UnitingCare Disability acting director Fiona Coluccio said the partnership would provide the organisation with a greater capacity to respond when help was needed.

“We are very excited about it,” she told the Hunter Valley News.

“It’s unique that it has the strength of a large organisation and the community focus.

“[UnitingCare is] part of the Uniting Church as the service arm of the church to fulfil its missions.”

Ms Coluccio said the organisation doesn’t have a “cookie-cutter” approach to projects, but rather tailors its assistance to the specific needs of each community.

She praised the dedication of the Singleton volunteers and staff members who have worked with the group since it began locally.

“The amount of care and concern has been humbling,” she said.

“[The local services] wouldn’t exist without the committee and UnitingCare Disability NSW/ACT is supporting them in their continuing mission.”

Maureen Timmins has been a member of the local team for almost all of its 10-year existence – and is very passionate about the cause.

As a volunteer and mother, she said the organisation had been a fantastic and inclusive support within the community.

“It’s been a great thing to watch it grow,” she said.

“We’ve always had the support from UnitingCare – we wouldn’t have been able to survive without their back up and support.”

UnitingCare Disability Singleton’s Janice Lawrence is very grateful for community support.

“Thanks to members of the community who attended the trivia nights, local businesses, mining companies, the Bike Ride committee, and Kathy and Tom Kermode,” she said.

The organisation provides support for local children living with a disability and their families and hopes in the future to provide more services within the roll out of the National Disability Services Scheme.