Maintaining income, sanity, and a sense of community during COVID-19 restrictions is something all Australians struggled with during the pandemic. This issue was nothing but motivation for local mother of seven, Kirsty.
Previously a women’s business mentor and business and life coach, Kirsty decided to take a leap of faith and start the Community Café and Outreach Services during the 2020 lockdowns. The café, located in Sadlier, was opened with one goal in mind, being a social enterprise, which would bring economic empowerment back to the Liverpool area. The café quickly became a ‘no questions asked’ drop-in centre that filled the void left within the Liverpool community due to lockdowns.
To bring the café to life, Kirsty bought together a team of 20 people, all volunteers, who recognised the “disjointed feelings” amongst the Liverpool Community. Kirsty and her team decided this café was going to be a lot more than your run-off-the-mill café; enjoying a cup of coffee and a slice of cake was just the start. There, you could pick-up a nice business shirt for your next (Microsoft Teams or Zoom) interview, some new and used clothes, or even receive free resume and CV services. Within three months, Kirsty and her team had already assisted approximately 5000 people, giving each person who visited the café the opportunity of a fair go.
When asked why she started the café, Kirsty says she wanted to “restore people’s sense of worth and belonging so they can create a drive within them and not only reverse the damage done by lockdowns but to excel and thrive!”
Three years on, 2023, lockdowns are out of sight and COVID-19 is no longer as big of a crisis as it once was. However, the need of a sense of community and sharing kindness are still as popular and important as they were when Australians faced lockdowns. The not-for-profit café is still thriving and delivering for the Liverpool community. Visitors outside of the Liverpool Local Government Area are also welcome as the ‘no questions asked’ policy is still the approach Kirsty and her team take. Kirsty has extended her services to include assistance to those needing a meal, clothes and household goods, as well as anything she can source for those who reach out for certain necessities. “It takes the efforts of our entire community to support each other with tolerance and kindness to create lasting change” says Kirsty. With no more restrictions in place, Kirsty has also opened her doors for free dinners with your (or their) family on Tuesday nights.
Kirsty hopes to expand the services of the Community Café and Outreach Services soon through an expansion to include three portable classrooms. These classrooms would be fit for purpose and would be aimed at initiating a work readiness programs, cooking classes and even free childcare! In order to do this, the Community Café and Outreach Services is looking for businesses to help them with this expansion to come on board as a community partner.
How you could support the Community Café and Outreach Services:
– Visit them at 54 Celebration Road, Sadlier
– Volunteer an hour or two when you can
– Donate items
Kirsty and her team can be contacted at info@communitycafe.org.au and can be found on Facebook.
