InBrief

Philanthropy

Rainbow Lodge, honouring Judge Alf Rainbow, provides 12 weeks residential transition for selected men leaving correctional custody. All our clients are categorised as high recidivism risk by Corrective Services. Not surprisingly then, upon exiting custody all are homeless; nearly all have drug, alcohol and serious mental health challenges. The majority gives new meaning to ‘socially isolated’. We offer an intensive therapeutic program. We also try to assist our residents access affordable housing. Recently Rainbow Lodge has become a pathfinder in post-release custody by offering a free Outreach support service in the two post-release years to the 40 or so men, about half of whom are Aboriginal, passing through Rainbow Lodge annually. From extensive past, post-release setback experiences we regard this support crucial to reducing recidivism.

Support comes in several forms, including connecting men to housing, medical, mental and dental services, advice, food support, budgeting and social contact support. Employment is a dream for most and a reality for the exceptional few. For a minority of clients we are seeking to extend our support to helping them obtain rapid legal assistance in the event of arrest for further court matters.

Only Rainbow Lodge’s residential service is government funded – its Outreach Service, which is alwayys resource demanding, struggles for funds. We are seeking support from the legal profession to assist some of the most vulnerable people the law has interacted with.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Please send your donation to Rainbow Lodge, P.O. Box 131 Glebe, NSW 2037.