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For information on any of these branches please ring UnitingCare Community Options on 03 9239 2500 or write to: CROSSROADS VICTORIA Ground Floor Building 5 Brandon Office Park 530-540 Springvale Road Glenwaverly VIC 3150 BURWOOD HEIGHTS Burwood Heights Uniting Church Cnr Burwood Highway and Blackburn Road East Burwood HEATHMONT Heathmont Baptist Church 78 Cuthbert Street Heathmont KEW St Hilary's Anglican Church, 12 John Street, Kew NORTH BALWYN St Stephen's Anglican Church Corner Ardgour and Woodville Streets Greythorn SHERBROOKE Tecoma Uniting Church 1566 Burwood Highway Tecoma WARRAGUL Rokeby Baptist Church 1025 Main Road Rokeby

CROSSROADS VICTORIA INC. CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP WITH DISABLED PERSONS IN VICTORIA Crossroads Victoria is an interdenominational fellowship ministering with people with disabilities. Crossroads seeks to encourage individual growth socially, emotionally, educationally and spiritually. What are our aims? To provide Christian fellowship and education with disabled persons of all ages through: Regular branch activities which have spiritual, recreational, educational and social aspects; and Holiday activities such as bus tours and day trips to places of interest. What does Crossroads do? The Executive Committee: Sponsors and supports new and existing branches; Encourages participation in joint functions; Liaises with interstate branches and groups in the wider community. All of those involved at state and branch level do so in a voluntary capacity. The Branches are run as one of the outreach programs of a local church, which also provides pastoral assistance. Activities are tailored to meet the needs of those members who attend the branch, while interaction between able and disabled persons is emphasised and specifically encouraged. In this way, each branch develops its own unique character. Programs cover a wide range of activities: for example, active and quiet games, music, cooking, crafts, gardening, theme nights, visiting speakers and entertainers, theatre nights, dining out and devotions. Day trips and tours are organised at state and branch level. Conferences, seminars and church services organised by Crossroads bring together church and community groups focussing on issues of interest and concern. Future Directions Crossroads seeks to raise awareness, advocate for positive change, and encourage continued growth and development in areas relating to ministry and fellowship with people with disabilities. Some of these are: Improved understanding and education leading to active inclusiveness in church and community. Support for families and carers. Supportive accommodation in a Christian environment for people with disabilities - including long-term and respite care. Chaplaincy in schools and the work place. Employment. Formation of new Crossroads branches. Recruitment and training of volunteers. Communication and promotion of the work of Crossroads.

Who is disabled? "A person whose physical, mental or social well-being is temporarily or permanently impaired; - congenitally or through age, illness or general environmental conditions; - with the result that his self-dependence, schooling or employment is impeded…" (from World Health Organisation definition) Our Vision, Our Mission While disabled persons are not always accepted as "whole people" in our society, the VISION of Crossroads Victoria is to realise the inclusion of people with a disability in the fellowship of the Christian Church. The MISSION of Crossroads Victoria is to encourage the recognition of people with a disability as part of the Body of Christ, and to enhance the inclusiveness of the Churches in Victoria by enabling people with a disability to participate alongside other Christians in local communities of justice and acceptance. Crossroads Victoria believes that its mission is an integral part of the broader mission of the Christian Church. Crossroads Victoria believes that the Body of Christ remains broken and incomplete without the presence and participation of people with a disability as full and equal members of the Christian Church in its life of prayer and action. Crossroads affirms that all people with disabilities need an opportunity to socialise, have fun and hear that God loves them. We use recreational programs as vehicles to share God's love. Crossroads sincerely welcomes your active interest, prayer and support. Click here to return to National Crossroads Page