30 YEARS AGO …
We dug into the IOE archives and came up with our CEO Fred Brumhead’s first ever report for the 1989 Annual General Meeting. IOE was a very different service back then. Interchange had been built around sharing the care of children with disabilities and in 1989 the Volunteer Host program was the sole program area. Already Fred’s vision of growing services to meet families’ changing needs, is evident in this first report. As is the importance he places on supporting families. 30 years on the change in scope of services provided by IOE is immense but the values and vision remain unchanged.
Interchange Outer East Annual General Meeting 21 September 1989 – Coordinator’s Report
The Interchange program has undergone many changes over the past twelve months. The Program numbers have ranged from 45 matches to 25 and seem to be settling at about 35 matches. There are 115 registered families involved in the Interchange program, a drop of 8 from last year. Yet while everything seems to be dropping (except for the waiting list) I feel strongly that the program is in a sound position to gain and develop to meet the needs of families and children with special needs.
From 1 October 1989 the funding for the Interchange program will be transferred to the Home and Community Care Program (HACC). The outcomes of this change are still being negotiated, however it is anticipated that the changes will be positive and supportive of the program.
In the 4 months I have been with Interchange I have come to appreciate the benefits and frustrations of such a program. The fun part is meeting the families and, although this has meant overdosing on caffeine and biscuits, it has been most rewarding. When I began this position, all I could see were names floating on a sea of paper. Now, having met most of the families I can appreciate why the program can be of such benefit to both Host and Natural families.
The major priority for Interchange is to consolidate. To get the program into a position where the matches are running well, and suitable structures of support and communication between families and myself are clear. Other matters requiring attention are: the recruiting of new host families, the recruiting of new Committee members, seeking supplementary funding for the program and the development of new programs to meet new and changing needs of families.
The support I have received since beginning this job has been fantastic. From Margaret Curtis in the office to Hanna (first child I matched), everyone has been encouraging and helpful.
So to the Committee, Margaret C, Cheryl (OIDS), Sandra (KSS) and all the families, Thank You
Fred
