THE ST. DOMINIC'S RC CHURCH
CARE MINISTRY
"CARE MINISTRY" STORY
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The Care Ministry is a non-profit, voluntary, community-based organisation, formed in December 2009 as an outreach initiative at St. Dominic’s RC Church. The Care Ministry provides services aimed at improving the quality of life and enhancing the well-being of people, particularly the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the community, for better physical, spiritual, mental and social health, regardless of their religion.
The Care Ministry’s work is sustained through the generosity and willing support of parishioners and friends of the parish, including members of the business sector, who make donations in cash and in kind. The Ministry would not be able to function without donations and likewise without the support of dedicated volunteers. |
Volunteers can be of any religious denomination. The Care Ministry seeks to promote a culture of volunteerism in a framework which embraces diversity and fellowship by encouraging a willingness to serve in a compassionate and non-judgemental way.
The Care Ministry (CM) serves “those in need” - the hungry; low income, one-income, single-parent families; shut-ins/disabled; the elderly; the unemployed; the homeless; the disadvantaged, the lonely and depressed. We also serve others who may not fall into the category of ‘those in need’ but who choose to use the Ministry’s services and make a donation to the Ministry’s work. Programmes and services are open to all, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender. The Care Ministry’s catchment area is Christ Church, however people from all over the island have received assistance through the various programmes, which is provided free of cost. |
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
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The Care Ministry’s flag-ship service, launched in 2009, is the ‘Soup Kitchen’ that provides a nutritious cooked meal once per week to those who are finding it difficult to make ends meet. Other programmes were launched in 2011:
Life Counselling, helps individuals, couples and families to manage their difficulties and transform personal problems into their own personal growth. This confidential service is provided by a qualified Psychologist and is by appointment only. The purpose of the Adult Literacy Programme is to increase the economic self-sufficiency of low-income adults, empower them and improve their chances for gainful employment. The programme helps adults who have slipped through the system without being able to read. The Literacy Programme for children teaches school-aged children with little or no reading skills or with reading difficulties. The Lessons Programme provides remedial tutoring for primary and secondary school students. Currently classes include preparation for the 11-Plus examination and English and Mathematics for Secondary School students. The Legal Clinic provides legal information and summary legal advice to low income people on matters such as housing problems, tenant rights, property/land matters etc. This service is provided by a qualified attorney-at-law and is by appointment only. |
The Employment Service provides people with the tools to re-enter the job market such as helping with Resumes; job search and interviewing skills. The Employment Service is provided by an experienced Human Resource Practitioner and is by appointment only.
Although the Care Ministry seeks to give a ‘hand up’ rather than just ‘hand outs’, we are compelled to meet the immediate needs of those who are struggling to make ends meet. The CM therefore found it necessary, in these tough economic times, to expand the Ministry’s outreach to meet immediate needs in the community by introducing new programmes: In October 2013, the “Hamper Programme” was launched to supply ‘needy’ families with non-perishable groceries and toiletries once per month. Donations from the Barbados International Business Association, BIBA, gave to boost to launch the programme. In addition, the last weekend of the month has been designated ‘collection weekend’ when parishioners and others wishing to donate can bring items. In January 2014 CM will launch Breakfast Programmes at Christ Church Girls Primary School and Milton Lynch Boys Primary School, in collaboration with the YWCA, to provide a healthy, hearty breakfast to pupils before the start of school. Based on preliminary numbers received from schools, CM expects to serve 80 to 100 daily. CM is currently seeking donations to help to sustain the programme, working with the YWCA. |
VISION STATEMENT
To become a trusted provider of services that help those in need improve the quality of their lives by listening to and anticipating their needs, exercising compassion and providing access to skills, tools and information to help them recognise their worth and become empowered.
To develop a cadre of trained volunteers who use their gift and treasures to compassionately serve the people of God.
MISSION
To demonstrate compassion to those in need, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender, by providing tangible help and access to opportunities that will improve the quality of their lives. “Compassion without walls”
To promote a culture of volunteerism in a framework which seeks to embrace diversity and fellowship by encouraging a willingness to serve in a compassionate and non-judgemental way.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers can be of any religious denomination. The only criterion is the willingness to serve and observance of ‘the golden’ rule – “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets“. Matt. 7:12
VALUES - Compassion, Collaboration & Partnership, Dignity, Diversity, Empowerment, Respect, Valuing Volunteers
COMPASSION
Our fundamental response is COMPASSION. We are deeply affected by the suffering of our brothers and sisters and, alongside them, we take action to alleviate it. We recognise the unique value of each individual and strive to help meet their needs as a whole person, in a compassionate and professional manner.
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIP
We believe in working in partnership with others (individuals, organisations, community groups) to reach those in need and to achieve higher levels of service
DIGNITY
We believe in the intrinsic dignity of every person and help all people, regardless of race, gender and religion
EMPOWERMENT
We seek to empower people so that they can help themselves to achieve a better quality of life.
RESPECT
We seek to create an open and caring organisation, rooted in Christian values, that welcomes and respects peoples of all faiths VALUING VOLUNTEERS. We believe that OUR volunteers should be well-trained and valued for the work they do.
TAG LINE
What makes us special and unique? ‘Compassion without walls’
DONATIONS
All monetary donations should be made payable to St. Dominic’s Church for the Care Ministry and such donations should be addressed to the Parish Priest. All other donations should be labelled “Care Ministry” and be delivered to St. Dominic’s Pastoral Centre during opening hours of the Parish Office. Contact the Care Ministry on 260-1987 for information on grocery items to donate for the Soup Kitchen and Hampers for Families.
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship of any programme is welcome.
· Sponsor a Soup Kitchen meal
· Sponsor a Family Hamper
· Sponsor a Breakfast Programme for a day, a week, once per month
For further information, call (246) 260-1987 or send email to [email protected]
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LOGO
Fish = Jesus; Bread of Life Candle = Lighting the way, Light of the World Pencil = Tools and skills He gave us to share Heart =Love for all Logo design by Sean Ifill |
DONATIONS APPEAL
SOUP KITCHEN
We need on-going help if we are to sustain our meal distribution programme (100 cooked meals for the needy every Wednesday). We are looking for parishioners and friends who can commit to supplying some items once per month. Please give us a call, 260-1987 for information
HAMPER PROGRAMME
Non-perishable food items and toiletries for families in need are collected every LAST WEEKEND OF THE MONTH. A hamper bin is available for this purpose.
Juice or Drink Mix / Teabags, Milo / Corn Beef, Luncheon Meat, Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Sardines, Tinned Fish / Cooking Oil, Salt / Sugar (2 lb bag) / Spices e.g. Blackpepper, Seasoning/stock cubes, e.g. Maggie
Tomato Ketchup / Evaporated Milk, Condensed Milk / Cereal (e.g. Corn Flakes), Oats / Peas – dried or tinned / Tinned Vegetables, Mixed Vegetables, Sweet Corn / Rice (2 lb bag), Flour (2 lb bag) / Pasta, Spaghetti, Noodles, Ramin / Corn Meal / Crackers (e.g. Sodabix), Snacks for children (e.g. biscuits) / Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, Bar soap / Lotion/Moisturizer / Roll-on deodorant, Powder / Sanitary Napkins / Toilet Paper / Dishwashing liquid, Sponges, Wipes / Laundry Detergent / Insecticide (e.g. Bop)
Multivitamins (children) / Bleach, Disinfectant / Hydrogen Peroxide, Personal Hygiene Antiseptic (e.g. Dettol, Savlon) / Mentholated Lotion (e.g. Alcolado) / Pain Relief (e.g. Panadol) / Petroleum Jelly
BREAKFAST PROGRAMME
The Care Ministry is collaborating with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) to provide a healthy, hearty breakfast to pupils of Christ Church Girls Primary School and Milton Lynch Boys Primary School before the start of school. Corporate sponsorship is welcomed. Call 260-1987 for information.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
EMPLOYERS with full-time, part-time or contract job vacancies are invited to contact the Care Ministry for job applicants. Call 260-1987 for information.
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PROGRAMMES & SERVICES
LESSONS
to provide remedial tutoring for primary school students, Mondays -4:00-5:00 p.m.
to provide remedial tutoring in English for secondary school students, Wednesdays-3:00-4:00 p.m.
to provide remedial tutoring in Mathematics for secondary school students, Saturdays-10:00-11:00 a.m.
LEARN TO READ - To teach reading skills to CHILDREN and ADULTS. Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m.
LIFE COUNSELLING - To help people manage their difficulties and transform, personal problems into their own personal growth. For individuals, couples & families.
LEGAL CLINIC - To provide legal information and summary legal advice to low income people on matters such as housing problems, tenant rights, property/land matters, etc.
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT - To provide the unemployed with the tools to help to maximize their "employability" status.
LIFE COUNSELLING, LEGAL CLINIC AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT services are provided BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, CALL 260-1987
SOUP KITCHEN – To provide a nutritious cooked meal once per week to those in need. Wednesdays between 3:30-4:30 p.m.
All activities at Pastoral Centre, St. Dominic's RC Church, Maxwell, Christ Church
SOUP KITCHEN
We need on-going help if we are to sustain our meal distribution programme (100 cooked meals for the needy every Wednesday). We are looking for parishioners and friends who can commit to supplying some items once per month. Please give us a call, 260-1987 for information
HAMPER PROGRAMME
Non-perishable food items and toiletries for families in need are collected every LAST WEEKEND OF THE MONTH. A hamper bin is available for this purpose.
Juice or Drink Mix / Teabags, Milo / Corn Beef, Luncheon Meat, Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Sardines, Tinned Fish / Cooking Oil, Salt / Sugar (2 lb bag) / Spices e.g. Blackpepper, Seasoning/stock cubes, e.g. Maggie
Tomato Ketchup / Evaporated Milk, Condensed Milk / Cereal (e.g. Corn Flakes), Oats / Peas – dried or tinned / Tinned Vegetables, Mixed Vegetables, Sweet Corn / Rice (2 lb bag), Flour (2 lb bag) / Pasta, Spaghetti, Noodles, Ramin / Corn Meal / Crackers (e.g. Sodabix), Snacks for children (e.g. biscuits) / Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, Bar soap / Lotion/Moisturizer / Roll-on deodorant, Powder / Sanitary Napkins / Toilet Paper / Dishwashing liquid, Sponges, Wipes / Laundry Detergent / Insecticide (e.g. Bop)
Multivitamins (children) / Bleach, Disinfectant / Hydrogen Peroxide, Personal Hygiene Antiseptic (e.g. Dettol, Savlon) / Mentholated Lotion (e.g. Alcolado) / Pain Relief (e.g. Panadol) / Petroleum Jelly
BREAKFAST PROGRAMME
The Care Ministry is collaborating with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) to provide a healthy, hearty breakfast to pupils of Christ Church Girls Primary School and Milton Lynch Boys Primary School before the start of school. Corporate sponsorship is welcomed. Call 260-1987 for information.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
EMPLOYERS with full-time, part-time or contract job vacancies are invited to contact the Care Ministry for job applicants. Call 260-1987 for information.
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PROGRAMMES & SERVICES
LESSONS
to provide remedial tutoring for primary school students, Mondays -4:00-5:00 p.m.
to provide remedial tutoring in English for secondary school students, Wednesdays-3:00-4:00 p.m.
to provide remedial tutoring in Mathematics for secondary school students, Saturdays-10:00-11:00 a.m.
LEARN TO READ - To teach reading skills to CHILDREN and ADULTS. Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m.
LIFE COUNSELLING - To help people manage their difficulties and transform, personal problems into their own personal growth. For individuals, couples & families.
LEGAL CLINIC - To provide legal information and summary legal advice to low income people on matters such as housing problems, tenant rights, property/land matters, etc.
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT - To provide the unemployed with the tools to help to maximize their "employability" status.
LIFE COUNSELLING, LEGAL CLINIC AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT services are provided BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, CALL 260-1987
SOUP KITCHEN – To provide a nutritious cooked meal once per week to those in need. Wednesdays between 3:30-4:30 p.m.
All activities at Pastoral Centre, St. Dominic's RC Church, Maxwell, Christ Church