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July Newsletter 2005
Editorial:
When you have to pay rent, clothes and debts out of your pension it's a great help to come to a place like Cornerstone that
gives two bloody great meals a week.
To hear such a testimony from one of those who visit Cornerstone is a great encouragement to us all. But it again highlights the difficulty
so many people are having just making ends meet. It's not easy for those on the dole or pensions and many live on the poverty line or
below it. Despite the fact most live very frugal lives a sudden increase in rent, an unexpected debt, an illness can push many to the
point of desperation. For those of us who take for granted a roof over our heads there are many who do not have this security. Many live with
the constant fear of being put out of their room, their unit and/or their caravan. Add to these those who are homeless and those who live
in their cars and we see an increasingly dismal picture. Most people who come to Cornerstone come to meet a need. For many it is a chance
to get a free, three course meal to help them through the week. For some it is the only hot meal they have each week. For others it may be
the only meal they have had for two or three days. Others come for a warm place to sit and not be moved on because their appearance may
offend or affect business. Others suffer the curse of fringedwellers loneliness and come for conversation and the proximity of other people.
Some come for the bottomless coffee cup and the chance to play pool. Cornerstone is a vibrant place where people can laugh, be themselves
and feel safe. It is a place where compassion is not just a word in the dictionary and can be seen in the laughter and positive interaction
that occurs.
Over the past month the world has experienced the excesses of terrorism and the fear and darkness that brings. However, the care that is
demonstrated by ordinary people to ordinary people at Cornerstone reminds us that there are still places that demonstrate the love that
will eventually overcome the fear and darkness that grips much of the world. This love was demonstrated on the cross of Calvary.
Pastor Max Walker. CEO.
MIDDWAY WALK:
Planning for the Walk is well under way with more and more support coming from a variety of groups. The Walk will again culminate with a
festival. The Walk will take place on Wednesday October from approximately 11.00 am. Cornerstone will not provide lunch on that
day, however, we will be open for breakfast on that day as a gathering point for Cornerstone folk participating in the Walk. Further details
in subsequent Updates.
MARION JONES:
After 8 years of involvement with Cornerstone Marion Jones, Board member and Friday Luncheon organiser has decided to resign. The Board
accepted the resignation with regret appreciating Marion's help over the years and wishing her well for the future.
PROMOTIONAL CD.
Monique has produced a CD advertising Cornerstone and in the near future this will be distributed to churches and agencies.
CITY OF GREATER DANDENONG FUNDING:
Cornerstone is finalising the paperwork for the Dandenong Community Grants and have been granted $12,000 as this years grant. The Council
is to be congratulated for introducing three year funding for service to the community organizations such as Cornerstone.
ERMHA BERWICK ART SHOW:
It was great to attend the opening of the ERMHA Berwick Art Show at the Old Cheese Factory. This is one of the day activity programs
organised for ERMHA clients.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY:
A feature of the year this was a great success and thanks go to Team Leaders Amanda Murray and David Munroe and their willing team of
volunteers.
TATTERSALL'S 25TH YEAR OF AWARDS:
Pastor Max Walker as State Winner in 2004 and his wife Alison attended the 2005 Dinner in Melbourne.
VOLUNTEERS NIGHT:
The second volunteer training session was held on Tuesday July 26th. The topic was: "Being a friend to the mentally ill!" The session was
led by Pastor David Grice, Pastoral Care/ Chaplain at Dandenong Psychiatric Hospital and George Sarkatzsis, Board Member and Welfare
Officer at Doveton Community Care Unit. An excellent supper was provided by Avocare Community Cooking program.
EMERGENCY RELIEF NETWORK CASEY:
An initiative of the City of Casey and inaugural meeting was held in an attempt to guage the amount of Emergency Relief being provided in Casey
and the actual need in the municipality. Regular meetings are proposed.
Sunday Afternoon Program:
This program is held approximately every second Sunday from 1.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Thirty minutes of the program is devoted to Christian music and a ten minute talk on a Christian topic. Several groups from local churches have presented a short program. The next Sunday program will be on Sunday August 14th when Pastor Max & Alison will lead. For the rest of the time normal Drop
In activities occur and food is provided. Pastor Don Cameron leads the team running the Sunday program. |
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Article in STAR/News
 For those receiving this as an email I have included as an attachment an excellent article written by Rebecca Frazer of the News/STAR. For
the printed version it is on page 5 or Download Pdf
Bits & Pieces:
Pastor Don has taken groups to Telstra Dome for the football over recent weeks. Over the past few weeks Cornerstone has had
a variety of visitors from Agencies, Employment Groups and workers from the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong.
Numbers:
Colder weather has seen an increase in the luncheon program on Wednesday and Friday.
So far this month:
550 meals provided on
Wednesday & Fridays.
Sundays: 80 attendees.
Monday: 140 attendees.
Saturday Night programs: 170 have attended the
three Saturdays so far this month.
Overall numbers continue to grow and the numbers seeking assistance through referral to other agencies
continue unabated.
Visit from Council Health Department:
The Annual inspection has occurred and once again, apart from a few minor adjustments the Cornerstone food program has been approved.
Program for August:
- Monday :
1.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m Pool. Drop In open.
- Wednesday :
9.00 - 1.00 pm. Drop In/ Lunch at 11.45 am Free legal service 9.00 - noon.
- Friday :
9.00 - 1.00 pm. Drop In/ Lunch at 11.45 am Video program 1.00 - 1.30 p.m.
- Saturday Nights :
7.00 - 10.00 p.m. Drop In and refreshments.
- Sundays in August:
Sunday 14th & 28th 1.00 - 4,00 pm. Drop in & Christian Music. Food and Pool.
The Unseen Heroes:
These are the folk who never seek to be seen but do the little jobs about the place that need to be done. They grab a tea towel and help with the dishes, they empty the slops bucket, they help unload supplies or assist the bread lady, they talk to the newcomer, collect the mugs from the street and tidy up. Without them the task of the leaders would be far more complex and Cornerstone would not function as well as it does. They are too many to list but we appreciate all they do.
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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:
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ALLMAX@bigpond.com |
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