Ascension Connection.
Our priority is to support those in need.
Get Help.
Listen to an interview on the 88.5 FM Community Chat Show on our local Ellenbrook Radio VCA 88.5FM where we talk about Ascension Connection.
Ascension Connection is a social hub that offers a safe place for people to interact socially while enjoying tea, coffee and snacks. We are open every Friday from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at Ascension Parish Hall, 17 Spring Park Road, Midland, WA 6056.
We can also assist by connecting people to support services and by providing food parcels, fruits, vegetables, toiletries and more. If you require assistance, you are strongly encouraged to visit us.
Our Mission Statement
To provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe space to serve and connect people experiencing hardship in our community.
Values and Beliefs.
We value the spiritual, physical, emotional and social wellbeing of the community.
We believe in building positive and supportive relationships.
We believe in respecting the dignity of every human being.
We value the spiritual, physical, emotional and social wellbeing of the community.
We believe in every person’s right to food security.
We understand and seek to support the human need for positive social interaction.
About.
Ascension Connect has been running for over 20 years under various conditions and names, such as Ascension Emergency Food Relief (AEFR), in Midland.
From originally handing out vouchers to now giving out actual groceries, pasta, sauces, tinned food and hosting weekly sausage sizzles, the program has undeniably evolved over time. Not only do we equip those in need with commodities, but we are always willing to have a chat and offer referrals to other organisations.
Throughout all these years, one thing has always stayed the same — the desire to make a difference in this world by supporting those in need.
Who We Are.
Ascension Connection is a Midland-based weekly walk-in food relief service occurring every Friday morning, from 10am-12pm at the Ascension Church Hall, 17 Spring Park Road. We provide grocery hampers (along with some toiletries, clothing, and bedding), tea and coffee, and sausage sizzles to those in need.
Our clients are people who are facing food insecurity, amongst other interrelated issues, such as homelessness and mental illness. We rely on the generosity of donations and funding from Anglicare (and other sources) to acquire the groceries we distribute.
Whilst food insecurity cannot be solved through a weekly grocery bag, we aim to provide emergency relief to people in these circumstances.
Our Philosophy.
Food insecurity is an income-related lack of access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and culturally relevant food. It is largely driven by poverty, inadequate income and financial hardship. Currently, it affects more than 20% of Australians (the equivalent of five million people) and is responsible for a growing social, health and economic burden in Australia. It negatively impacts on mental, social and emotional wellbeing, is a precursor to chronic disease, and (due to medical care costs, lost education attainment and worker productivity, and investment burden into emergency food relief) has huge economic costs.
Nobody chooses to live a life – and nobody deserves to live a life – where they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Many of our clients live in structural disadvantage, or barriers to opportunities due to their (sometimes inherited) socio-economic standing. They may have been born into poverty, been unable to finish school, or recently laid off.
At Ascension Church Midland, we believe that nobody in our community should have to suffer from food insecurity. Whilst our grocery hampers do not solve the underlying causes of food insecurity, it does alleviate the immediate need of our clients.
However, most importantly, our clients do not need our pity, but rather our empathy and help.
How To Help.
Food donations can be delivered to the Ascension Parish Hall during our service times at 17 Spring Park Road, Midland. Donations at any other times be arranged by calling us at (08) 9274 1464.
If you are interested in volunteering, take action and apply as a volunteer or visit us on Friday morning during the program. For any further inquiries, feel free to call or email us.
FAQs.
How do I sign up?
There are no requirements for you to register before your visit. We welcome you to just come in any Friday between 10:00am and 12:00pm.
Do you provide food parcels catered towards those with special dietary requirements?
We currently do not cater towards those with special dietary requirements (e.g. dairy free, gluten free, nut free), but are definitely looking into diversifying our parcels in the nearby future. Stay tuned!
Do you offer anything else besides food?
Although we primarily offer food (excluding food vouchers), we may also offer other necessities such as toiletries, clothing, bedding, and are always happy to have a chat over coffee and/or tea.