THE EMMANUEL CENTRE

Sunday Guardian

December 19, 1999

Pages 26, 27

"We just want to bring whatever help we can," says Violet D'Ornellas, co-leader of the Emmanuel Centre, "people want people who will listen. In listening we discover how best they can be helped."

The Emmanuel Centre, established as a covenant community in 1985 and incorporated by an act of Parliament in 1987, moves forward into the year 2000, guided by its mission "to be the living and extended arms of Jesus as he gives the invitation 'Come to Me'."

Understandably disturbed by the fate of little Jonathan Hope who was abandoned in some bushes shortly after his birth, and who died of heart complications a few days later, the community of the Emmanuel Centre wants the public to know about the ministries and programmes geared especially towards young teenage mothers and women in abusive relationships.

"We're just here to give people hope," continues Violet. "When we assist a pregnant girl, we give the backing that she's not alone." One of the Centre's two main programmes is to assist "pregnant unsupported girls" if they have been thrown out or for some reason just can't stay at home. The Emmanuel Centre houses these young women, outfits her and eventually the baby, and offers counselling to make her aware of the alternatives available to her.

Keeping the baby at the Emmanuel's Cradle until the mother has found a job and is on her feet is the way the centre supports young mothers that want to keep their children.

THE EMMANUEL'S CRADLE

"One of our most rewarding ministries is the home that we run for children ranging from birth to 12 years, who have been abused/abandoned," says Violet.

"In recent times, due to the rising epidemic of child abuse, abandonment and neglect, the need for the care that we offer in a Christian atmosphere of love has become even greater."

The Emmanuel's Cradle was opened in 1987 under the patronage of Mrs. Z Hassanali, wife of the former President of Trinidad and Tobago and by His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Pantin. The mission of the home is "to care for the children in an atmosphere of love and happiness until such time as they can be placed in suitable foster homes or returned to genuinely rehabilitated family.

"I must clarify, however," says Violet, "that we only facilitate bonding and visits between the children and prospective foster parents but the process of actually adopting a child is a legal process over which we have no physical control."

'THE YOUTH OUTREACH MINISTRY' AND 'THE IN DEFENSE OF LIFE MINISTRY'

In troubleshooting teenage pregnancy and premature sexual activity, members of the community go out to schools "trying to show young people how to live with their sexuality."

"We try to show these young people that the best thing is abstinence. If they are already sexually active, we introduce the idea of a second virginity. We show films, lecture, conduct retreats and seminars, mount displays, provide videos and information on human sexuality, Christian spirituality, chastity and moral issues as they relate to the youth."

The Emmanuel Centre also tries to make its presence felt at public forums that especially deal with the issues of abortion and teenage pregnancy. "We are avid defenders of life and human dignity," says Violet, "and we defend unborn life by supporting and by counselling expectant mothers in crisis pregnancies."

"A woman doesn't have to mutilate her body. There are alternatives. Emmanuel's Cradle is one of them."

'THE MERCY MINISTRY' AND 'THE RESTORATION GROUP'

The second programme is to help the destitute, understood by the community of the Emmanuel Centre as those plagued by alcoholism, drug abuse, poverty and who may be in abusive relationships.

Broken up into several ministries, the Mercy Ministry and Restoration Group are at the core of the Emmanuel Centre's mission to help the destitute. The Mercy Ministry provides food, parcels, clothing and schoolbooks to destitute families on a fortnightly basis (after the family has been evaluated to determine exactly what the needs are).

The Restoration Group provides a range of services to individuals and families "experiencing broken relationships and any other form of brokenness." Weekly support groups for gamblers who are struggling to end their addictions and visits to prisons to hold praise and worship services are both facilitated in an "attempt to bring wholeness to individuals."

The doors of the Emmanuel Centre, located on 46 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook, are open daily to provide prayer and counselling. Mass is celebrated at midday from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays at 8.30 a.m.

"We seek to form consciences by frequent teachings through meetings, classes and seminars throughout the year. We encourage everyone to embrace Jesus and to live with respect, love and compassion for others," says Violet.

Children are also given an appreciation of God, and every Saturday Emmanuel Centre holds a Children's Bible Class called "God's Little People."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL, FAX, WRITE OR VISIT THE EMMANUEL CENTRE:
PHONE:	DIRECTORS:
(868) 628-8181	Fr. Pritchett
(868) 628-1586	Violet D'Ornellas
(868) 628-6755	ADMINISTRATOR:
ADDRESS:	John Mackay
Emmanuel Centre,	COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
46 Rosalino Street,	Joan Blanc
Woodbrook.	Marie Ursula Raymond
	Eldon Warner

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