Emmanuel Centre

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December 2001

This is a self-help centre for people with disablities and their familes which seeks to be a place where each person recognises that "God is with us". Programmes and activities celebrate that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. With Christ as the head we are all part of the one body called to share the journey with each other.This web site outlines some of the organisations and activities of Emmanuel Centre as well as some of the groups which use our facilities regularly.

The Emmanuel Christian Community consists of people who live together and wish to spend time together in mutual support, trust and challenge. They share their gifts with one another and work towards living the Gospel call and encouraging each other..

Emmanuel is often described as the place to contact if you have tried everywhere else. Through its large volunteer base it offers information, support, counselling, advocacy, library lending and resources, work experience and training.

Everyone is welcome. Emmanuel's services are offered on the basis of need not creed. Age is no barrier either. Volunteering at Emmanuel means assisting in any one or all of the following - office work, preparing lunches, gardening, maintenance or individual or group programmes.

Emmanuel's two major aims are of equal importance:

1) provide opportunities for people to receive support, particularly if no one else will help
2) provide opportunities for volunteers to offer skills to others. No offer is too small

Emmanuel offers a number of programmes based on individual or group request. These can be found under Group Programmes or you may contact us for more details.

CATHOLIC MINISTRY WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED

This ministry seeks to make God's Word accessible to deaf and hearing impaired people. Its activities are varied and include:

· Telephone Ministry
· Information
· Support
· Counselling
· Interpreting
· Visiting & Befriending
· Marriage Preparation

SHARING GOD'S WORD

· · Young Adult Deaf (Camps are organised throughout the year for high school and older deaf.)
· Aged Deaf (Visits are made to nursing homes and hostels.)
· Saturday Evening Worship & Fellowship (This group meets at 6.30 PM at St Denis Church, Joondanna and after services spends some time in fellowship usually at a local fast food outlet.)
· Individual counselling and support for people who are deaf.
· Computer Access
Bible & Other Books on CDRom
Internet facilities

Auslan Sign Language Classes.
Mr Geoff Scott conducts these groups
every wednesday afternoon at 1.00 pm.
For more details contact Emmanuel Centre:
Tel: (08) 9328 8113 (Voice) or
Tel:(08) 9328 9571 (TTY)

CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT

The Catholic Association for Special Education Support (C.A.S.E.S.) consists of parents and others who work toward acceptance and support of children with special needs particularly into Catholic schools

Archbishop Hickey in "One in Christ",
February 1999 said:

"Positive attitudes to disability and inclusion will remove most obstacles to inclusion and will almost always provide access to Church buildings, programmes and services. Positive attitudes will remove low priority in resource allocation and dispel the myth that lack of finances precludes action. Positive attitudes will maximise access to Catholic schooling and religious education. Positive attitudes will lead us to seek out advise and support that we may need to truly include people.
The effects of exclusion are felt personally by parents and by those directly excluded. Being excluded makes them feel rejected, unwanted, unloved and frustrated in their attempts to change attitudes. Some in desperation have turned away from the Church.
To those parents who have experienced rejection, we want to say how genuinely sorry we are and apologise for the times we refused them what was undeniably their right".

"It must therefore be a matter of policy that Catholic children with disabilities be accepted within the system of Catholic schools at the request of their parents. While problems might currently exist with regard to the availability of finance and trained personnel, especially in regard to high support needs, a clear policy and an attitude of inclusion will help overcome the resource difficulties.
Enrolment policies need to take into account the integrity of the family, the location of the school, the funding needed for suitable facilities and appropriate staffing levels. The responsibility for enrolment is to be in the hands of the local school authorities.
As we move towards full inclusion of children with disabilities in our schools, it will happen that a few children will not be able to attend the same Catholic school as their siblings. In such cases the family will be entitled to a "family rate" as if they were all at the same Catholic school".

MENTAL HEALTH

This group of carers, people who have mental health issues, pastoral workers, friends, priests, religious, and families seeks to provide support and encouragement to people with mental health issues as well as to those who care.
Some services/activities include:
· Telephone Ministry (This group keeps in touch with people by telephone to encourage and support.)
· Visiting and Befriending (This group will visit and befriend individuals and families to offer support and shared faith.)

A Carer's meeting is held on the 2nd Monday of each month commencing at 7.30 pm at

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,
Marda Way,
Nollamara.

These meetings provide the opportunity to share information and offer mutual support.
For more details:

Contact Pat Mahoney
Tel: (08) 9275 2809

Community Mass at St Denis

People from Emmanuel Centre travel to 6.30 pm Mass at St Denis, Roberts St, Joondanna every Saturday night. After Mass all meet to share a meal. The bus leaves Emmanuel at approx. 5.45 pm. Contact Fr Paul 9480 5960 and leave message for more details.