Community

Discovery Community Care (DCC) was established more than 10 years ago as the community arm of Discovery Church. One of the main aims of DCC is assisting families in our community by creating opportunities for people to develop their life and work skills, whilst making friends.

Inside Out Church occurs three Sundays a year with the aim of inspiring, informing and connecting the congregation to what is happening outside the four walls of the church, in the local community and overseas missions. During this service the congregation has the opportunity to get involved in the local and global departments and “Bring a Bag” of goods to stock the Discovery Community Care -Emergency Relief Pantry.

Food Insecurity & ‘Bring a Bag’ Sunday

The incredible response to our ‘Bring a Bag’ Sundays has meant that the shelves of DCC are regularly stocked from food donations. In dollar value this equates to thousands, of even greater significance is the assistance these items will bring to those in need in the surrounding community.

Food insecurity was identified as being one of the top stress items for families within the Shire of Yarra Ranges. It is wonderful to see the Church and DCC pulling together to assist those in need in our local ‘neighbourhood’. Monique ten Hoopen from Mission & Ministry, Churches of Christ Vic/Tas, wrote an article on “Food insecurity and the poor in our backyard” (click here to read) . In it she highlights the plight of many people and gives us a timely reminder that, as Winter is upon us, ‘Each of us Need of all Us’ to make a difference to those who are struggling.

DCC Community Support

Emergency Relief assists individuals and families who are experiencing sudden or temporary crisis in their lives. Typically this involves situations where circumstances have converged to critically impact the resources necessary to buy household food, pay bills or meet other essential needs or obligations.

We offer this service for those living in the following areas: Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark, Lilydale, Kilsyth, Coldstream, Silvan, Montrose, Mt Evelyn, Wandin, Wandin North, Seville, Seville East and Kalorama. DCC primarily provides emergency food parcels and other basic essential services to those in our community who have a temporary crisis OR hold a health care or similar card.

We provide showers, a limited number of Telstra phone vouchers, fuel and pharmacy vouchers, advocacy with creditors, and referrals for specialist budgeting advice. We also offer additional services such as mentoring and life programs (see below for more information) that focus on each client’s holistic well-being. We work hard at giving a ‘hand up’ rather than just a ‘hand out.

For more details visit www.discoverycc.org.au

FoodStop

FoodStop has been providing community meals in Lilydale, every Thursday evening for nearly six years. It consists of teams of volunteers who want to connect with the community, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized. FoodStop creates a safe and positive environment for those needing a meal and/or social interaction.

By doing this we seek to show the love of Christ to the guests who attend. As we serve and listen, we learn of needs and seek to meet these needs as appropriate, usually by referral to local agencies and services. We offer prayer for those who are sick or have any special need, and are happy to answer questions about our Christian faith.

C.O.A.C.H Program

The COACH community-mentoring program aims to help transform the lives of families in the local community who are experiencing life challenges. Mentors walk alongside a family for 12 months, encouraging them in addressing their physical, emotional, relational and spiritual goals. Through non-judgmental support and positive reinforcement, the program helps families plan for a brighter future.

For more information contact coach@discoverycc.org.au

The Christmas Project

Christmas is a special time of year. But it’s also a hard time for a lot of families. Each year Discovery Church partners with DCC to purchase food and toys for those in our community who struggle to provide for their families at Christmas. Food hampers are arranged and gifts for boys and girls up to age 14 are distributed to hundreds of our neighbours. With everyone’s help, we can continue to put the Christ in Christmas for our local community.

Contact Information

87 Monbulk Rd, Mt Evelyn Vic 3796
PH: 03 9739 6801
FX: 03 9739 5979

http://www.discoverycc.org.au/
community.care@discoverycc.org.au