Doncare has been operating in Melbourne's inner east since 1969 providing support to people experiencing significant economic and social disadvantage in the community. Doncare provides personalised support services including counselling; family services; social support; child mental health assistance; domestic violence support; crisis management and volunteering programs. Doncare has established a reputation for connecting people in the community. The philosophy "by the community, for the community" remains true to Doncare's core business of strengthening, and supporting the local community through helping people overcome adversity and to the ethos of volunteering. Volunteerism makes it possible for Doncare to deliver the range of support services. Family Services work intensively with families in partnership with Child Protection to promote child safety, development and permanency and to increase parenting capacity and improve family functioning. Community Support Workers provide financial and material assistance to families experiencing emotional or economic hardship. DAWN provides long-term support to women recovering from the ramifications of domestic violence through a mentoring process, where volunteers are matched with a client. The program’s focus is to improve the safety, confidence, and community connectedness of abused women. The Social Support for Seniors program provides volunteer supported social and recreational outings. The Community Visitors Scheme plays a vital role in providing companionship for older people who are experiencing loneliness or isolation living in Residential Aged Care Homes or in their own homes and receiving a Commonwealth Aged Care Package. Doncare operates seven opportunity shops in the cities of Manningham and Whitehorse, as well as an online store that raise substantial funds for Doncare programs.