OUR PROGRAMS
EMERGENCY RELIEF
Financial hardship can strike anyone — an unexpected crisis, the loss of a a job, health problems, family breakdown and a number of other reasons.
We provide emergency assistance in the form of food, fresh fruit and vegetables. We also provide some clothing and bedding, prescription filling, bus fares and a limited amount of financial help to meet the basic requirements of people in need. Nearly all of our clients cannot afford to put food on the table on a regular basis.
Information and referral to a variety of services is also provided, including help to find the right agency or department to deal with a problem. All people are treated in a non-judgmental manner with dignity and respect.
CASE MANAGEMENT
The St John's Care Case Management service provides a link between the important work that our volunteers do on the ground and the circumstances that bring people to St John's Care in the first place.
It is built around working with families and individuals who experience a variety of complex issues including circumstances that hinder them from being able to break free from disadvantage.
The way we work with our clients facilitates their self-determination, empowers them and builds support links to services that increase their capacity to protect, control or improve their health, well-being and education with the potential for long term benefit to the individual or family.
COMMUNITY LUNCHES
A free lunch is held on the first Friday of the month. Besides being served a nutritious, home cooked, two or three-course meal, it is an opportunity to strengthen a sense of connectedness and community among the people who attend. We serve around 75 to 100 meals per month.
CHRISTMAS PRESENT ROOM – the fortnight before Christmas Day a Christmas Present Room is established. Presents are generously donated which enables parents to select a gift for their child or children. It is basically a toy shop without a cash register. Hampers are also provided.
OTHER PROGRAMS
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
Christmas Day Lunch, in the St John's Hall commencing at Noon, is a lunch for anyone and everyone. It is a lunch to make sure that no one has to spend Christmas Day alone. If you are alone on Christmas Day, please come. If you know of a neighbour or a friend who may be alone, please tell them about the lunch.
Read the 2018 Canberra Times story: St John's Care Christmas lunch.
