Casey North CISS: Services & Programs
Casey North CISS has a range of service and programs that have been developed to respond to the pressing needs in our local community. We continue to review these services to meet the
changing needs of our local community as best we can. All services at Casey North CISS are provided free of charge.
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Community Information
As our name suggests, we are here to provide a wide range of information to the community and if we do not have the information that you need we will do our best to link you to the right place to
get that information. We have a database with almost 6,000 entries of local, state and national services.
Information is broad and covers a wide range of issues, please feel free to call into our centre or phone (03 9705 6699) for the information you may need.
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Support Services
Most of our support services have been developed to assist people that may be experiencing a difficult time in their lives. Some of these services are funded by government and others have been
established with the help of donations and philanthropic grants. Many of the programs have been developed to assist people through a period of crisis in their lives.
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Emergency Relief
We are funded to provide assistance to people experiencing financial hardship in the following post code areas; 3803, 3804,
3805, 3806, and 3807 (in the City of Casey). Assistance can be provided with food, prescriptions and travel for emergency needs. This is an extremely busy program and people with
appointments will be given priority to those dropping in. If you are unsure of where to go for assistance please call us (03 9705 6699) and we will provide you with the information relevant to
your area.
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Social Work
Our Social Workers are available most days to assist people presenting in crisis and needing professional assistance. The Social Work program can assist people to address their problems and look
at strategies to stabilize and overcome situations of crisis. Practical assistance is offered as well as referrals and linkages to other programs and services.
 Cheap & Healthy School Lunch Snacks
Entertainment Book EAP
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Counselling
This is a short term counselling program available to people coming in crisis and needing immediate assistance to address their issues. For people needing longer term assistance referrals can be
made to other free or low cost services in the local community.
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Financial Counselling
Financial Counsellor’s are qualified professionals who provide free and confidential financial counselling services to people who are experiencing financial difficulties.
They can provide information and options to assist you in overcoming your financial situation and advocate on your behalf to your creditors and other private or government organisations.
Financial Counsellor’s aim to empower you, providing you with the knowledge, skills and tools to successfully manage your personal finances.
Some of the issues a financial counselor can assist with are:
- Debt collection issues
- Overdue bills/utility debts
- Budgeting
- Mortgage stress/difficulties
- Credit card debt
- Car loans
- Fines, payment arrangements
- Bankruptcy
- Council rates/arrears
- Pay day lenders
- Your rights and responsibilities
And more………
Click here to view or print off a budget sheet. Please contact us if you would like a copy posted or emailed to you, 03 9705 6699 or cnciss@caseynorthciss.com.au
Have a look at the financial counselling brochure for more information FC Brochure
Also check out the links on the Help section of our website for financial counsellors in your area help
(44 Kb) SAMPLE BUDGET
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Financial Literacy
Being financially literate means being able to make the right decisions in regard to your personal finances. It means being able to understand how money affects your life and how to manage your
money in order to make informed decisions that will ultimately benefit you and your family.
If you are financially literate you are more likely to:
- Achieve your financial goals than those who are not
- Find it easier to budget and save
- Have a sense of control and feel empowered, enabling you to make more informed financial choices
- Understand debt and how to stop the cycle of debt
To find out more financial literacy facts and about how to become more financially fit, please check out the Financial Literacy pamphlet.
Financial literacy pamphlet
Xmas Pamphlet-Don’t let Christmas burden you. Keep yourself financially fit for 2013
Christmas budget worksheet
Budgeting Tips
Financial Literacy Workshops
Financial literacy workshops can be designed to target specific groups such as; Women's groups, CALD groups, Youth groups and Parent groups or tailored to the needs of your group. We can come
to you. All workshops are facilitated by our qualified Financial Literacy Worker. Please phone 9705 6699 to book a workshop.
Financial Literacy Workshops 2013
Financial Literacy & Support Program
The Financial Literacy and Support Program offers free and confidential one on one sessions with individuals who would like to have more control over their personal finances. The financial
literacy worker can assist with providing the right tools for you to take control of your personal finances, this may include:
Budgeting
Discussion financial concerns or difficulties e.g. bills, debts
Money management tips and ideas
Save money on utility bills
Various bill payment methods
Understanding financial products i.e. bank accounts
Debt and Consumer credit
Your rights and responsibilities
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No Interest Loan Scheme
The No Interest Loan Scheme is available to provide eligible applicants with flexible and affordable credit, without interest.
Purposes for loans include:
- White goods e.g. Washing machines and Refrigerators
- Electrical goods such as Televisions, Video Players and Heaters
- Household furniture eg. Beds, Lounge Suites, Dining Setting.
- Health Aids not covered by government subsidized schemes, eg. Asthma pumps, Glasses, Dental needs, Hearing aids.
- Education expenses for primary, secondary school and TAFE (VCE/VCAL) students such as books, uniforms, school camps and fees (where appropriate).
The loans are paid off with affordable repayments and are deducted from successful applicant's income through Centrepay.
Contact the office on 9705 6699 for further information and eligibility criteria.
No Interest Loan Scheme
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Tax Help
Casey North CISS is offering Tax Help with appointments on a Tuesday afternoon commencing 31 July 2012 until 30 October 2012. Please phone us for eligibility criteria on 9705
6699.
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Keeping It Together
A program developed to assist families at risk of breakdown. A six week program currently targeted at women provides information and assists to develop the skills needed to ‘Keep It Together’.
Learn the skills to help you achieve this at our free 6 week programme for women.
- Assertiveness strategies
- Positive conflict resolution
- Healthy communication
- Understanding and coping with anger
- Improved self-esteem and self-care
- Preventing social isolation
Keeping It Together Information Flyer
Keeping It Together Information guide is to be found in 'Resources' section
Next groups to be held are listed in 'What's Happening' section
For more information and registration contact Sirini Kularatne-Samarapathi our project worker during office hours.
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Volunteering
For those who want to contribute to a valuable community service, Casey North Community Information & Support Service offers negotiable hours, the opportunity to train and acquire new skills
and the satisfaction of working with other committed people.
Casey North CISS volunteers undertake various training courses to ensure they have the skills needed to work in a busy crisis centre. Duties include data entry, reception, interviewing and
support workers. On the job support and supervision is available at all times and a mentoring system with other qualified volunteers assists new volunteers to develop confidence in working with
our local community. If you are interested call Nicky White our Co-ordinator of Volunteers during office hours.
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