 The Adventist Community Services Centre (ACSC) is a community outreach ministry of the College Park Seventh-day Adventist Church and has been operating for more than 40 years. It operates a food and clothing bank to serve those in need in our community. The centre serves a diverse group of people that include single mothers and their children, senior citizens, people with a variety of health issues on disability pensions, new immigrants, the “working poor”, and those on Ontario Works (social assistance). Many clients have substance abuse or mental health issues, and multiple barriers to employment. We served a total of 4,773 families in 2009.
The ACSC has an ongoing program which runs year-round. It is open weekly to the public on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:45 pm and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 2:45 pm. Many of our volunteers can work an entire work week in carrying out administrative, organizational and operational tasks in ensuring the efficient operation of the centre.
Our goal is to mitigate the effects of poverty in our local neighbourhood and eliminate it in an individual’s life where possible. ACSC fills a large role in providing food and clothing to the very needy in the City of Oshawa.
In 2009 we provided 4,073 food boxes that fed 4,452 children and 5,688 adults worth an estimated $185,460 (1998 prices). In addition the clothing bank distributed 62,678 items that included adult, children and infant clothing along with household items with an estimated value of $154,598 (1998 prices).
We consistently have between 30 to 40 volunteers who work at our centre on a regular basis. In 2009 they contributed 13,565 of volunteer hours. They include retired Adventist church members, individuals of other faith communities and former clients.
We have strong partnerships with ADRA Canada, College Park Adventist Church, Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto, Feed the Need in Durham and Kawartha Food Share in Peterborough in meeting the core food service that we offer. The centre receives the majority of its funding from ADRA Canada’s National Program, while our other partners donate food-in-kind.
Current statistics demonstrate that there is a hunger crisis across the entire Durham Region. The number of people accessing food banks continues to increase, while the amount of food donated and agency resources decline. In order for the Adventist Community Services Centre to continue to serve our clients, we depend on the commitment of volunteers and appreciate the vital funds we receive from ADRA Canada and generous donations from many supported within the Adventist Church and from our community.
We are regarded by the public and many of the helping agencies as a leader in food security and providing good quality clothing for people in need. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those who come to us. We are committed to serving our community until there is no more need.
We welcome new volunteers who are committed to serving our community through high ethical principles. We are committed to training and empowering volunteers so their experience brings them joy and a sense of fulfillment.
We invite all to join and partner with us by choosing to provide much needed volunteer hours, food and financial support.
MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Our volunteers continue to make a difference in the lives of countless persons throughout Oshawa, such as young mothers with children. You too can make a difference. Our center is open on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:45, and Thursdays from 9 am to 2:45 pm. Please consider volunteering. Your life will not be the same.Your can become a power for good.
To volunteer, contact Pastor Edgar @ 905 576 6152
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