|
Who are we?
Oasis Cafe: History and Development
Broomlands-Bourtreehill Baptist Church set up a group called Noonday to initiate projects and activities which would be of benefit to the community. In the early 90s the church did a survey in the Broomlands area of Irvine to determine what the local community felt were the major needs. The overwhelming majority (more than 75%) felt that the greatest area of need was amongst young people. The district councilor also expressed concern about the number of young people who were involved in under age drinking, vandalism, etc as they were hanging about the housing estate. He approached a member of the church who had been involved in young people’s activities about the possibility of setting up a Drop-in center.
The cafe opened at the end of January 2000 for 14-17 year olds. On the opening night the cafe volunteers received a ‘petition’ with the names of over 30 13 year olds requesting that they may also use the cafe which is held in Broomlands Gate community hall which we lease from North Ayrshire Council. We agreed to them using the drop in and so in the first year of operation 144 young people aged 13-17 have used the cafe (90 boys, 54 girls).
What is “Noonday?” “Noonday” is part of Broomlands Baptist Church and has been set up for the purpose of initiating projects which meet practical needs in the community. It aims to provide the opportunity for people to come together and share common interests in a safe, non-threatening environment, and to help people who are vulnerable or in need of support. The church initiated “Noonday” ministries in obedience to Isaiah 58:10,
“If you spend yourself on behalf of the hungry,
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.”
How is it financed? The finances of Noonday are completely separate from the finances of the church. Its work has been made possible by grants, donations from local groups, and individual supporters who give on a monthly basis.
|
