How do we work?

What does Othila’s Mean?

Othila’s (Oh-thee-la’s) is named after a the rune ‘OTHILA’. Runes are an alphabet of symbols used by the Nordic tribes of Northern Europe around the 2nd Century.

Runes can have many meanings. OTHILA is about feeling secure in your home or dwelling. It also relates toa sense of belonging and being part of a community. It is about sharing the collective wisdom that we all possess and pass on to one another.

Othila’s Vision

Othila’s works towards creating a just and equal society where all women are valued, respected, celebrated and free from homelessness

Othila’s Purpose

Othila’s works proactively ALONGSIDE young women, 12 – 25 years and any accompanying children, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Brisbane Metropolitan Area

Othila’s Philosophy

  • Young women are unique individuals who possess strengths, abilities, resourcefulness and expertise in their own lives
  • We recognise that yougn women can experience disadvantage in society because of a range of factors including gender, age, culture, sexuality and economic status
  • We believe in a the power of the individual and collective voices to challenge and change structural imbalances, to create a more just and equal society
  • We are committed to supporting young women’s rights to make their own choices, have control over their bodies, be safe at all times, be free from discrimination, be valued and respected as members of their own community
  • We believe women should have access to and be in control of resources and information, enabling women to claim their power
  • We believe in the celebration of womanhood
  • We value ways fo working together that are open collaborative, inclusive, accountable, professional, respectful and fair

Strategic Plan 2008-2011

  1. Prevent and reduce young women’s homelessness
  2. Provision of high quality, flexible and holistic support to meet the needs of young women experiencing / at risk of homelessness
  3. Seek Collaborations and linkages with community, government and private sectors (in 2009/2010 this will focus on CALD and Indigenous Communities)
  4. Provide opportunities for young women’s participation in the social and economic life of the community
  5. Strengthen Othila’s brand, governance and organisational capacity

Funding

Currently, Othila’s receives recurrent salaries and operational funding from the Department of Communities as a specialist homeless service. Funding to lease properties to house young women and their children is provided through the Department of Communities – Housign and Homelessness: Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP).

While Othila’s is grateful for ongoing funding from Department of COmmunities, it is not enough to cover all the activities which Othila’s undertakes. If you or your company / organisation would be able to assist Othila’s please access the ‘Support Us’ Tab.

Objectives

Othila’s operates as a charitable benevolent institution whose objective is to provide assistance and support to homeless young women and their children in particular: -

  • To contribute to the direct and immediate relief of poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness and the promotion of well being of individuals and groups who are disadvantaged and vulnerable either socially, physically, intellectually or emotionally.
  • To ensure that young women, irrespective of ethnicity, sexuality or ability, have equity of access to services.
  • To increase appropriate, flexible accommodation options for young women and their children.
  • To identify issues effecting young women and advocate on their behalf.
  • To improve the power and choices of young women by acknowledging their worth and abilities and celebrating their diversity.

Code of Ethics

Othila’s Code of Ethics is used to guide Othila’s members and employees, and to ensure the best possible standards of service and professional conduct. This Code of Ethics is based on the principles of:

  • Feminism
  • Social Justice
  • Natural Justice
  • Confidentiality
  • Organisational Integrity

Management

As an incorporated association, Othila’s Management Committee is the legal entity responsible for the organisation. It is the role of the Management Committee to oversee the business and operations of the association, including:

  • Ensuring the association complies with its rules
  • Planning for and approving organisational income and expenditure
  • Recruitment and selection of employees
  • Providing direction and support to the workers in delivering services to young women

The Manager is responsible for the day to day running of the organisation and is directly accountable to the Management Committee. Other workers employed by Othila’s are directly accountable to the Manager.