3 minute read
Making hard times a little easier
Ben Smith, the CEO of Mornington Community Support Centre, speaks to Sarah Halfpenny about the charity’s mission and the vital services it offers.
Tell us about Mornington Community Support Centre.
Opening 40 years ago, we’ve been providing community support to those who need it for generations. Adapting to the various needs over the years, our motto is ‘Community Supporting Community’ and that’s the spirit in which we work.
We serve Mount Eliza, Mornington, Mount Martha and Moorooduc, though we never turn anyone away who needs help. We exist so that anyone experiencing hardship has somewhere to turn, and we live that mission daily.
What kinds of tangible and support services are offered by the centre?
We offer emergency relief, food support, assistance with utilities and connection to other support agencies. Our team offers no-interest loans, which is a life-changer for many. Our on-site café is free for the community to enjoy, serving over 500 meals a week.
We also run the Beach End Op Shop as part of our fundraising work. For three years we’ve also operated The Ranch motel as a crisis accommodation facility, assisting over 160 people experiencing homelessness.
What role do volunteers play in the functioning of the centre?
Volunteers are our heart, soul and hands. We have a team of over 180 volunteers who collectively offered over 19,000 hours of service last year.
Can you share some success stories or impactful moments?
So much of what we do relates to the small things we don’t often think about. Making sure there is milk in the fridge. Fresh bread in the pantry. Toothpaste for the kids. A bill paid on time to keep the lights on. A community who is there to help your elderly parent navigate sending a text message or reading a letter from a department. Recently we had a woman enrol in our program, which enables people to volunteer to work off a fine. Spending 15 hours in our centre volunteering meant that months of stress, worry and concern about not being able to pay this fine ended and she was able to live freely. It changed her life. This happens on a daily basis when people realise there are others who care about their wellbeing, and it’s all about a compassionate ear and a deep network of support. That and a cup of tea.
How can people get involved or access your services?
Our website – www.mcsc.au – is often a great place to start, with all our services and current volunteer opportunities listed there. We’d love it if people who are in a position to donate could head there and sign up to a regular monthly donation of whatever they can afford, knowing that every dollar impacts your local community directly.
