Newsletter Archive  
June Newsletter 2005

Editorial:

One of the characteristics that is commented on at Cornerstone is the continual sense of fun that emanates from the volunteers. The Bible teaches that laughter is a good medicine. For many who attend Cornerstone there is little for them to get excited about let alone laugh about. The struggle to make ends meet, to survive in our materialistic society for most is no laughing matter. However, Cornerstone sets out to encourage laughter and a sense of enjoyment for those who avail themselves of the Drop in and lunch facility. Happy, outgoing non judgemental volunteers assist in the development of a sense of belonging for the regulars and a pleasant change for the newcomers who often comment on the happy feeling in the Drop In and the high degree of acceptance they experience. Because of their condition, their poverty, their situation often they are moved on or at best treated with disdain by the general public and as merely a number by many agencies. Cornerstone, through its volunteers sets out to be non discriminatory and to provide a family atmosphere typifying the love Jesus continually demonstrated to the poor, the needy, the widow, the stranger and the orphan.

Pastor Max Walker. CEO.
Program Focus:

1. Corrections:
The program with CORE (the Department of Corrections in Dandenong)commenced in 1994 with a team of workers doing essential cleaning work at Cornerstone. Under the leadership of Norm Austin, Phil Farmer, John Murray and Ian McFarland the program has developed until it has become an integral part of Cornerstone weekly activities. The current leader of the program David Munroe came to us through the program, on a community order. David, when given the opportunity to lead the program grasped the opportunity with both hands and has shown himself to be an excellent leader and administers the program with firmness and compassion. David also is one of our purchasing officers and a member of the Board of Management.

2: Music Program:
This program commenced in 2004 led by George and Vickie Sarkartzis. Looking for a place to exercise his and Vickie's Christian gifting in music they have developed this Wednesday night program aimed at reaching musical instruments etc to interested people at Cornerstone. This is a low key program developed to meet the particular needs of the people it ministers unto. George and Vickie are members of Cornerstone 2005 Board. They are also part of the leadership team at Livewire sponsored by ERMHA on a Monday Night in Doveton.

3.Activities done by Ps. Don Cameron
Ps.Don Cameron
Ps.Don Cameron in action over May/June.
  • Every Monday afternoon program run by Jimbo
  • Every Wednesday morning program
  • Every Friday morning program
  • Every Friday afternoon video program
  • Five of the past eight Saturday night programs
  • Every 2nd Sunday afternoon (preaching at all four and playing music at one)
Don has attended the following meetings on behalf of Cornerstone;
  • Dandenong Pastors prayer meeting (Thursday mornings)
  • Casey Pastors prayer meeting (Wednesday mornings)
  • Monthly City of Casey Youth Meetings (Wednesday mornings)
  • Monthly Young People's Involvement Project (City of Greater Dandenong)
  • Mon + Wed afternoon training with Casey Roos Football Club. Organised under the Middway (Mental illness doesn't discriminate! What about You!)banner this gives people with disabilities the opportunity to compete in a football competition.
  • Weekly discipleship/time with three boys (two of the three are Cornerstone people.) 'Overcoming homophobia' meeting run by the Cities of Casey/Cardinia and Dandenong

  

Cornerstone Clean up Day.
ANZ staffscleaning
(Above) ANZ staff assist volunteers clean up drop in centre

ANZ staff assist Cornerstone volunteers and clean up Drop In Centre.

Joey's Van wins Tatts Award.
It was great to see that Joey's van was a monthly winner in the Tatts Awards. Hail or shine for many years they have provided food in the Plaza for the needy people in Dandenong. Many people are weekly blessed by their commitment and compassion.
Pastor David Grice recuperating.
Pastor David is making a gradual recovery after a spell in hospital and hopes to be out and about soon. David and Patricia wish to thank all those who who sent their best wishes while he was in hospital. Numbers for June: Numbers have been constant throughout June without the high numbers seen in June in previous years. This reflects the warmer weather but as the days become colder the Drop In is a welcome place to visit and escape the bitterly cold winds of Dandenong Business district.
Attendance
Saturday Night: Attendance between 50 - 80 depending on the weather.
Daytime programs range from 40 - 110,
Wednesday lunch peaked at 110 last week with the Friday lunch program averaging 85 people.

Total through the doors up to June 22nd. 1160
Latest Shots:
signage(Right ) New Sign advertising Cornerstone

Weekly Programs.-DROP IN OPEN
Mon 1.00pm -4.00pm
Wed 9.00am - 1.00pm
Free legal service 9.00am -1.00pm
Lunch at 11.45am
Friday 9.00am -1.00pm
Lunch at 11.45am
Sat 7.00pm -10.00pm
Sunday for details: see local press

kitchen(Right) photo in kitchen with Editorial
For further details check out the website or contact us as indicated below. *

All correspondence to
CEO c/o PO Box 358 Dandenong. 3175.

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
Free Legal Service: (03) 9794 8428
Email:
 ALLMAX@bigpond.com
     
  Cornerstone operates under the business name Cornerstone Contact Centre Inc. (AOO29459A)