 It has been a long, cold winter...
And as we welcome spring we would like to thank everyone who has supported the EMC and our guests through the cold, especially the ''Take one, Leave one'' winter coat project, the knitters of Tuggeranong who have maintained a stock of beanies and scarves, Ozharvest with its ongoing supply of fresh food for our lunches, and Safe Shelter where many of our guests have found a warm and safe place to sleep on these chilly nights.
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Implementing the Business Plan
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EMC staff and volunteers continue to develop new activities based on the strategies outlined in the Business Plan.
As well as our ongoing regular activities, there are now monthly Optometrist visits, fortnightly Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellors attending from Catholic Care and regular Naloxone Overdose Response Workshops with CAHMA.
Numbers are increasing during the community hub (from 9am to 2pm) with computers, crisis food packs and lunches particularly popular. Although breakfasts were quieter in July, numbers for August are increasing with new faces being seen every morning along with the regulars.
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The EMC took a lead role in coordinating Homeless Connect which was held on Wednesday, 8 August, during Homelessness Week. The event was opened by ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry.
Over 100 guests attended and they were able to browse through more than 30 stalls. There were items being given away as well as information being provided on a wide range of health and community services such as housing. Guests were also able to access haircuts and bicycle maintenance as well as food, clothing and music making.
Homeless Connect was a great success and will be repeated next year. Congratulations to our Director, Nicole Wiggins, and her supportive staff for all their work in ensuring this was a meaningful and useful day for all who attended.
Click here to view photos from the day on Facebook.
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Breaking the Cycle - A ride across Australia to raise awareness of homelessness and to raise funds for the Early Morning Centre.
Regular Friday breakfast volunteer, Malcolm Leslie, together with brothers Johnathan and Gavin Drury, are setting out on an epic 4 week ride in September to raise awareness of homelessness and to help fund a new program being launched by the Early Morning Centre, Recipes for Success.
This unique program will provide fortnightly hands-on cooking workshops for guests. The workshops will teach cooking skills, budgeting for food and a better understanding of nutrition. At the same time, these workshops will provide social interaction - a key factor in helping people escape the cycle of homelessness. A recipe book will be compiled at the completion of the project and it will include the recipes used, information on nutrition and photos and quotes from guests who have participated in the workshops.
Malcolm and his two companions will be riding coast to coast, from Perth to Tathra (a 4,000km ride)!
Click here to view their Facebook page (please like and share) and click here to view their fundraising page on MyCause
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Street to Home & Street Law
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 The Street to Home and Street Law programs visit the EMC regularly and have done so for many years. The Street to Home workers assist rough sleepers while Streetlaw is particularly effective helping guests who require legal advice on issues such as payment of fines. |
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 Although our Patron Tim Gavel (ABC Sports) has announced his retirement, we are delighted that he is still happy to be our Patron.
Tim is a tireless advocate for the EMC and encourages this interest in everyone he meets.
We appreciate his ongoing commitment which is as diverse as delivering the bread for breakfast (which is generously donated by Brumby's Bakery in Ainslie) and discussing the fortunes of the Raiders with guests to attending our events and acting as our MC whenever asked.
Thank you, Tim!
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 Our Client Referral Officer, John McDonald, has now worked at the EMC for 10 years! Our guests value John's friendship and assistance and we congratulate him on his 10 years. His knowledge of our guests and his understanding of the importance of the EMC in their lives is invaluable. |
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Connect with us on Facebook
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 Are you on Facebook? Follow @theearlymorningcentre to make sure you are regularly updated with what’s going at the EMC!
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