Baptcare

Baptcare is a nonprofit organisation based in Melbourne, Australia. It provides youth, family and disability support services as well as residential and community aged care services.

Since 1945, Baptcare has provided residential and community aged care programs and services for older people in the state of Victoria (Australia). Abercare Family Services, a division of Baptcare, offers a wide range of programs to families, children and youth.

Baptcare's work began when Strathalan Community opened in 1945 as Australia’s first Baptist home for elderly people. The Baptist Church had bought the Strathalan homestead in 1944 and the Victorian Baptist Women’s Association (VBWA), recognising the building’s potential, suggested that Strathalan become a home for the elderly. The VBWA raised 4,000 pounds over four years, enabling the Strathalan Home for the Elderly to come into being.

More communities were set up including those of Karana, Northaven and Westhaven. Over time, Baptcare has extended its services to include day therapy, community aged care packages, extended aged care at home programs, and respite and day centres.

The first Baptist Opportunity Shop opened in Kew in 1969. In 2004, all stores went through a renovation and were newly branded as Bargain Browsers. The Bargain Browser stores are located in Ashwood, Ballarat, Brunswick, Ringwood, Yarraville and Tottenham. In 2008 Baptcare opened Eekos, their first environmentally-friendly op shop.

In 2006 Baptcare changed its name, from Baptist Community Care.

In 2008 Baptcare expanded its services into Tasmania when it merged with the Devonport-based Karingal Care Services. Both organisations are not-for-profit and part of Baptist Care Australia, the peak body charged with progressing Baptist care across Australia.

External links

* [http://www.baptcare.org.au Baptcare]
* [http://www.hedleysutton.com.au Hedley Sutton Community]