Community Action Services Australia (CASA) Inc.
Community Action Services Australia (CASA) Inc. was established as an Incorporated Association that primarily assists disadvantaged individuals and groups in becoming selfsufficient through various activities. We encourage people in every possible way by helping individuals and families build stronger communities and providing programs to improve the conditions in which people live, relieving them of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, and misfortune. CASA recognises the value of art and culture for people and society and its impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, organisation, and education. Therefore, during 20222023, we execute projects created by, with and for the community, considering the principles of inclusion, access and equity, personal growth and trust with the exchange of knowledge, skills and artistic integrity, including the community throughout the process from different workshops. The participants benefited greatly from what they gained from this collaborative process. In addition to recreation, we run several social activities, outings, and support groups. Under Research, we identify needs based on our direct service (welfare) intake issues and develop a submission to government institutions. Under Mental Health, we have a sessional Psychologist who assists people going through personal difficulties, depression, and anxiety, and we work closely with some GPs in the area for support. Under Health Services, we provide health prevention through exercises, health seminars, nutrition seminars, cooking demonstrations, etc. CASA runs several community sessions on age, housing, and income support in conjunction with Centrelink, NSW Department of Housing, Tax Department, and other community professionals; direct service (intake and referral), immigration/legal advice, and financial counselling through professionals who volunteer their time at CASA, assisting anyone who comes to our centre. As part of our probono legal support/direct service, we have also helped Victims of Crime and have referred them accordingly. CASA provides food hampers through community donations and food charity organisations to assist people on low incomes or who go through financial difficulties. CASA also runs various FREE training programs, including volunteer training and employment/leadership that may not necessarily be covered under ‘education’. CASA assists individuals and families by providing free support groups, raising community needs and issues with local, state and commonwealth governments through community networks and directly for people from CALD backgrounds.