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In any community you’ll find numerous organisations and groups committed to caring for locals. In the Illawarra, The Italian Social Welfare Organisation (ITSOWEL) has been caring for the community since its foundation over 34 years ago.
The organisation was started to meet the needs of newly-arrived Italians with issues such as finding employment, accommodation, interpreting, reading and writing correspondence. “Over the years it has developed according to the demographics and needs of the Italian-speaking community in the Illawarra,” executive officer Giovanna Cardamone said.
ITSOWEL is the only Italian-specific aged care service provider in the area, with a focus on providing culturally appropriate care and support to the ageing community, specifically of Italian-speaking background while also welcoming non-Italians. Although culturally-specific, all of ITSOWEL’s services are also available to non-Italians who would like to experience care in a particularly “Italian style” – with passion and a joy for life.
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“As well as delivering aged care services, ITSOWEL also partners with aged care facilities in the Illawarra to deliver training to care workers to assist them in connecting with Italian residents in aged care facilities, develops many cultural resources and offers Italian language and culture courses for adults and children as well as school holiday programs,” Mrs Cardamone said.
The organisation provides Home Care Packages, Level 1 to 4, as well as entry level in-home support services, community services, well-being programs and information and support in accessing aged care services. “All of ITSOWEL’s staff are bilingual, caring and passionate about serving those in need,” Mrs Cardamone said.
The Home Care Packages provide a comprehensive range of services for consumers with higher level needs. They are consumer-focused with a holistic wellness approach and make culturally-appropriate care a priority.
ITSOWEL’s Social Support Groups, which are spread out throughout the Illawarra from Albion Park to Woonona, provide a weekly program in a relaxed community setting. “The service addresses the consumer’s isolation and social, cultural, emotional and recreational needs, providing an opportunity to stay connected to their community,” Mrs Cardamone said.
Food is an important part of ITSOWEL’s service delivery and a freshly-prepared Italian meal is delivered to consumers who participate in the Social Support Groups. Meals can also be prepared for consumers on a Home Care Package in their home.
In addition to these services, ITSOWEL has been recognised by the NSW government for its documentary ‘My Backyard, Your Backyard’ which captured visually and artistically a selection of Italian-Australian backyards.
It has also launched a virtual museum of Italian immigration in the Illawarra, the aim of which is to collect, protect and celebrate Italian heritage in the area. The virtual museum can be found at vmiii.com.au and on Facebook.
Visit ITSOWEL at 21 Stewart Street, Wollongong or online at itsowel.com.au.