The Smith Family
Encyclopedia
The Smith Family is an Australian, independent non-profit children's charity committed to unlocking opportunities for disadvantaged children and their families to participate more fully in society, using education as the key.
The Smith Family history
Shortly before ChristmasChristmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
in 1922, five businessmen returning from a trip to the Blue Mountains visited an orphanage to share the Christmas spirit by providing the children with toys and sweets. Wishing their donation to be anonymous, each man responded as "Smith" when asked his name by the matron of the establishment.
And so The Smith Family came into existence.
During the Depression of the late 1920s and early 30s, The Smith Family assisted with the food and clothing needs of thousands of Australians as unemployment soared and responsibility for the care of children and families fell to organisations such as The Smith Family.
In 1933 when rheumatic fever became a major health issue affecting children, The Smith Family set up a special hospital, Mt Arcadia in North Parramatta, to care for them. It closed in 1958.
In 1960, The Smith Family, under the leadership of General Secretary George Forbes
George Forbes (philanthropist)
George Kennedy Forbes , was an Australian philanthropist and women's advocate. In 1950, he was appointed General Secretary of The Smith Family, one of Australia's best-known not-for-profit organizations, and remained with that organization for 32 years...
, founded VIEW Clubs Australia (Voice, Interest and Education of Women) to provide a support network for women.
The 1970s saw The Smith Family react to the needs of refugee families fleeing war in Vietnam and Timor and supporting the residents of Darwin recover from the devastation inflicted by Cyclone Tracey.
The Smith Family today
"The Smith Family" identifies as an evidence based organisation seeking to unlock opportunities for disadvantaged Australians.The Smith Family offers programs and initiatives that help achieve the following outcomes:
Early Years (0-5years)- All children are ready for school.
The Smith Family strongly supports emergent and numeracy skill development and through various initiatives is working towards an outcome where disadvantaged children are ready for school.
Primary School (6–12 years) - All children meet minimum literacy and numeracy standards.
The Smith Family aims to ensure that disadvantaged aged between 6 to 12 years of age, meet minimum literacy and numeracy standards by supporting their development in school years.
Middle School (12–16 years)- All young people stay engaged in education and learning.
The Smith Family provides opportunities to help disadvantaged young people to stay engaged in education and learning.
Young Adults (16–24 years) - All young people make a smooth transition from school to work or further education.
The Smith Family supports young disadvantaged adults in their preparation to undertake the transition from school to work or further education, so that they have a clearer idea of their abilities, interests, and the opportunities available to them.
Parents/Carers (25+) - All parents and carers have the skills and qualifications to lead active and productive lives.The Smith Family encourages dual generational lifelong learning so that parents and carers have the ability to build their skills and qualifications and in turn, lead active and productive lives (strong families).