OBrien Real Estate Foundation Supports Domestic Violence Peer Support Retreat Program.

Rebekah Whittaker from the OBrien Tecoma office volunteers every week at Foothills Community Care local program.  Specifically, Rebekah is involved in the community meals night, providing meals and hospitality to the Dandenong Ranges and the foothills of outer Eastern Melbourne.

The program over the last 12 months has served over 42,000 fresh meals and delivered over 15,000 food parcels. Every Wednesday night you’ll find Rebekah welcome people to the table at Ferntree Gully Girl Guides Hall on 156 Underwood Road, Ferntree Gully.

In mid 2021 Rebekah assisted the Foothills Community Care Program with their grant application to the OBrien Real Estate Foundation. The $5,000 application was specifically to support the Domestic Violence Peer Support Retreat.

The retreat was originally planned for the end of 2021, and finally after 3 attempts that were cancelled due to lockdowns the retreat happening last month on Phillip Island.

Stephen Barrington, the CEO of Foothills Community Care shared his excitement on the success of the retreat saying “It was a great time, where we had 16 women and 18 children along for the weekend, at a fully catered and pampered campsite down in Cowes” “For many, it was their first “holiday” away at a beach for many, many years. It was a time of rest, activities, learning and healing in a supportive and nurturing environment”

Stephen continued to thank the foundation for the generous donation which made a significant difference in the lives of many.  Specifically Stephen shared two quotes from the participants at the retreat.

“Thankyou so much for allowing me and my children to come away last weekend. You have no idea how much this has meant to us. It was our first time on a holiday where we had gone away. My kids loved it and so did I, thankyou.”

“Thanks for organizing last weekend and allowing me to come along. It was overwhelming being pampered all weekend and made to feel so special. After the hell of the last 6 months, this is exactly what I needed.”

Grant applications can be made via any local OBrien Real Estate office for consideration in each quarter’s release from the Foundation.