History
Social welfare work has been undertaken by the Anglican Church within the Diocese of Newcastle since last century. Early projects included orphanages and schools, work amongst the poor of the Port of Newcastle and homes for the destitute. The 1920s saw an expansion of ‘bricks and mortar’ projects, including homes for girls and boys and babies.
‘Civics and Morals’ committees considered social issues such as alcoholism and gambling, censorship and sex education. Just prior to World War Two, youth unemployment and the plight of refugees from Central Europe were debated!
The development of additional homes for young people, proposals for aged care and Anglican Church assistance during the Maitland floods were highlights prior to the creations of the Diocesan Board of Social Work in 1968. Welfare work was brought under the umbrella of this body.
On October 14, 1984, the Newcastle Anglican Board of Social Work was redefined as the Samaritans Foundation to ‘assist in the expansion of the social and community service work within the Diocese’. Thus the present organisation was created by an Ordinance of the Synod. Its objects are:
- To promote and conduct activities within Australia and particularly within the Diocese to relieve sickness, suffering, poverty, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness.
- To provide caring services for the relief of those who are poor, aged or infirm.