January is a time when we return from holidays, get back to routines, work and school, and get back into the swing of the New Year.
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We reflect on the opportunities of 2106 and re-invest in ourselves, our families and our goals to make 2017 the best year it can be.
Here at the Community Centre we are reflecting on the programs and services of 2016 and looking at ways to improve and extend existing operations as well as build new programs and activities.
One of the areas we are looking at is how we can be more creative in how we assist those in our community who, from time to time, need a little extra assistance to make ends meet.
DSCC receives a small amount of funding annually to provide food, petrol and pharmacy vouchers to those needing assistance.
However, during the past two years the number of those needing support has grown dramatically, while the amount of funding has not increased.
DSCC has always looked for ways to build capacity, strength and resourcefulness with our community. We have developed the Community Garden and Fresh Food Fare to assist with providing seasonal produce. We created Nourish kitchen club to help people develop budgeting and cooking skills.
When we looked at successes from 2016 and reflected on how we could build on that strength to support identified needs there was a clear connection between the wonderful outpouring of generosity for the Christmas programs and the food vulnerability that many in our community face on a weekly basis.
The idea of a Community Pantry was formed.
We are hoping that if all those in our community who are able to buy an extra can of baked beans, packet of pasta or jar of pasta sauce once a month could do so and drop it into the Community Centre, we can make up small food parcels to distribute to those who come to the centre needing food for themselves and their children.
This way we can make sure to give practical assistance and nourishing food, while the limited financial assistance available can be stretched further to ensure that those who need support don’t get turned away.
To drop off donations or for more information call into the Community Centre at 103 Dowling Street Dungog or call 4992 1133