Thursday, September 29, 2011

Community Diner story in the News & Chronicle

The News & Chronicle did a story this week on the opening of the Diner next Tuesday. They did a great job. A big thanks to Carmen. You can read it here, http://t.co/B1SsuitW Enjoy.

Peace,

K

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Community Diner

Last night we had a meeting with some of those who want to serve in our community Diner, Which opens Oct. 4th. It is so encouraging to sit with people who are full of ideas and experience. There were 7 of us in the meeting and there are at least 3 more we are aware of who want to help. This is amazing.

We start October 4th with a spaghetti supper. The plan is coming together beautifully, with Don and Ann co-coordinating the program. I look forward to seeing how the community responds.

Community Diner will be open every Tuesday from 5:30-8pm. Meals are $2 and $5 for a family. If you would like to be involved, let us know.

Peace,

K

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Hanging out with The Queen

Yesterday was the Queen of Angels Academy's beginning of the year BBQ. At this event they raised money for On Rock. We were invited to attend and set up an information table. The Principal and staff were very accommodating and interested in how the school could be involved with us throughout the year. The food was good, the people were great.

It was encouraging to make some new friends in the community. We are looking forward to exploring how we can work together this year.

Stay informed on twitter @onrockupdate

Peace,

K

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Challenges

This has been quite a year so far. We have moved into our new facility and are now putting the finishing touches on our programs. In two weeks our Community Diner will open. People will be able to come on a Tuesday evening and receive a healthy meal for $2 or $5 for a family. Several of our friends in the neighborhood are waiting with anticipation for its opening. The food bank is growing, which is a double edge sword.

We are now feeding 150 families a week with a waiting list of about 20 families. The need in the West Island is growing. A study done by the City of Montreal shows that 44% of West Island North live under the poverty line($0-$19,000). This is a very high number. We are committed to working with other social needs organizations and the City to do what we can to help our neighbors.

We have begun working with one of the mental health organizations in the West Island to provide a work project for some of their clients who hope to return to the work force. The client will come to On Rock on a weekly schedule to do whatever work we can offer them. This gives the individual a feel for following a schedule and interacting with other workers outside of their therapeutic community.

Our challenge as we go forward is a financial one. We have grown 4 times our size when we first moved. At present we are operating at a $12,000 a month deficit. We are in need of people who will commit to give to this ministry and catch the vision for our community. We also need corporate donors. On the encouraging end, a highly influential man in the community told us he can help us with fund raising, so we are hoping this pans out. We have also begun working with our friend Anny to raise our profile in the community in order to raise funds.

If you would like to get involved, please email me and I will get the necessary information to you. If you are already involved, thank you for your generosity and desire to help us make a difference in our community. Together, we are making a difference.

Check out our website; www.onrock.org


Peace

K