Appreciation, Sisters of Charity Foundation

Cana is an independent charity; we receive no government funding and rely solely on donations or grants to provide the support needed to community.

We are absolutely thrilled and grateful to announce we are among a selected few community projects to receive funding as part of the Sisters of Charity Foundation ‘July 2021 Community Grants’. The Foundation, twice a year provides grants (on application) to community projects and programs that break down social isolation and alleviate the impact of poverty on individuals and families. For Cana Communities, this grant will allow us to open a new daytime refuge or centre for men and women who are transitioning, an amazing program to start the new year.

Cana's experience with those transitioning is that they may have experienced multiple traumas; that is, domestic violence, homelessness, isolation and loneliness, mental and physical ill health as well as addiction. When they enter the Cana refuge, they will be able to have their needs met with dignity, ie, they'll have the opportunity to connect with our volunteers, shower, wash their clothes, have a warm meal – share a story, and recharge their phone.

The Cana volunteers’ team will also be able to arrange access to support services such as mental and or physical health care, accommodation, and addiction management. Our refuge will be much more than just a referral service or drop-in centre. Cana's mission and care is relational which means that a Cana "companion" will always be available to continue the journey with the person. Healing is often facilitated and assisted through specific programs such as yoga, mindfulness and art therapy. We also intend to run literacy workshops.

The refuge will be located in the inner city of Sydney.