Christ Church Mission’s Community Centre, St Kilda
Welcome to your spring update on Christ Church Mission’s Community Centre, St Kilda. Good things are happening so hope you enjoy the news. Hope you are also enjoying the colours of spring as much as we are enjoying the colours on our site at 14 Acland Street.
In August, we farewelled Mike Wilson who was the President of Christ Church Mission Inc for more than half our existence. In his quiet way, Mike has made sure that we can keep operating. He has put in many hours to keep us compliant and viable.
Everyone who has worked with Mike knows what a support and strength he has been. We were able to thank him at an afternoon tea provided by our amazing volunteers. The Quilting group kindly gave Mike (left of image!) a stunning quilt to make sure he never forgets us.
Geoffrey Court, who was involved with founding the Community Centre, has taken over as President.
Neighbour Connect Program
As a result of our Community Centre recently receiving a City of Port Phillip Social Inclusion grant for our “Neighbour Connect” Program, we are building partnerships with the Department of Human Service (Office of Housing) , Sacred Heart Mission, Elwood & St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (E&SNLC) and the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP).
Each Wednesday. our “Neighbour Connect” program provides a weekly ‘gentle exercise’ , lunch and social activity in public housing for the elderly. The program involves chair-based yoga exercise, followed by an informal social get-together over lunch: an activity which facilitates the improvement of participant’s local service knowledge, and English language skills
Neighbour Connect: each Wednesday
Venue: 17 The Esplanade, St Kilda , Community Room
Chair based Yoga: 12.00 noon – 12.45 pm
Lunch and Social activities: 12.50pm – 2.00pm
Cost: $3.00
For enquiries, give us a call on 9534 9250.
‘Work this Way’ Project
In early October we will be piloting with Port Phillip Community Group an employment Pathway project known as ‘Work this Way’. Over a period of 10 weeks, 12 to 15 unemployed participants will undertake skills development and work experience in basic kitchen / cooking duties and / or gardening, with a view to gaining employment. As part of the project, the Community Centre will be overseeing the hospitality training of participants as a component of the weekly preparation for our Wednesday night ‘Open House’ meal. Gardening training of participants will form part of the Kitchen Garden activity each Thursday. Work experience for the participants is to occur with local businesses early next year. It should be an exciting experience for everyone !!
So far, Greg has assisted Clients with the Emergency Food and Toiletries cupboard, been on a Garden Nomad working bee, helped in the community garden, joined with Neighbour Connect and the Open House Meals programs. Greg has also started a short course in Public Speaking with the Voices of the South Side “Speaking Out” course to further develop his confidence and broaden his experience of working with marginalised groups.
The Garden Nomads Program
The Garden Nomad program not only brings great joy to the residents who are unable to manage their gardens on their own….but in turn brings equal joy to the Garden Nomad volunteers. Here’s Elenud. The photo from her garden shows just why it’s so rewarding to visit her special little garden.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity?
Now with spring in the air, we have plenty of call outs for Garden Nomads to help people keep on top of their garden jobs. Please give us a call (9534 9250) if this is something you would like to do
November Fair
When the Parish of Christ Church holds its Annual Fair on Saturday November 30th, on the 14 Acland Street site, we are planning to provide Devonshire Teas to raise funds. Hope to see you there!
Best wishes from the team at St Kilda’s Little Mission
We acknowledge the support we receive from the following organisations and others who are recognised in our Annual Report
