Angels Community Group has spread its wings with a larger support centre on Targo Street to provide the community with a range of new services.
The new bigger location will allow the not-for-profit organisation to continue to offer the community grocery items from Angels Mini Mart and a bite to eat from the funky new café, while the Angels team has now also pursued its dreams of opening a drop-in support centre.
Angels Community Group operations manager Jasmine Tasker said the new support centre had a free laundry and shower facility to help the community’s most needy.
Jasmine said during the current housing crisis it was more necessary than ever before to have a place the community could attend for everyday needs.
“We want to give people the chance to have an environment where they feel safe and they can have dignity,” Jasmine said.
“We found people would often sit down on the couch to watch television and they would fall asleep.
“While we have no sleeping facilities, our new centre will give them a chance to get out of the weather for a moment – have a shower, a cup of tea or coffee, and some heated food and access emergency food hampers when needed.”
The move from 45 Walla Street has proven beneficial for many reasons, including accessibility and comfort.
“We have been able to include a disability ramp, which is huge on our end,” she said.
“This not only gives everybody the opportunity to enter the centre, but it will also be an advantage for people with trolleys – young mums and dads who are juggling new babies etc – when they are shopping for their groceries with their hands full.”
Jasmine said the Angels Mini Mart was open to everybody, and she wanted to let the whole community know they were welcome.
“One of the biggest things for us is that not everyone realises they can shop at the mini mart,” she said.
“Some people feel they are taking away from others or the needy if they shop there, but it’s actually the opposite. They are supporting us.
“Our support centre is only possible because the money that comes from the community members who buy at the mini mart goes directly back to support this.
“Everyone is encouraged and welcome – I mean who doesn’t want Ben and Jerry’s for only $3!”
The doors to Angels Community Group’s new location at 66 Targo Street officially opens on Wednesday, 20 April.
Angel’s Second2None will remain at 45a Walla Street, offering affordable second-hand clothing to the community.
Angels Mini-Mart has been a blessing in disguise especially when I have had a bad week with bills coming in I can go there and get some items near next to nothing the ladies are beautiful and helpful. Thank you does not seem enough