  |
| | ||
| | ||
| | ||
| | ||
| |||
| | ||
|
CEO'S OBSERVATIONS: For many of us who face the annual and onerous task of preparing submissions that will determine whether our organisation will continue to exist beyond the current funding period the past few weeks have been time of re-assessment and evaluation. Cornerstone is fortunate that we are an organisation that depends solely on volunteers for its workforce and do not have to find the annual salaries of key staff. But this does not make the task of applying for funds any easier as the time has to be allocated to prepare and write submissions. The larger the organisation and the bigger the budget this can tie up key personnel to the detriment of the organisation overall. There is a moment of sheer joy when the paper work is completed and the submission delivered to the appropriate authority. It would appear to me that there are certain key organisations that are essential to our community so that the needs of the distressed and underpriviledged can be met and these should be an automatic budget line in Council finances. All the other varying activities that seek funds from Council should seek assistance through the Community Grants mechanism. Cornerstone exists by the grace of God and the initial $1000 to set the place up, 11 years ago, came out of the pocket of one of the original donors. With the advent of the meals program in 1996 the financial needs of the organisation escalated as the lunch program went from 6 casseroles and 20 people in February '96 to today with 130 partaking of a nourishing meal twice a week. Last year the total budget was over $40,000 and, through the grace of God this was achieved. In 2003, as over the past 11 years, we look to see God working through a variety of people to keep the doors open, the meals coming and to meet this years budget of over $50,000. To survive Cornerstone has seen 11 years of Godıs provision. Miracles do happen today. Ps. Max Walker. 15/5/03 MALICIOUS VANDALS STRIKE EASTER MONDAY: It was disappointing to arrive at Cornerstone on the Wednesday morning to find two of the large windows affronting Walker Street smashed and the resultant chaos that that entails. Rather than close the Drop In for the day and cancel the lunch a group of volunteers led by Ian McFarland, Felix and Jimbo cleaned up the mess and the program was run as normal. The same afternoon at a meeting at the CAB Luke Donnellan, the Member for Narre Warren North informed the CEO that he had just sent a cheque for $500 to Cornerstone and this would probably meet the cost of one of the windows. The quote for the windows is approximately $1100. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks sufficent funds will become available to replace both windows. Currently they are patched and the weather has remained fine. A VISIT FROM THE CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG HEALTH INSPECTORS: On the same day as the windows were discovered the Health Inspectors made a spot visit to Cornerstone. 130 people were being served and it gave them a chance to see the operation in action. As a result of their visit Cornerstone received Council registration to operate for another year. CORNERSTONE CONCENTRATES ON DROP IN AND MEALS PROGRAM: As Cornerstone does not receive state and/or federal funding for crisis and emergency material aid it was decided that food parcels and vouchers would no longer be available. It was felt that Dandenong CAB, Dandenong Benevolent Society and the other agencies who receive funding for material aid were better able to assess clients seeking such aid and had trained volunteer staff to do the necessary interviewing and follow up. This would then allow Cornerstone to meet the escalating costs of food purchases and to further develop and maintain the meals program. Financial donations and donations of non perishable food items would be used in the preparation of the meals at the various programs. OLD POTBELLIED HEATER SUCCUMBS TO THE RAVAGES OF TIME: Donated to Cornerstone and connected to the gas system 11 years ago this old heater was even then secondhand. Today parts are no longer available and it is no longer safe to run. The Board is currently looking at options to replace it. Until it can be replaced the portable industrial heater will be used. If the old heater could talk what stories it could tell of the thousands of people who sat around it on bleak winter nights at Cornerstone. PROGRAMS: Monday Afternoon: Due to small numbers it was decided to discontinue this program at this time. Wednesday and Friday Drop In: From the opening of the doors st 9.00 am people gather to play pool, to socialise, to play cards, to sit and be quiet. Morning tea of sticky buns provides breakfast for many of the people and there is a continual stream of people wishing to talk with the volunteers. By 11.45 am when the lunch is served between 100 - 130 people enjoy the meal and the friendship offered. The Drop In closes at 1.00 p.m. Thursday Night Drop In: Depending on the week, pension or not, the weather and the state of the streets up to 50 people attend the Drop In which opens at 6.30 p.m. 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. an hour of gospel music and stories and videos provide a place to relax and enjoy what is on offer. The normal drop in activities commence at 8.00 p.m. with soup and a light refreshments being served. The Cornerstone solicitor provides a free service from 8-10.00 p.m and this is always well patronised. The program finishes at 10.00 p.m. Saturday Night Drop In: This starts at 8.00 p.m. with a variety of programs including music, games, special programs, theme nights etc. Once a month the Luncheon Club of Dandenong Lions provide a Sausage Sizzle. Light refreshments are provided each night. The program concludes at 11.00 or thereabouts. Hospital Program: Pastoral Care is provided at Dandenong Psychiatric Hospital by Pastor David Grice who visits the hospital and runs a Monday morning program. Cornerstone also has an Op Shop open during the Wednesday program. Driver Awareness also use the building as does a Church Youth Group on a Friday Night. Cornerstone also runs a program with Dandenong Department of Corrections and these people assist with cleaning and the luncheon programs. NEEDS: There is a continuous need for donations of tea, coffee and tins of soup. These can be left at Cornerstone during any of the programs. Other Donations can be sent to the Treasurer c/o PO BOX 358 Dandenong, 3175. VISITORS: The past month has seen a variety of people from other organisations come to observe the program and to discuss activities with the CEO. These include agency personnel, college students, local government representatives, church leaders, and business people as well as interested individuals. Visitors are always welcome and information packs are available on request. People seeking to assist as volunteers need to discuss this with the CEO and Ps. David Grice, Board Chairman..
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cornerstone operates under the business name Cornerstone Contact Centre Inc. (AOO29459A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
