Belonging Centre At Good Shepherd

This month our Belonging Centre initiative with Boyle Street Community Services opened its' doors. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of the staff and volunteers who have helped get us up and rolling. 

Good Shepherd has a long term goal of being a Castle Downs Community hub, a place where everyone feels welcome and knows that they belong, and the Belonging Centre is another step in the direction of connection and fellowship. 

What is a Belonging Centre?

A Belonging Centre is a place where people can gather for a cup of coffee or a game of cards; you can stop by to rest and warm up, participate in a traditional smudge ceremony, get help from Boyle Street staff to connect with community resources, read a book you've been meaning to for awhile, or find a friend to finish a tricky crossword puzzle with you. Our Belonging Centre volunteers are actually called Friendship Volunteers, because that is their most important role! Make new friends in the community and let others know that they are appreciated and welcome. 

Who can come to a Belonging Centre?

Absolutely anyone, if you have time on Mondays or Tuesdays from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, you are welcome to drop in. People who are experiencing difficult times are invited to come in to visit and rest. There will always be staff from Boyle Street present to provide additional access to education and information about community services. People who are feeling lonely, or disconnected are encouraged to drop in and have a chat. The most important part of a Belonging Centre is that it is a judgement free space. No matter what you are going through in your day-to-day life, you are welcome and safe! 

Archdeacon Jordan and the staff and vestry of Good Shepherd invite you to drop in at the next Belonging Centre to come and see what it's all about. If you are interested in becoming a Friendship Volunteer reach out to Michelle, our Parish Admin, or Leslie C. our Friendship Volunteer Leader. If you have a story, or testemonial you'd like to share from a Belonging Centre let us know, and we'll share it here.