Impact in Action: Visiting Beneficiaries in NSW
In December 2024, Executive Officer Jasmin Barry-Keen visited three inspiring organisations in New South Wales supported by recent Coopers Foundation grants: St Laurence House, Royal Hospital for Women Foundation, and Mountains Anglican Refugee Support. These visits offered a firsthand look at the life-changing impact of our funding in local communities.
St Laurence House: Empowering Young Futures
With support from a $30,000 grant, St Laurence House is helping young people who’ve experienced homelessness access the education they deserve. Already, five young residents have received support to cover essential educational expenses, including school uniforms, textbooks, and sporting gear.
Four of these young people recently completed their HSC (Higher School Certificate)—a significant achievement that paves the way to university. In 2024, they’ll each receive a $2,500 scholarship, funded through our grant, to support their transition to higher education.
Royal Hospital for Women Foundation: Caring for the Tiniest Lives
A $50,000 grant is helping the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at the Royal Hospital for Women deliver personalised nutrition to premature babies under 1000g. This pioneering feeding program uses exclusively human milk diets fortified with Human Milk Derived Fortifier.
Early results from the pilot are encouraging:
Fewer cases of malnutrition and improved overall nourishment
Stronger growth in weight, head circumference, and length
Faster progression to full feeding and reduced need for intravenous nutrition.
These outcomes offer hope for better neurodevelopment and long-term health, while easing the burden on dedicated medical staff.
Mountains Anglican Refugee Support: Rebuilding Lives in the Blue Mountains
The Mountains Anglican Refugee Support group continues to offer practical and compassionate support to refugees settling in the Blue Mountains. Our $14,000 grant will soon support an Afghani mother and her two teenage daughters arriving from Iran, helping them establish a new life with dignity and stability.
Other stories from earlier in 2024 reflect the difference this care makes:
Marzi, who fled Iran, is now studying cybersecurity at TAFE, living independently, and working part-time. With the help of volunteers, she also gained her driver’s licence—a key step toward independence.
Raziyeh, also from Iran, recently married fellow refugee Mohammed. Their wedding, attended by more than 150 community members, was a heartfelt celebration of belonging and new beginnings.
A Shared Commitment
These visits highlight the power of grassroots organisations and the importance of consistent, reliable support. Whether it's empowering young people, caring for newborns, or welcoming refugees, the work we fund is making a lasting difference.
We extend our sincere thanks to our donors and supporters. Together, we’re backing the community where it matters most.