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Processes were redefined, some services were dropped, and others took their place.
It was time to consider marketing, and creative avenues to source further funding and supplement assistance from the government.
With a long and colourful history, MCM underwent many changes in order to remain relevant to Melburnians. Society was quickly changing and so too were the needs of local communities.
More women took paid work, which lessened the number of ladies taking up volunteer positions.
There was also a wider acceptance of single mothers as the definition of “family” was shifting.
This new outlook impacted the running of Hartnett House and instead a focus was placed on assisting people in their own homes.
Volunteers were replaced with professionally trained staff during the 20th Century
This was due to the taking up of care of people by the government and growing public expectations.
Social work as a field was undergoing development. Professional techniques of care were being redefined and now focused on empowerment.
The previous “hand-out” style was abandoned and the term “client” was introduced.
MCM’s clients would now have a say over the kind of support they would receive.
Just as MCM processes were changing, so too was the way the organisation was funded and regulated. I
This percentage rose to 80% by 1988. This line of funding created a new way of thinking for the organisation.
MCM now had to consider policy changes, regulation and marketing. Funding was often given to “popular” issues at the time and government pensions now assisted the people MCM was supporting.
Government funding never completely covered the costs of MCM programs and was never offered for the creation of a central office. Supplemental funding was needed.
Until the 1970s, general marketing and fundraising was achieved mainly through visits from missionaries to protestant churches and collections by local church women.
Opportunity shops offered MCM support for more than a decade. Afterwards, it became important to boost other sources of fundraising.
Policy changes and delays in funding meant some services were delayed or no longer provided.
Nursing homes were being run by others for profit, leading MCM to decide it need no longer offer this service.
Gaps in support were sought out to ensure the people who needed assistance most were receiving it.
As a result, a new focus was placed on young people in the areas of employment, housing, and supporting people with a disability.