#50 - The Community Hub That Nearly Didn’t Survive: The Survivor's R Us Story

Send us Fan MailA charity can do everything right and still find itself fighting for survival.For our 50th episode of Engaging Conversations, it felt only fitting to return to where it all began with Maria Martin, Founder and CEO of Survivors R Us, joined by General Manager Scott Martin.When Maria first appeared on the program, Survivors R Us was already making a difference in the lives of people facing domestic violence, homelessness, financial hardship and crisis. What few people saw were the challenges happening behind the scenes. Rising costs and increasing demand had pushed the organisation to the point where closing its doors was becoming a very real possibility.Today, the story looks very different.In this conversation, Maria and Scott share how community support, determination and long-term thinking helped Survivors R Us secure a permanent home, continue expanding its services, and play a role in securing a $2.8 million federal government grant to support those who need it most.We also discuss some of the realities they’re seeing on the ground right now, including food insecurity, mental health challenges, housing stress, social isolation, and the growing number of people quietly struggling behind closed doors.Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that local organisations can have an extraordinary impact when communities get behind them.One of the immediate challenges facing Survivors R Us is reducing the cost of running their community hub. Solar panels would significantly reduce electricity costs and allow more funding to be redirected towards food relief, counselling, emergency assistance and practical support. If you or your organisation can assist through funding, equipment, installation or partnerships, we encourage you to reach out.Thank you for being part of the first 50 episodes of Engaging Conversations.If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes in the power of community, connection and positive change.Connect with Survivors R Us at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SurvivorsrusincorporatedWebsite: https://sru.org.au/Phone: (02) 4953 7108----Emergency and Support ContactsIf this episode raises difficult issues or safety concerns, support is available.🚨 Emergency (Police, Fire or Ambulance): 000📞 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service (24/7)https://www.1800respect.org.au📞 Lifeline – 13 11 1424/7 crisis support and suicide preventionhttps://www.lifeline.org.au📞 MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78Support and counselling for menhttps://mensline.org.au📞 Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800Support for children and young people aged 5–25https://kidshelpline.com.au📞 NSW State Emergency Service – 132 500Storm and flood emergency assistance in NSW📞 Police Assistance Line – 131 444For non-urgent police assistance📞 National Relay Servicehttps://www.accesshub.gov.au/nrs-helpdesk📞 Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) – 131 450For interpreting services and language assistance.Support the showThank you for listening!