circumstances Having received a food support package had improved the lives of all the clients, not only financially, but for some also emotionally. Some could still not afford hobbies, social interests, or pets, while others doted on their pets. Others felt their they were in, or would soon be
In order to put in for a wedding present means taking $20 a fortnight out of something else to cover that. We dont have funds for covering birthdays and weddings and things like that. Female 1 Some days are hard. Some days I feel down on myself because Im not helping. You know, I feel like I should be out there working to, but Then youve got the cost of child care and it doesnt. Female 4

in, a position where they would be able to volunteer at TurningPoint Support Centre in order to give back.

Its been massive changes for me. No, its been

massive, massive changes. Came to volunteer and now Im able to give something back. Thats it really. Female 3

Its finally looking up. As in I think potentially this

might be my last week here on this side of the table, and Ill come back and see if I can come back as a volunteer. Female 5

I try not to use these

things but when you run out of money or whatever. Male 3

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Feelings Some clients were still feeling down on themselves that their situations hadnt improved even more than they already had. Others were proud of their achievement of stepping out and asking for help. Suicidal thoughts were much less frequent.
Theres depressed and then theres suicidal. And I have to be careful with how close I get to that. And as much as Im feeling a lot safer that way now, but I dont want to push it. Male 1 I have a lot of problems dealing with the depression of I failed. Male 1 I still personally feel stressed out every time we have to go and pay the bills even though you can see the moneys there. It still seems to overwhelm me and I think thats more of a me thing than an everyone else thing. Female 2

I feel really proud and good about myself. Female 2

What clients said about the food parcels

It does take a little bit off from what you sort of need to buy when you go shopping, so it just takes that little bit of edge off. Brings your cost down a little bit. So it does help. Female 4 Its a real relief because Id been stressing about seeing all the bills and the lack of the income and all the savings had been dwindling. Female 5

I do like it. Its good. Its good. Its just a small little food its fantastic you know. Male 4

Yeah, its been a God send having the food parcels. Its been huge, massive. So its rekindled my faith in God so I came here for a food parcel and had my life changed. Female 3

Future
Most participants saw their future as better than their past or even their present. Two participants, the retired gentleman and one of those on Disability Support Pension, could not see the future as any better. Our
I dont, just day to day. Male 3 I dont have a future.... Im happy that Im still here. ... my life now is so I can get to see my grand children until theyre 21. Male 4

participants share a similar view of their future as the respondents of the ESIS 2013, In relation to how respondents viewed their future financial situation, 35 per cent reported feeling positive and very positive about the next 12 months. (The Salvation Army, 2013, p. 18)

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Circumstances One couple felt they were in a position where they still had 3 food parcels left, but they were stretching them out. They would save them for the future just in case. Having said that in the interview, it actually gave the other couple the
My future is about to change. Female 5 We plan it to be a lot better. Female 1

idea and in the weeks following the interview, this couple too were less frequent in visiting to collect their parcels. One woman who was not on any Centrelink

benefit, felt her life was about to change as her late fathers estate

was about to release some capital and also she had been offered more regular work. Feelings Many felt there was hope for the future. And many were making plans for the future, goals they would like to achieve.
I plan to go back to work so Ill be back being ... a productive member of ... society. Male 1 It is so much better than it was. Male 1 So our first goal once the weather gets finer is to empty that shed. Female 1

It would be nice if I saw them (sons), maybe one day. Male 2

We hope it to be better. Male 2

Changes to get ahead The most mentioned change of circumstance in order to get ahead, was Work. One woman could only see that the future would be better if her husband found full time work. However, the next mentioned change was around health, either mental or physical. If health could
Well I need to get a job thats consistent. I just keep applying and going for interviews. Female 3 My goal before I came here was to get enough life insurance for when I get to the point where I cant deal with it anymore And I do it again, that (son) will be financially covered and um now thats just Why would you be so silly? Male 1

improve then life in general gentleman would laughed improve. The retired that the only way his

financial position could improve was that if Clive Palmer got elected (which was announced a month after the interview) and increased the Aged Pension! At the same time, he took a tattslotto ticket weekly. A belief in Fate is a tenet of the belief system of Generational Poverty. Choice is seldom considered
Well, you know, ok if one of us gets work. Female 4

(Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 54).

A proper place where I can, a bigger place so I can put a garage and stuff, instead of a bungalow. Male 3

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Values
Ruby Payne purports that the different economic classes have different values around Possessions, Money, Personality, Food, Clothing, Time, Education, Destiny, Humour and Love. She calls these values the Hidden Rules. Hidden rules are the unspoken cues and habits of a group. ... impact(ing) on achievement in schools and success in the workplace. (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 39) The values of the participants were analyzed to determine if the clients of TurningPoint Support Centre are from Generational Poverty or Situational Poverty. Education Most of the clients valued or highly valued education, although not all.
Ive got big strong values around those things. To me education should be freely available to everyone. I think our teachers should be the highest paid people in the country because our children are our future and if you dont know what youre doing, youre doing it wrong basically, so whatever it is you need to learn that is huge. Male 1 And giving someone any kind of course even, like I see my Step son going on courses all the time through his work place, job search provider and I think what a waist, he doesnt care. But while hes there not doing drugs, hes not out on the street burglarizing things and all sorts of silly stuff that hed do educations wonderful for that. Male 1

Ive got a diploma in child care and cant get a job. Yet child care is one of the jobs that youre nearly guaranteed a job. Except Ive got the highest qualifications and cant get a job. So I can see education is important, but then when it comes to where youve got the maximum amount of credentials and then still cant get a job, you think theres something wrong in todays system Female 1

That theyre (sons) doctors and vets and you know something really smart that you know they never have to worry about money. And all of that stuff, all the stuff we dream of for kids. But it doesnt always happen. Theyre both pretty smart boys so Im hoping we can do the right thing by them education wise and they dont go down a wrong path or something like that. Female 4

Schools Ok but I reckon that you learn out in your own life than you do at school. I went to form 4, passed form 4 and there was college. Male 3

Values around education are pretty high but Im not at that point yet. Female 4

Number 1. Educations huge. We need to go back to the era when it was free, so we could just go to school do our qualifications and not have to worry bout paying off 50 grand at the end of it. Female 3

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Entertainment Everyone who was interviewed had little or no entertainment outside of the home. Most said that it was due to not being able to afford it. When we look at the ABS Household Expenditure Surveys series of 6 statements to establish Deprivation (featured on page 13), we see that two of the questions are around
I dont go out, I dont go to pubs, dont go to night clubs, the occasional cinema. Male 3 Entertainment is mainly done at home. Female 4

entertainment outside the home. All nine of the participants would be classified as Deprived according to their responses.
We cant afford to go out and socialize and this gets us out of the house, it gets me out of that s eat thats really comfy but if I stay in that seat its not so comfy. Male 1

Yeah, entertainment. I havent been to the movies in years its expensive." Female 5

Instant Rewards People from Generational Poverty believe that Money is to be used and spent (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 44) and will often buy something for the amount of money they have in their hand, rather than save up and buy something of better quality or of greater value. Those from Situational Poverty tend to save up, when they can, and prefer items of better quality and are prepared to go without for a time, while they save up for that item.
Today you have to teach your kids to value things that you buy them, its not just there for them to smash, its there to value them and if they want another one, ...well you have to work towards that, you have to earn to get that and when you start earning money then you gotta buy it yourself. Female 2 Society these days, everyone wants everything right now. Im trying to teach my three year old that yes his computer isnt very good but if he wants a better one, we need to save up. .... If I went out and brought him one straight away and fixed that he still wouldnt value it, but if I have to save up which Im forced to now but by also doing that it is worth a lot more to him now. Male 1

Spending/Saving All of the participants agreed that they could not save anything. Nor could they spend anything. Their incomes were so small that there was nothing left after bills and rent were paid and minimal food brought. It was suggested that where these people actually save is by buying groceries on special and by using petrol 26 | P a g e
Oh my God. You cant you cant you cant. I couldnt save nothing. Male 4

vouchers thats how you save. One participant valued buying Australian made products but was not in a financial position to do
I want to get one from Australia. Id much rather get one from Australia, but the minimum, the cheap Chinese knock off thats sold in Australia starts at $100 and hes gonna turn it on, the batteries gonna go flat in a second and hes gonna end up throwing it because it doesnt work, whereas I found one I can get from China basically the same as the one hes got for $50. Male 1

so at the moment as Australian products are more expensive than Asian knock-offs.
Youre gathering things that you dont really need and it just blocks up your whole life. Female 2

Food Quality Food quality was important to some of the participants although for different reasons. One participant valued organic food for health reasons. Anothers idea of Food Quality was to have food that wasnt beyond its used by date.
I would say quality ... Because we used to get past used by and its rubbish you cant eat it. So wouldnt you have quality, much better than quantity? Male 4 No, see Id be happy quite happy to have the basic food if that was, as long as I had the staples. Id be happy with that. Female 5

We do pretty well with food, and especially like even the stuff we get from here, with making something out of it Because were both chefs by trade, so yeah, we can get a lot out of you know little stuff. Spending and saving when you dont have money that really doesnt come into it so youre pretty much always spending. Values around education are pretty high but Im not at that point yet. Female 4

Quality definitely. The majority of the time. I have my times, my little episodes where who cares. Because most of the time, Im just so (strict). ... but yeah definitely quality, you know if Ive got extra cash, Ill go to the organic store and invest in the fruit and veg there. ... Depends on my finances at the time, It depends on what bills Ive paid but definitely quality. Always a preference. Female 3

Notions of Family Payne also purports that those in Generational Poverty have a strong sense of family because One only has people upon whom to rely, and those relationships are important to survival. One often has favourites. (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 53). Family is such a strong influence on these people that their lives can often be chaotic as they run from one family drama to another. While family is important to those in Middle class and from Situational Poverty, these people understand that their family has the resources needed
Trying to do the right thing for the kids. Female 4

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to cope with a drama and so will come with support in their own time, leading to a less chaotic life.
I gave up full time work about would be about 12 years ago now to care for my father who had Alzheimers. And so I went onto a carers pension for about 10 years until he passed away 2 years ago. Female 5

One of the participants had given up her own life dreams and goals of marriage or a career to care for her sick father and she showed no signs of regret or resentment. When asked why she had never married, she replied Never met anybody and then I was caring for my father. I was caring for dad, put him first. Others had family, whether their own children or their

extended family, but rarely saw them. Reasons for this varied from intolerance of their
Female 1: but now a year on, TurningPoint is part of our family. Male 1: TurningPoint is part of our family. Familys one of the places that it can be hard to go back and ask for help because of the judgement. Male 1

rubbish, privacy issues, nastiness and judgement. Others felt that as TurningPoint Support Centre had

helped them, that the staff there were family.

I still care about them. Like theres no bad (inaudible) its just we dont talk to each other, theyve got their own lives to live. Male 3

As far as spending and savings goes, even when I havent had a big amount of money, if family need something, Ill spend a bit, if that means that Im helping them out with something, even when Im tight. If they need something, Id do it. Thats the only time I spend money apart from on bills and on everything else, but I mean, I spend money thats not going to bills. Female 5

Family helped us move into our unit. The amount of stuff that got destroyed in that move, mate thats all the finances I had left was basically the stuff I had, and my family just literally threw things in the back of the trailer and the amount of stuff that was smashed! It was just guys this is the last little bit of respect that Ive got and youve wrecked it. Oh yes there was a big need to say thank you too. Male 1

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How families were described

Well for me family is really important to me. But some of the family can really be nasty. So I forgive them, but I dont want anything to do with them. ... Yeah my family is very important to me. I just love my family to bits even though they say nasty things about me. Female 2 Its important to me, but I dont see them (brothers and sisters). ... Family is important to me, but its their (sons) option. If they dont want to see me, then I cant do much about it. I dont hate the kids, its just that they live in the past, they want their mum and me back together, and they think everything should be 100% mickey mouse but its not. Male 2

Basically being there for the family when they need you. When the important things, when someone really needs somebody else, well you know Ill be there when I hope my family knows that Ill be there. We see ... my mum and dad, and his mum; we see them quite often and (husbands) brothers and sisters. My brother and sisters tend to be not in the picture type thing , you know that basically if theres a wedding or a funeral or somebodys in hospital or something like that, we will see each other somewhere in that disaster we will see each other. Female 1

Ive got family but theyve got their own life to live. And I dont like bothering them. Male 3

Our family is on either side of us. His family my family, and doesnt necessarily mean we see them all that often, or at all some of them. Female 3

Now to me Family is like that, I dont have to see them every day. If I get a phone call and Bob (not his real name), my younger brother needs anything Im dropping whatever Im doing, hes my first priority. Male 1

All my notion about my family, I am worrying and I dont care about anything else. About my daughter and her two kids, and thats it, my life. And thats it. Sure Ive got families, you know, like brothers and sisters and everything. But as you get older, they go their own way, and we just maybe three or four months (indicates phone) Gday, how are you, yeah Im good yeah, thanks, ok bye. Male 4

Probably my immediate family. Yeah, now that I have one. Yeah, my children, my partner. Everything I do now is for them. ... yeah its just about my immediate family and thats what I think about and thats what my life is now. Female 4

I was extremely close to them (parents both deceased). So Ive been really, really lost without them. But Family means Christmas with everybody as far as Im concerned, its all the siblings and all of their kids. It used to be my brothers wife and all of her family as well, so it used to be about 40 people at Christmas.... Im probably closer to my friends and their kids but my concept of family is Family is ultimately important. Still goes no. 1. I still would do anything for them. Female 5

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Other Values Values around Pets were interesting. Some people did not have pets at all, although the reason for this was not discussed. However, one participant had a dog and another had cats, a dog and two horses. These pets were very important to those individuals. Work was another strong value, where the
Hes a chef but hes currently out of work at the moment. Hes having real difficulty finding a job. Hes gone and done a course to get his forklift license, thinking that that might help get some work but he cant get anything. Female 4 Ive got cats. Cos I actually spend more money on them than I do on myself. Today I went and brought $105 for the cat and the dog. Female 5

husband of one of the participants

had actually tried to change career just to stay employed, however this ploy had not worked so far. The retired valued retirees gentleman the had input made their
Because remember most of the pensioners in Australia, we have paid so much tax through the years. Male 4

throughout

working years. The experience of losing everything and being homeless had had a profound effect on the values of

one of the participants, clarifying to him what is really important in life.

If I was to do it all over again seriously everything in my house, Id probably take my laptop, take my photo albums and every thing else can go to the Salvos, or Vinnies, or TurningPoint, or one of the charities. Male 1

Orderly or Chaotic Payne describes a lack of order or organization in homes of those in Generational Poverty. Many of the homes/apartments of people in poverty are unkempt and cluttered. Devices for organization (files, planners, etc.) dont exist (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 55). When asked to rate their household in terms of Orderly (10) or Chaotic (0 or 1), most people rated themselves on a 5 or 6. The main reason given for the lack of order was too many
Its a bungalow. No its not chaotic. I keep it sort of clean and everything in its place. Male 3 Youre gathering things that you dont really need and it just blocks up your whole life. Female 2

possessions

cluttering

up

the

house.

Having too many possessions was due mainly to downsizing to a smaller house which now didnt fit everything in, or keeping things of sentimental value.
the toaster actually needed replacing because it blew up and, instead of going to the shed to find that toaster, the one thats already there under boxes and boxes of possessions, went out and brought a new one, because its so much easier to go and get a new one than what it is to go and search for it. ... Youre doubling up on possessions because you cant be bothered going to find the other, but you know youve got it. Female 1

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Most of the time its chaotic I have a two year old. But try and ... keep on top of things as much as I can. Im not a clean freak but do like to have the house tidy. ... so, I spose its chaotic. But theres some order some times. We dont have, were not routine people where Ive never, as much as it probably would have you know, helped me, and them at times. But I was never one for routine ... were at the moment were living with my parents because of money situation. In my old house I could find it straight away. I do have a filing cabinet. And I still have it there but I havent been as good with it. But yeah still could be able to find you a bill theyre either in their pile or in the filing cabinet. Female 4

My father was a hoarder. He always had Alzheimers and unfortunately Ive inherited the hording. No no no, Im a bit messy. Im trying to improve it. Female 5

I am very organized in the house. Even food, I put this here and here. ... So I make sure I clean it. Male 4

Resources
The participants had very little amounts of financial resources available to them, however, besides money, some were clever by saving water using a water tank, freezing food and using less electricity. Their main nonmoney financial resource was their Health Care Card as it enabled them to receive discounts on utility bills, cut-price car registration and access medical help free of charge. How rich were they in resources
Well for me personally, personally I just trust in the Lord to be able to get ahead. Female 2 Interviewer: Ive got a tank for the outside. Male 4: Yeah me too.

other than money. A list of Resources (according to Payne) is located on page 15. One emotional resource mentioned was having someone to talk to, the staff at TurningPoint Support Centre. A spiritual resource mentioned by more than one participant was faith in God. Physical the resources were mentioned
The majority of my problem is inside my head with mental health and Im seeing a psychologist, weve got relationship counselling. The amount of support that is actually out there I just didnt know about is just wonderful. And the fact that I can go see the doctor every two weeks and the government covers that for me is just wonderful. And a lot of people just dont understand that. Male 1

Community

Breakfast which was building relationships as well as filling empty stomachs; having a gym membership; and the local Doctor which is free for
A lot of people dont understand how good your doctor is. Your doctor is a wonderful resource and as a health care card holder its free for me. Male 1

those with health

care

cards. One support system mentioned was Making Ends Meet a book of resources, tips and supports published by Cranbourne Information and Support Service. Again the

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staff at TurningPoint Support Centre were mentioned as role models. Coping Strategies mentioned were the counsellor at TurningPoint Support Centre; a Psychologist; the programs (Boundaries, CAP Money, Marriage Building and Parenting) at TurningPoint Support Centre. Three
Im very smart about the money and water and everything. Male 4 You get a book that if you can sit down and read it, Wow, you do not need to worry anymore, any problem that youve got its covered here. Male 1

people said they would attend the Boundaries program and two said they would attend the CAP Money Course.

Naturally not all of the participants shared the same level of resources and it is always their choice to take up
And if you need to talk to someone well theres people here, theyre just wonderful. Male 1

the resources offered at TurningPoint Support Centre. However most participants again echoed the comments of the respondents of the ESIS 2013, who had an intrinsic desire to have what the general community has, namely employment, safe and secure housing, and the ability to provide for their children and families (The Salvation Army, 2013).
I think we do pretty well. I think I can budget. Its very hard to budget when you dont have the money. ... I do know yous offer to help, so definitely will take it up if I get stuck. Female 4 the moral support when we come in and talking to Christine, Mary and Daryl its been great you know just letting them know whats been going on, having a caring ear because You dont really want to talk about your troubles necessarily to your family or to your colleagues ... I dont talk about all my problems and how tight everything is. Female 5

...trying to cut costs everywhere. Like I have one light on at a time in the house. Ill turn off everything behind me. I have one light on. I dont turn on my heater. I just use lots of blankets in winter. Female 5

But through ... those breakfasts and that you build relationships that you can, well if you need support later or whatever well youve got it, and they even have counsellors here too. Male 1

What clients said about the staff at TurningPoint Support Centre

TurningPoint Support Centre Staff are not merely there to serve the clients and meet
We ... came and we never looked back. Male 2

their needs. They are a great emotional resource and are Role Models, modelling appropriate behaviour and language, who nurture the client

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and do not engage in self-destructive behaviour (Payne, DeVol, & Dreussi Smith, 2009, p. 11).
Burst into tears and did have a nice old sob to Christine the first time but it felt like Christmas when I took everything home and started unpacking. It was amazing, it was a case of I had not been letting myself think about how bad the situation really was. And being able to have that Consistency of coming here and having that support coming here has been really brilliant. Female 5

Its a good thing for those who are not religious; its not being forced upon you with the visits. Female 1

You can nearly guarantee that if you came down here and if John was here for example, and you feel comfortable with John, John will sit down and have a natter with you. Female 1

The positive reinforcement that TurningPoint does give seems more sympathetic than other services, It seems you genuinely do care what happened last week or before or whatever. Female 1

but through him (John)havi ng those breakfasts and that you build relationshi ps that you can, well if you need support later or whatever well youve got it. Male 1

it was mainly Daryl I dealt with and he makes you feel so comfortable and then look what weve gone and done we were here for food support ... we turned this into our church we come to. Male 2 . The personal support in here in terms of how wonderful it is, is fantastic, I dont know, I think this has just been brilliant. Female 5

thats phenomenal actually I dont think people understand just how much that fits having the breakfast here because Its not just the breakfast, I was sitting there today having bacon and eggs thinking this is real bacon, when I go to Coles I cant afford the bacon they have here. Male 1

I was just too scared to go and ask for help, but now I feel comfortable because youre getting to know people and get involved and everything. And look at (husband) and I, were involved in food support (as volunteers) so Im really comfortable. Female 2

for the first couple of visits it was very embarrassing, ... so the staff here were very good at easing that feeling by the friendly manner they come across and they dont see you, They are not judgemental as some different organization are. ...The staff actually welcome you here. Female 1

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What clients said about TurningPoint Support Centre ER parcels

Coming in and seeing the nice friendly faces have been great. And going home and feeling like its Christmas every time I open something, because theres things that I Just would never dream of buying or getting because outside the price range or Id consider them a luxury item like chocolate or things like that. Very exciting. Female 5 I felt completely lost, I wanted to run away so one of the things that really helped me was coming here and getting food parcels. Female 3

When I get the package, I try to,

I actually avoid going shopping. I try to survive off that completely. Female 5

A hand up, not a hand out

The motto of TurningPoint Support Centre is A hand up, not a hand out. Clients were asked what a hand up looks like to them. While giving people emergency relief provides them with immediate and essential assistance, unless the root
If you think of Centrelink, Centrelinks a good hand-out. To me, its like a gaol cell Centrelink. All the rules and regulations and rubbish and the way they have you queued up like cattle for so long. Male 1

It just helps you, helps you

causes of their financial crisis are addressed their financial problems are likely to continue (Martin & Murphy, 2007, p. 34). TurningPoint Support Centre believes that people do not have to remain in the circumstances which are keeping

when youre stuck ... so its not, its not something theyre doing for you so ... I dont have to worry about shopping now, Ill just go down there and get it. Its given me that little bit of support so when I do do my shopping its not as financially straining on me, yeah its... just a little bit of help. Not getting me out of ... not fixing my problem ... but just helping Female 4

them in poverty and are committed to supplying the support and resources necessary for the hand up. I got a real visual response in my head. To me it

I see a hand up as a more of a

relationship. Rather than just giving someone a hand out, with the hand up I see it as theres connection made, ... its not just a food hamper - theres like all these other things offered, like ... the counselling. .... So its temporary, like a hand up, its not always, but its just a temporary assistance. Female 3

was like Im at the precipice of an abyss and Im sort of hanging on by my fingernail, and the hand up was literally someones hand there and Im reaching out for it. No if buts or maybes, without that hand up, Im fallen. And theres no help for me or the rest of my little family but as small as some people might see it to be, the little bit that you help, the little bit youve saved our lives. To put it in perspective youve saved our lives. Male 1

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I absolutely think it is a hand up. It means its giving me the support to actually

survive without having to go out and buy the groceries and that means that saving that money and that money can then go on to bills. I literally manage not to go grocery shopping at all in the times when I get this unless sometimes I feel really bad and go I need a little bit of meat. And I might go and do that, but I try to live off bread and everything else, Yoghurt, whatever I get from here, and thats certainly been a real hand up because it just means that its been delaying those bills taking over although it was getting very close. So for me the hand up has been brilliant, it really is ... the moral support when we come in and talking to Christine, Mary and Daryl - its been great you know just letting them know whats been going on, having a caring ear because You dont really want to talk about your troubles necessarily to your family or to your colleagues ... this hand up is great because of that support both food wise which is saving financial and by the moral support. Female 5

Recommendations
From the horses mouth!
All the clients at TurningPoint Support Centre
I think what yous are offering is fantastic. No I couldnt think of anything else that yous could do. Female 4 Everything I think of, you guys have got it covered. And if you need to talk to someone well theres people here, theyre just wonderful. Male 1

who

were

interviewed

were very happy with the service delivered by the staff

and also with the quality of the parcels. The clients themselves had some very good ideas about how the service or

the parcels can be improved. Most of the ideas required extra funding or extra volunteer hours. The ideas are as follows: Have unlimited food parcels. Currently clients are entitled to 26 food parcels to be collected at least a fortnight

I reckon there should be ... there should be more (parcels) towards people who dont utilize the food parcels as much, so they get maybe a little bit more help instead of the ones who turn up every two weeks. Like if someone turns up every three months or whatever, they should get a little bit more help than the ones who turn up every fortnight, or every week or whatever, sort of puts a strain on the other places and the ones who really want it cant actually get it sometimes. Male 3

apart. This client noted that some clients come regularly every week, while others, like himself, only come when they really need to. He suggested that the parcels could be bigger for those who were not as frequent. Reception staff would need to alert other staff to the frequency/infrequency of each client to ensure that parcels were adequate to meet this need.

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 Have more groups. One client enjoyed the Keeping it together group (not run by TurningPoint) and suggested that the Support Centre have more groups in order for new comers to Cranbourne to make ...some kind of connection with community, where you dont feel anonymous. While TurningPoint Support Centre does run many programs, perhaps the variety offered needs to be explored. Dropping off food parcels to sick and housebound clients. One client, who had herself come in to pick up her food parcel when she was sick as she had been desperate for a parcel at the time, suggested delivering food parcels to those unable to attend the centre. Visits would need to be performed in a sensitive manner. Extra funding would need to be sourced in order to alleviate the strain this would place on the operation of the centre as a whole by the absence of volunteers, and to reimburse travel costs incurred by volunteers. Preparing soup for clients. The chefs at TurningPoint Support Centre might use the
Maybe even pre-making soup for people. Female 5 I came in when I was really sick with the flu cos I really needed the help. Female 5

ingredients available through the food support to make soup and add it to the food parcels in takeaway containers. This would also necesitate the

production of ingredient labels. Home visits. Some people who are socially isolated might like a visit just for social reasons and may lead to Support Centre staff developing a better relationship with the client. Again extra funding would need to be sourced so as not to strain the already thinly spread resources of this small community ER agency. Someone else to pick up parcels on clients behalf. This would help those who are unable to pick up their food parcels due to sickness or social isolation. Staff would need to be aware of who would be picking up the parcel and on whose behalf. A new procedure would need to be established, but this could be a viable option as it doesnt place an extra strain on centre volunteers or finances. Animal food. Many of the clients have pets who are like family to them. They spend money feeding their animals and having pet food as an option in parcels, would ease their financial burden. More variety of fruit and vegetables. Each week there is a variety of fruit and vegetables to choose from, however, it was suggested that the variety be extended. Supplying freezer containers to client. One client talked about how he, after picking up his parcel, would cook up a big stew and then freeze half of it for the next week. This conversation led to the idea that the Support Centre could issue take-away food containers to clients so that they can freeze their home cooked food. 36 | P a g e

 Check items are not out of date. There was a bit of confusion around the difference between being beyond the use by date and the best before date. It is illegal to distribute food beyond its use by date, however the Support Centre is able to dispense food beyond its best before date. This can sometimes confuse clients who can mistakenly believe they are being given second rate food. List the ingredients on small packaged food. Some of the food given out in the parcels come in individual portions, very small packages, which sometimes do not list the ingredients on the package. This can lead to people with allergies throwing good food away as they dont know whether there is an ingredient that may be disagreeable to them. Ensuring food items are correctly labeled may lead to less wastage. Rearranging the Waitieng Area. Currently the chairs are placed to face the door of the Support Centre. The result is that the reception desk is then behind the people. One client suggested rearranging the chairs so they faced the reception area as this is what is done in most other waiting rooms (doctors, etc.). This change would make little difference to the quality of the service given at TurningPoint Support Centre, but it may improve the quality of the experience of clients. Food allergies noted on intake forms. All clients complete an intake form the first time they come for support. It was suggested that the intake forms be changed to include a question about food allergies. Having a persons food allergies clearly stated on the intake form would make it easier for staff to ensure that the contents of food parcels were appropriate for each individual or family and lessen the clients experience of frequently being asked about food allergies.
On the intake form there should be something to do with their allergies. And maybe you need to make sure that any food stuff which is distributed does have the ingredients on them because of people with allergies Female 5 Would you go into any place, ok and they all look that way, they all you look at the walls, its bad. Male 4

Community development
Currently TurningPoint Centre is run one day a week within the Church building by a small team of volunteers and with very little funding. These volunteers begin at 8.30am transforming the church foyer into a waiting room, packing bread, setting up the outside area (the fresh produce) and packing the parcels. The centre is open to clients from 10am until 2.30pm (with a break for lunch) when volunteers spend an hour packing the Centre away ready for church services on the Sunday morning. The Community Breakfast and the community programs are held right down the other end of the building, in a place which may be unfamiliar to emergency relief clients, with the Community Lunch held in the auditorium. 37 | P a g e

The various aspects of TurningPoint Support Centre have evolved as the physical premises has grown and as the need from clients increased. With so little time, volunteers and resources available, it is difficult to give clients much choice about the types of items which will go into their food parcels. When people get caught up in the welfare system their ability to choose is reduced even further. ... hence the origin of the unfortunate saying beggars cant be choosers (Martin & Murphy, 2007, p. 26). TurningPoint Support Centre currently offers clients a choice of fridge and freezer products, suitable toiletries and fresh produce. Parcels of approximately 15-20 items are pre-packed by volunteers to expedite the process. What is needed is a one stop shop. A purpose-built facility to house all the aspects of TurningPoint Support Centre. A place that is open to the public on mor e than one day. A place where both the Community Breakfasts and the Community Lunches can be held. A place where socially isolated can come to connect with the community. A place for information and resource sharing. A place with greater variety of community programs. A place that supports volunteer staff with the aim of greater retention of well trained, personable emergency relief staff. A place where those seeking emergency relief feel supported, valued and are able to exercise greater choice in their circumstances. This facility would need to come complete with a paid co-ordinator and a community bus. This is not to say that all these things are not occurring at the moment, however, with a purpose-built building, there would be greater community capacity building as each of these things would be occurring with greater ease, effect and efficiency.

Prevention and Early intervention

Prevention and early intervention measures may divert people away from the need for emergency relief. The programs and courses available to the community through the Support Centre are viewed as a preventative measure. These programs and courses are provided (free of charge) so that clients can build on, develop and strengthen the resources they already possess, in order to build their own capacity to leave poverty. Boundaries along with the Parenting programs and marriage building program employ a strengths-based approach, while Drug Proof Your Kids and the CAP Money Course give participants tools to make positive changes. It is recommended that TurningPoint Support Centre look at more and different programs, groups and courses with which to reach the community and so build the capacity of clients and strengthen their resource base. The Community Lunches (currently held on the first Friday of the month) and Community Breakfasts (currently held on the first and third Friday of the month) are aimed at bringing the community together over a meal. As mentioned by some of the clients, not 38 | P a g e

only is it a chance to get a well-needed feed in an empty stomach, but also a chance to socialize. It is an opportunity for staff to build meaningful relationships with clients and to be in a position to open up an unrushed conversation about the other services or resources available from TurningPoint Support Centre. While all members of the community are welcome here, these meals are aimed at clients of the support centre and others who are in need and as such are seen as an early intervention tool. The recommendation here is that these meals be available more frequently to those in need so that they will be in a place where they can build stronger relationships and supports, and those experiencing hardship will be able to leave poverty more quickly it is hoped, than without these supports.

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Conclusion
The experience of interviewing these nine clients and analysing their responses to the questions has been revealing. While many clients of TurningPoint Support Centre appear to be from generational poverty, most of those that were interviewed were not. The situations that led these people into poverty varied from person to person, but all could pinpoint a time in their past where an incident, sickness or event occurred which prohibited them from earning, throwing them powerlessly into poverty. Most people interviewed adhered to the social norms and values of middle class, rather than from a low-socio economic background as would be expected to be displayed by those from generational poverty. There were at least six other people booked in for the interviews with the consent form signed. Despite attempts to contact them prior to remind them about the interviews, these clients did not attend. Perhaps these were the people from generational poverty; these were the people with chaotic family life and lack of the resources that makes remembering to attend interviews easy. It is clear from those who were interviewed that many clients of TurningPoint Support Centre hold hope that the future will be better than the past, or even the present. Clients have some resources available to them and as they strengthen these resources, will build their capacity along with their resolve to leave their current hardship. TurningPoint Support Centre clients tend to agree with the comments of the respondents of the ESIS 2013, that despite their struggles, people want to work and want to provide a more sustained and adequate standard of living for themselves and their children (The Salvation Army, 2013, p. 4). TurningPoint Support Centre gives clients the hand up they need to achieve this and aim for the time each one spends living in poverty to be shortened. This research is valuable as it has brought into focus the experiences of those living in poverty in Cranbourne. It has highlighted the need for further funding to be sought in order for these people and the community to benefit in a multitude of ways. would allow for: greater choices in regards to the contents of the food parcels. Not only would there be a wider variety of food and other products, but the staff would have more time to spend with each client as the centre would be open more than one day a week with the larger building would facilitate greater choices. a greater variety of programs and courses to be offered to the community. Programs and courses which would build the capacity of the clients, strengthen their resources and give them tools to utilize. Further funding

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 better training and greater equipping of the volunteer staff, along with a greater capacity for the organization to reimburse petrol and other volunteer expenses. more frequent community lunches and breakfasts, perhaps on a weekly or even on a daily basis if the need proved to be there. more thorough advertising and publicity. TurningPoint Support Centre may end up being a world class leader in emergency relief, but unless those who need to use the service know about it, it will remain largely unknown and underutilized. the construction of a purpose-built Emergency Relief facility with a larger capacity for a wider variety of food choices, a tailor-made reception and waiting room, a community room with adjoining kitchen and a staff room. It may even have training and meeting rooms which could be hired out to the community. Research into the best choice of purpose-built facility would need to take place, with existing models examined to best meet the needs of the community and clients as well as those working in the building. a paid co-ordinator. The expansion of the building and the services offered within it would necessitate the need for a paid co-ordinator who would ensure continuity across the board, ensure publicity, liaise with the TurningPoint Community around facility maintenance and seek continued funding through grant submissions. a community bus (including on-road costs). Many clients rely on public transport to get to TurningPoint Support Centre as it is located three kilometres from the town centre, however, they are unable to return home ladened with their food parcel on public transport. This would also facilitate home visits and home delivery of food parcels to the sick and isolated. All these things naturally cost money and there is limited amount of this resource available. Imagine if the centre was to gain funding and expand in this way, how it would strengthen the resources of the individual clients, build their capacity to be resilient members of the community and lead to a stronger and wealthier community!
It is a bit of a shame that yous are a little bit out of town, because youre sort of not in walking distance from town. Female 1

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Appendix 1 Consent Letter

Understanding background circumstances of emergency relief clients at TurningPoint Support Centre.

My name is Karen Davis and I am studying at Chisholm Frankston. As part of my studies, I am doing a research project with my teacher Kris Rundle, from the Community Development Department. You are invited to participate in this research project. The aim of this study is to find out from your point of view, the circumstances which have happened in the past (distant or recent) which have led you to TurningPoint Support Centre for an emergency relief parcel. It is hoped that by looking at these circumstances, not only will we gain a greater understanding of poverty, but the community might be able to better support people to cope socially and financially, making the period of time emergency relief parcels are needed much shorter. I will also be asking you to imagine what types of things might lead people out of their current need for emergency relief. This research also asks you to suggest further ways for us to support you. I will be conducting an interview which will last for approximately 30 minutes at the support centre. During this time, each participant will be asked to speak on a series of topics discussing your current social and financial situation, key events from the past that you perceive led to your current situation and your hopes for the future. In order to ensure the greatest accuracy, with your permission, I will take an audio recording of the interview. This is so that I can write my report using the voice of the people. Names will be changed to ensure anonymity. As the information gathered is of a highly personal nature, you may be assured that only I will see your responses. Transcripts of the interview will be kept in a password protected computer and anonymity will be maintained throughout the report. During the interview fears for the future or distressing memories may arise, however, debriefing and or counselling will be made available either at our centre or if participants choose they can be referred to a local counselling service in the Cranbourne area. I hope that the fact that research is taking place may bring hope to you and lead to the development of new programs and services. If you would like to participate in this research, please sign the consent form indicating your agreement to be interviewed and to have the interview recorded. The recording will be disposed of within one month of the interview taking place. Please be aware that you have the right to voluntarily withdraw from the research at any time. The likely benefits of this research will aid the emergency relief agency to tailor their service to better meet the needs of yourself and others with a view to supporting you through your times of need to speedier social and financial recovery. A summary of the research will be made available to you if you are interested. If you have any further questions about this research, please contact me at

karend@turningpoint.asn.au
Yours sincerely Karen Davis Community Development Student TurningPoint Family Church

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Certificate of Consent
I have been invited to participate in research leading to better understanding of the background circumstances of emergency relief clients at TurningPoint Support Centre. I have read the foregoing information, or it has been read to me. I have had the opportunity to ask questions about it and any questions I have been asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study. Print Name of Participant__________________ Signature of Participant ___________________ Date ___________________________ Day/month/year

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Bibliography Cited
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