President Ruth was delighted to welcome Julie Raikes, chair and trustee of Emmaus South Wales and her colleague Del Jones, CEO of Emmaus Wales, to join us for the first meeting of our new Soroptimist year.
Emmaus is the club’s chosen charity for the coming year. Emmaus is a homeless charity with a difference and was started after World War II by Frenchman Abbe Pierre. Although it now has a presence around the world, and 30 communities across the UK, Bridgend is the only one in Wales, alongside charity shops in Bridgend and Porthcawl.
Julie and Del spoke about the history of Emmaus and how we need to remove the stigma surrounding Homelessness.
Emmaus considers itself a charity with a difference because as Julie explains, “We not only offer a bed to the homeless, but also a reason to get out of it too! Our theory of change is that purpose is transformative, as is the power of giving to others. Upon joining our community, Companions, as we call the formerly homeless adults, agree to sign off from welfare benefits, except housing benefit, and volunteer on a full-time basis in our Social Enterprise, currently comprising of 4 charity shops selling donated furniture and household goods.”
“We provide our Companions with the training, on-to-one support and opportunity to take responsibility in a range of roles within the Enterprise. There is no time limit on our support and Companions can stay within the community for as long as they need and benefit.”
Alongside trading activities, Emmaus also carries out a range of solidarity activities for other communities and individuals in need. This includes providing basic necessities for rough sleepers and free furniture packs for households in poverty.
Bridgend Soroptimists have a number of fundraising activities planned throughout the year ahead and look forward to supporting the work Emmaus does for vulnerable homeless people.
