Tag: Tag 3

Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

The Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project was first established in 1991. Two derelict unused houses were provided by Dundalk Town Council and were renovated by the people of Cox’s Demesne and its community. The idea for the project grew out of a vision to provide somewhere, within the community, where young people who were excluded from all mainstream programmes, projects and clubs would be welcomed, learn new skills and be given new opportunities. It became known locally as ‘The House’.

The mission of The House is to benefit the community and to enable the personal, social and educational development of young people in Cox’s Demesne through the delivery of education programmes and services which will help to encourage self-development and to be involved in their community’s development.

Over the years since 1991 the project has grown and developed. A previous extension to the premises was built in 1996 and the building is now equivalent to four houses. While the project would still have a priority for young people at risk, they also offer a general youth service to the community. The House deliver a wide variety of programmes and projects with 250 children & young people availing of their services, such as:

 

• An After-School Service (6-12yrs)
• Alternative Education Project in Partnership with Ó Fiaich College (13-16yrs)
• High Voltage Garda Youth Diversion Project (11-17yrs)
• Gaining Ground Probation Project (16-18yrs)
• North Dundalk Family Support Hub
• North Louth Teen Parent Support Programme

 

The House has an excellent voluntary management committee of very dedicated people, a super staff team with the interests of the young people always to the fore, young people who inspire & encourage every day and a supportive community.

 

Clodagh O’Mahony, Manager at Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project said “The House is an open welcoming place where young people can grow and prosper & always feel at home. We believe in each young person and their potential and do everything we can to enable their development. Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund allows us to continue with our refurbishment programme that increases our capacity to reach out and work, in partnership, with our community.”

Upcoming Events

Every year The House coordinates the Redeemer Summer Youth Project which takes place for 3 weeks in July with up to 350 children and young people taking part. It is a very popular project & The House rely solely on fundraising & registration fees around this event.

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “Dundalk Credit Union was founded by our community of members, they are our cornerstone, the foundation for all growth and development for us. We see the same community ethos reflected by the team at The House. When you listen to your community and work for your community, the effect and impact is so positive and enabling for everyone. Dundalk Credit Union wish all the staff and volunteers at Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project every success into the future.”

Contact Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project Dundalk

If you would like to contact the team at Cox’s Demesne Youth and Community Project about any of their supports and upcoming events, call 042 – 933 0432 or email thehouse@coxsycp.ie

Dundalk Simon Community
An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

Dundalk Simon is a non-profit, registered charitable organisation located in Dundalk. They provide safe, supportive shelter and services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The reach of Dundalk Simon includes Louth, Monaghan and Cavan.

Dundalk Simon was founded on January 31st 1973, beginning with a soup run. In September 1973, a small two room premises on Francis Street was opened as a Friendship Centre, providing an evening meal and a social space for Dundalk’s homeless.

Now over 40 years later, Dundalk Simon has expanded its services to include a 30 Bed Hostel, 5 long-term beds and 12 transitional homes.

Their Day Centre in Seatown houses all administrative staff and offers a comprehensive Activities Programme includes gardening, furniture restoration and art classes. Service users can also avail of a hot meal, watch TV, use a computer or just socialise. An important element of The Day Centre is the provision of an aftercare base for people who have left the service or those vulnerable in our community who may be lonely and in need of company.

Yvonne Carr, Dundalk Simon said “At Dundalk Simon we need to nurture the health and wellbeing of our service users just as much as dealing with the immediate issues that homelessness presents. With the help of the Dundalk Credit Union we can invest in items like starter packs for tenants moving from emergency accommodation to transition housing, all working towards successful independence for those in our care.”

Dundalk Simon Community is part subsidised by state funding. The Simon Shop on Yorke Street is the biggest source of income for Dundalk Simon Community after state funding. The shop is opened throughout the week, staffed by a team of volunteers and community workers. All monies raised from the shop go directly to help service users.

Dundalk Simon relies heavily on fundraising and the goodwill of our community. Upcoming fundraising events include Dundalk Simon Community’s Quiz Night in the Century Bar at 8pm on Friday, 17^th May. Table of four is €40, music, prizes and a raffle on the night. The Annual Church Gate Collection, which is a huge fundraising event nationally, takes place across all churches in Louth on Saturday, 8^th June and Sunday, 9^th June 2019.

Tom D’Arcy, Director, Dundalk Credit Union said “Our Brand Manifesto includes the line ‘We care about you and what’s best for you’, we see that mirrored by the staff and volunteers at Dundalk Simon Community. Homelessness is a nationwide issue and with the support of Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Simon Community is helping someone move up, from a temporary bed to more independent living.”

Contact Dundalk Simon

If you would like to speak to anyone about any of the services provided by Dundalk Simon Community, please phone 042 933 9583.

St Vincent de Paul – Dundalk

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

This month marks the 175th year of service of the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Ireland.

President Higgins, at their recent Annual Convention in Dublin, praised the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul which he described as “an exceptional network of solidarity with poorer people across Ireland.”

Dundalk’s Society of St Vincent de Paul has had a presence in the town for almost all of those 175 years. Today they have upwards of 100 volunteers working behind the scenes with compassion and sensitivity to respond to those seeking their help.

A team of volunteers offer direct, personal assistance that is non-judgemental and based on the need of the individual or family. Supports can include friendship and advice, help with money issues, information about other services that might be of help, advocating with other support organisations and also negotiating with organisations where monies may be owed.

In addition, they provide a wide range of services for vulnerable people through Dundalk’s SVP shops on Clanbrassil Street, Jocelyn Street and Castletown Road, local offices, shops, resource centres, social housing, daycare and holiday schemes amongst other things.

SVP Daycare services support older people to continue to live independently in their own homes and communities, with a range of social and health supports. Services include cooked meals, social and recreational activities, self-care services such as showering and laundry facilities.

Kevin Mulligan, Area President, Dundalk says of the commitment of their volunteers “In some cases volunteers have been with the Society for much of their lives, and in many cases, at great personal sacrifice, for at times they ignore the infirmity the comes with age, and at times sickness, to attend their weekly meetings so that they can undertake the necessary visitations. The volunteers respond to these demands with great compassion, dedication and trust. They are ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.”

Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit Union added “At Dundalk Credit Union we recognise the continuing and compassionate work of Dundalk’s Society of St Vincent de Paul. An established and trusted friend of Dundalk and its wider community, we feel a shared ethos of working hard for our community and what it needs.”

The Nurture Fund

In collaboration with the Louth County Enterprise Fund, Dundalk Credit Union have developed The Louth Enterprise Nurture Fund, which has been established to support both existing/established and start-up SMEs in Co. Louth.

Applications to the Nurture Fund opened on 1st June 2019 and application is invited from SMEs focused in specific sectors.

The Nurture Fund will support established businesses and enterprises to access commercial loans of up to €50,000, and new/start-up businesses and enterprises to access loans of up to €25,000.

The new fund is seeking to support business development specifically in the areas of Engineering, Manufacturing (incl Food & Drink), Energy & Environment, Financial Services, Digital Technologies and Tourism. Applicants will need to provide relevant supporting documentation, and applications will be reviewed – in the first instance – by the Louth County Enterprise Fund Assessment Committee.

Commercial Loan Documentation Required
For more information or to make an enquiry contact:
Ronan Dennedy
Louth County Enterprise Fund
Regional Development Centre
DkIT
Dundalk
Co Louth

(087) 234 1455
info@thefund.ie
https://www.thefund.ie/

The Birches Alzheimer Day Centre – Dundalk

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union’s Community Support Fund in 2019.

The Birches, a state-of-the-art facility, is an integral and much-loved part of Dundalk’s community. The team deliver specialist daycare services for people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or Alzheimer related Dementia.  All of its branch members work in a totally voluntary capacity, working hard to create an atmosphere of welcome, relaxation and respect for all.  It is an oasis and a sanctuary for all its members and a listening ear and practical support for their families and carers.

From the warmth of the mini-bus collecting “The Club Members” to the fire lit to welcome them, every thought is about making A Day at the Birches a real Home from Home experience.  Whilst some clients require a great deal of care the atmosphere in the centre does not highlight their differences. It lets everyone feel comfortable and included.

The Birches is partially funded by the HSE North East and has to fund the remaining 60% of annual running costs to continue the present level of care. Every euro raised goes to the running of The Birches Services and their new Outreach Service in Grange, Carlingford.

With the support of the Dundalk Credit Union, Olive and her team can extend the already successful programme of Art and Music Therapies and continue with their Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

Mark Toner, COO, of Dundalk Credit Union said “Dundalk Credit Union instantly recognised the incredible work of all those involved at The Birches, they provide much-needed care, compassion and practical support to help improve the lives of their clients and their families. We are delighted to support The Birches, as they continue their great work for the community of Dundalk.”

Contact The Birches

If you would like to speak to anyone about any of the services provided by The Birches, please phone 042-9351388.

An in-depth look at the inspiration, motivation and driving forces behind some of the organisations supported by Dundalk Credit Union‘s Community Support Fund in 2019.

The centre at Lordship is a purpose built, bright and friendly residential facility that provides a much welcomed, home from home, space for children with autism, intellectual, physical or sensory disabilities. The children, who range in age from 6 to 18 years, are referred to the service by the Louth HSE Respite Referral Team. The service provides respite care for up to 12 children each week.

The surrounding landscape of the centre stills the heart and calms the soul, all much needed for both child and family members. Offering a personalised and individual care plan from the front door, each child can spend time learning and having fun. Letting a child just be a child.

“For many children, the service is their ‘sleepover club’. They come to our centre to meet their friends and do what they see their siblings do, albeit in an environment that works for them.” Paula Hanlon, spokesperson for the centre.

With the changing needs of the children, the team at the Maria Goretti Foundation can’t stand still, with ambitious expansion plans already under way.

Mark Toner, Dundalk Credit Union added “What captured our hearts at Dundalk Credit Union was the dedication and drive shown by the team at the Maria Goretti Foundation, making the centre a place where children and their families can recharge, reconnect and reenergise. The Sensory Garden facility is yet another clear indication to Dundalk Credit Union of the imagination and creativity of the team, making every effort to make a stay here a memorable and inclusive one. “

Contact the Maria Goretti Foundation

If you would like to speak to anyone about any of the services provided by The Maria Goretti Foundation, please phone 042- 9376094.

Community Support Fund

We are proud of the strong connections we have built with community groups, sporting organisations, charities and schools within our local and wider community. In keeping with the importance we place on giving back to the community, in the past decade Dundalk Credit Union has donated over €500,000 to local community and voluntary projects in Dundalk and surrounding areas.

In 2017, we took the opportunity to create the Community Support Fund to allow us to communicate and share the stories of the organisations that we are supporting. In 2018, we donated in excess of €100,000 to community groups, supports and organisations, championing those in our community who give back and also those who gain great benefit from community groups and organisations.

We are welcoming requests to become a recipient to our 2019/2020 Community Support Fund from October 2019.

Representatives of numerous community, charity and voluntary groups along with a host of invited guests gathered in Creative Spark complex last Thursday 30th November to attend the Launch of the Dundalk Credit Union Community Support Fund which recognizes and supports the amazing work that community/voluntary groups do for the local community.

At the event Tom D’Arcy, Chairman of Dundalk Credit Union, said “Dundalk Credit Union has become one of the largest and strongest Credit Unions in the country primarily due to the support and loyalty of the people and community of Dundalk and surrounding areas. We therefore see it as important that we in turn support the many community and voluntary groups in Dundalk and beyond who do so much for so many.”

A specially commissioned Community Video by Joy McKeon was displayed on the evening in which representatives from each of the Community Support Fund Recipients described, in their own words, the work their organisations do on a daily basis in the heart of our community and how important the financial support from Dundalk Credit Union was to them.

Dundalk Credit Union presents a spectacular performance of “Requiem Marbhna”

Dundalk Credit Union were delighted, as part of their 50th anniversary program of celebrations, to collaborate with DkIT to present a spectacular performance of the highly acclaimed Requiem-Marbhna in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday 16th December 2019. With over 80 musicians on stage including the Garda Band, staff and students from DkIT, the Ardee Concert Band, the Tredagh singers, Dundalk’s own Zoe Conway and other local soloists and players, the performance took full advantage of the wonderful acoustics in St. Patrick’s Cathedral to provide a memorable night’s entertainment for the people of Dundalk.

The performance of a Requiem Marbhna in the Irish language was composed by Odhrán Ó Casaide and set out to explore the beauty of sean nós voice, together with orchestra, classical solo voices, traditional and early music instruments. Inspired by the original pioneering work of Seán O Riada, the performance of this powerful piece seamlessly brought together the Irish traditional and classical genres and featured the captivating voice of Sibéal. The conductor was Inspector Pat Kenny of the Garda Band.

Since its foundation in 1968, Dundalk Credit Union has had a long history of giving back to the community it serves; All proceeds from the event were donated to three very deserving local charities; Dundalk SVP, Dundalk Simon Community & St. Patrick’s Parish Soup Kitchen.