The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and changes to aged care have placed a lot of pressure on smaller providers such as Community Gateway.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the not-for-profit Illawarra organisation, which has been operating here for over 27 years (formerly Community Options), is responding to the challenge.
Last Friday it had an open day for its new community hub at 26 Atchison Street, Wollongong, to show how it is changing its focus from mainly providing in-home services to elderly people and people with disabilities to reaching out to the wider community.
The new 1800 square metre purpose-built hub, on the ground floor of Bella Portofino function centre, features a cafe, gym, activity centre, library and sensory room and is open to all ages and abilities.
Community Gateway engagement and development director Donna Dive said the hub supported and inclusive communities and activities. Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families had also moved into the hub.
Those attending the open day on August 21 enjoyed yoga, belly dancing and Zumba classes, lunch and information stalls.
"Traditionally we've provided support and services to people in their homes ... with all the changes in the sector we had to think about what our place was and how we were going to survive," Ms Dive said.
The drive to build the hub came from the moves from block to individual funding for the NDIS and aged care, as well as competition from bigger organisations.
"We partner with people to help them be independent ... there's an opportunity for people that aren't socialising to come to activities and meet people.
"What we trying to do is meet with more vulnerable people in the community."
Community Gateway is the only provider in the Illawarra that runs special programs for people with early onset dementia. It also operates in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven.