Part of my thoughts and prayers since finishing my course have been to open up a counselling practice that is accessible on a sliding scale fee-basis for the homeless, disadvantaged and low-income earners in the area.
There are a couple of professional counselling services in the area and one run by an agency that I am sure is also sliding scale based, but is only accessible through their services etc. I do know that there is a need for such a service as man of the folk who come to the meals come to share their thoughts and pain over a meal. In addition, perhaps a service not affiliated with the mainstream agencies (except perhaps the Salvation Army — any takers?) would be more appealing.
I know that this will not be a band-aid or cure-all for the folk in the area, but there are many more that come to the meals that are in need of a kind ear and some counselling. The Salvation Army runs a centre such as this in Brisbane but not one here in Melbourne (the Southern Division — the Northern Division runs the centre in Brisbane) — they do run a gambling counselling service.
I believe that there is a desperate need for a service and if I could get the community centre in my dreams going — this will form part of it. Until then I would appreciate your prayers and any financial support you could throw my way to get this going.
