
Updates and Growth at Zahra Foundation

The Zahra Foundation has recently gone through some big changes, and they are thrilled to announce how these will benefit the incredible women, non-binary individuals, and families we serve. They are expanding, innovating, and enhancing our services across South Australia and beyond to create safer and more empowered communities and work towards an Australia where all women are economically empowered and safe!
Growing Their Team: Shelly Jones as our new National Head of Economic Empowerment Programs, and Buffy Kerekes as our National Head of Financial Counselling and Financial wellbeing.
Expanding Services—In-Person and Online
Starting next year, they will be offering a variety of new workshops designed to build skills, boost confidence, and provide the tools needed to thrive post-separation. Whether face-to-face in central Adelaide or online for those in rural and regional areas.
Their workshop topics will include:
- Resume Writing & Job Search Skills
- Financial Literacy & Budgeting
- Digital Literacy & Technology Skills
- Superannuation & Retirement Planning
- Legal Rights & Support Services
- Healthy Relationships & Setting Boundaries
Simplified Referral Pathways
All referrals are now managed through our online referral hub on their website, you can quickly direct people to the support they need. The are still accepting self-referrals over the phone or online, making access flexible and user-friendly.
Supporting Complex Needs
To better support women and non-binary individuals with complex intervention or recovery needs, we’ve created new roles focused on providing direct assistance in South Australia. This allows us to offer more tailored support for those dealing with the impact of gendered violence.
Self-Help Resources
They understand that not everyone is ready or able to reach out for direct support, they have developed a series of self-help guides. These resources are designed to empower individuals with knowledge and practical advice to protect themselves and their loved ones from various forms of abuse, including financial and economic abuse.
Centralised Intake Team
With increased demand for their services, we’re excited to announce the launch of our centralised intake team. Starting mid-October, this team will handle all referrals and inquiries, ensuring we can quickly respond to the needs of community partners, professionals, and individuals. To get in touch with the team, please email intake@zahrafoundation.org.au or call us at (08) 7079 9048.
What’s Next?
While program enrolments for 2024 have now closed, they are looking forward to welcoming new participants in 2025! Expressions of interest for next year’s workshops and Pathways Programs are now open via our referral hub—so if you know anyone who could benefit, please direct them to their website.
Contacts for Specific Inquiries:
- Program Inquiries: Shelly Jones - shelly@zahrafoundation.org.au
- Financial Counselling Services: Buffy Kerekes - buffy@zahrafoundation.org.au
- Workshops & Grant Programs: Karina - intake@zahrafoundation.org.au
Financial Counselling Wait Times
They are currently experiencing high demand for financial counselling services in South Australia, with an estimated wait time of around eight weeks. They are working hard to reduce this wait time including increasing our people in our financial counselling team.
For direct referrals or more information, please visit our referral hub on their website.
16 October 2024