Roughies Reflections March
- 4 April 2023
- Stuart Robinson
 March 2023 I once read a T-shirt which said, “Don’t misunderstand me, it’s just that I don’t care.” It comes across as being quite rude, but actually, when we are overwhelmed with our own lives or just don’t have the bandwidth, it can be hard to care about others. But, isn’t caring about others one of the best things about being human? You may recall that I wrote to you about our new program, Circle of Caring, which we created in response to the increased need for our services in 2023. The Circle of Caring is a monthly giving program which makes it easy to care. I was speaking with a couple of people in Rough Edges recently who are being evicted from their accommodation. Because they are part of our community, they don’t have to face this alone, but have people who care, who can support them in finding new accommodation if that’s what they want. (It’s not our role to take away their agency, but to walk with them in finding solutions that will work.) Rough Edges provides people with a safe space where they can share their struggles. It’s a place where people find other people who care about them. That’s why they keep coming back. They’ve found community. Please consider joining our Circle of Caring by becoming a regular donor. It is the best and most sustainable way for us to keep our doors open, as we continue seeing more people coming to Rough Edges, SJCS Legal Services and Banksia Women for help this year. Also, our International Women’s Day quiz was a success, with over 1000 people doing the quiz. This means $5000 will be donated to Banksia Women. What a wonderful effort! The quiz will remain running for the rest of March (today and tomorrow), so there is still time to share with friends and family and make a difference in the lives of women who have experienced domestic and family violence. Thank you for being part of the Rough Edges and Banksia Women community. Take care and every blessing,  Gabriel, CEO PS For those who pray, we have put together some prayer points for the coming month. Three Peaks Hike  Keep an eye on your inbox this week for your invitation to our fundraising hike! This is your chance to conquer three of Australia’s highest peaks in one day, with a team of like-minded people, while raising funds for Rough Edges. Census results are out  The results from the 2021 Census on homelessness and personal safety were released this month, providing an important snapshot of the state of things in Australia while much of the country was in lock down. The results paint a concerning picture of homelessness and domestic and family violence in Australia. Read more here. Do you want to meet great people, make a difference and learn new skills at the same time?  Volunteers not only serve all our meals at Rough Edges, but also build connections with our patrons. This is what makes the lasting difference – to their own lives and to the lives of those we serve. Read more here or email Ryan to attend an online information session on Wednesday 5th April at 7.30pm Regular Programs and Emergency Contacts Rough Edges Sunday – Friday 7.30-9:30pm CAPP aka “Daytime Rough Edges” Wednesday and Friday 12-2pm. Banksia Women Survivors Connect Wednesday 11am-1pm. Click here to find out about our other services St John’s Legal Service is open for telephone appointments and in-person appointments on Thursdays. Orange Sky Laundry at Roughies every Friday (11am-1pm) St Vincent’s Health clinic, every Friday night during Roughies Pass it on Clothing, every third Friday of the month Short Back and Sidewalks, free haircuts last Friday of every month, 7:30-9.00pm All donations to St John’s Community Services are tax-deductible |
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