By Taylah Eastwell
A Dandenong organisation is making dreams come true for survivors of family violence and sexual assault.
The Hands Off Foundation, almost in its fifth operating year, was set up by founder Donna Jordan after the experience of a loved one taught her how much healing goes into overcoming sexual assault and violence.
Her organisation helps source and pay for services for women, men and children in the aftermath of violence and assault.
“I learnt about how little assistance there actually is and that quite a bit of money goes into the healing,” Ms Jordan said.
Hands Off receives referrals from counsellors of domestic violence and abuse victims about the types of therapy or necessities that would help that client to heal. They then source and pay for that service, whether it be a form of therapy, new mattresses, swimming lessons, petrol, Westfield vouchers to buy clothing, pilates passes, reflexology, a gym membership or paying for optometry .
“We are basically like a miniature Make-A-Wish Foundation that hopes to not be so miniature one day,” she said.
Hands Off also provide survivors with a care pack that includes colouring pages, pencils, sharpeners, throws, teddies for children and stress balls.
The organisation raises money through an annual trivia night, golf nights and shopping tour trips, however donations are always welcomed.
“We always need volunteers, help with fundraising and ideas on how to fundraise. Colouring pencils and sharpeners and things for the care packs are also appreciated,” Ms Jordan said.
Her contribution was recognised recently when she won the Westfield Local Heroes grant of $10,000.
“Assault and violence have a ripple effect on friends and family and it involves a lot of healing, so we really want to help with whatever people need so they feel positive moving forward,” she said.
