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Cornerstone February 2004 Update:
From the CEO:
As the lunch was being served at Cornerstone last Wednesday I noticed that
there were a few familiar faces missing. These included those who had
succumbed to their physical and/or mental illnesses and were currently in
hospital, the unemployed who had found a job, those who had been the
victims of violence and have moved on, the young ones who have moved
interstate looking for a new beginning and those who through despair and
their depression no longer ventured out of their unit. Some we will see
again but many are part of that continual surge of fringe dwellers who
live, for a time, in Greater Dandenong and Casey and move on.
On the credit side there were smiles on many faces and it was not just
because they were perhaps having the first feed in several days. One had
returned to tell us they had a job, another had finally been reconciled
with a loved one, another now had regular access to see his kids, another
was thrilled to have been a good mate to a friend in need,
another was feeling worthwhile for the first time in years while another was
getting great satisfaction out of being a good volunteer at Cornerstone.
This is the real world of the disadvantaged that most of Australia never
sees and rarely wants to see. These are the "real battlers" who live day
by day surviving in many cases on a pittance. Jesus encouraged his
followers to be involved with these people as He was and was continually
pro-active towards them. As we move into 2004 the needs appear to be
growing and the resources shrinking and so the challenge is to see a
release in funds to provide an adequate lifestyle for all Aussies.
Ps. Max Walker. CEO.
Volunteers' Training Night:
This night was an outstanding success with 45 volunteers and potential
volunteers attending. Pastor Max Walker, CEO, outlined the Cornerstone
philosophy and the role of the Team Leader and volunteer at Cornerstone.
After the meeting several volunteers including churches seeking to be
involved spent time with the CEO and the Board members discussing the
options available to those seeking to use the Drop In. Most appreciated that
the meeting was advertised to last one hour and this was the case. There
are now over 50 volunteers involved in the Cornerstone programs.
Legal Service:
Cornerstone free legal service has begun the year with a large number of
people seeking assistance. The new area (the old op shop) has a waiting room
and this provides more privacy for those attending. Magazines and tea
making facilities enhance the area..
The centre is open from 9.00 am - 12
noon on a Wednesday and
on the first Thursday Night of the month from 8 -
10.00 p.m.
Appointments can be made by ringing
9794 8420
or just drop into
the centre during the advertised hours.
Monday afternoon pool:
The Drop In is open on Monday afternoon from 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
supervised by Jimbo and team.
This program is for those interested in
playing pool.
Saturday Night Programs:
The Board of Management is giving a great deal of consideration to the
Saturday Night program. Numbers attending in late 2003 varied greatly and
often late in the evening there were only a handful left. It was therefore
decided in late December to revamp the program. A number of groups were
approached to see if they were interested in running a particular Saturday
Night. The response was encouraging.
Three church groups. Dandenong
Baptist, Southern Vineyard, Grant Renkema¹s Home group, and Fountain Gate
Christian Centre are coming on board. A major christian youth organisation
YFC will run a youth night in April and May and if this is a success will
consider other programs during 2004. If there are Saturday nights not
covered the Board has decided, if a team cannot be organised, to close the
program on that particular night. Each month a flyer will be distributed to
acquaint people with the month's Saturday Night activities.
The time of the
program has also been adjusted from 7.00 - 10.00 p.m.
The dates for
February: February 21st Cornerstone closed.
February 28th Team from Southern Vineyard.
Special Needs:
There is a continual need for financial donation and for tea, coffee,
cordial, tinned soups and vegetables. Financial assistance can be sent to
The Treasurer,
PO Box 358 Dandenong 3175
and non perishable items can be
dropped off at our Wednesday and Friday programs between 8.30 am and 1.00p.m. Current Programs:
- Monday:
Pool......1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
- Wednesday
Drop In, Lunch, Corrections program, Free legal service from 9.00
am - 1.00 p.m.
- Thursday:
Drop In 6.30 pm , Gospel Hour 7-8 pm,closes at 10.00 p.m.
- Friday:
Drop In, Lunch, Corrections program, from 9.00 am - 1.00 p.m.
- Saturday:
Drop In: 7.00 - 10.00 pm.
Pastor David runs a Monday program at the Dandenong Psychiatric Hospital. Corrections Program:
This program is now in its ninth year and has been a wonderful assistance to
the overall success and longevity of Cornerstone. Initially only involved in
the cleaning program personnel are now involved in nearly every aspect to
the Wednesday and Friday program. Hundreds of people have assisted over the
years and become familiar with Cornerstone. David Monroe, our current
supervisor of the program has been involved in the program for 5 years
while Felix over the past 3 years has ably assisted him. Cornerstone has
been recognised as a safe work site.
Health Department Classification:
The City of Greater Dandenong has again recognised Cornerstone by providing
the appropriate certification to Register Cornerstone as a restaurant. The
Council meets the cost of this registration and we thank them for their
assistance and support.
Visitation Program:
Pastor Max and Pastor David and other members of the Board are available
to speak to small and large groups concerning the activities and work at
Cornerstone. Contact us to arrange suitable times.
Cornerstone:
Pastor Max Walker CEO. |
| Postal Address: | PO BOX 358
Dandenong Vic 3175 |
| Address: | Church of Christ building
cnr Mason and Walker Sts
Dandenong Vic 3175. |
| General Enquiries: | (03) 9794 5654 |
| Fax: | (03) 9794 5949 |
Email:
 | ALLMAX@bigpond.com |
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