City Life Inc was started in 1988 by the present director, Mark Whitby, as a response to the crisis in underage accommodation in the Mornington Peninsula region of Melbourne.
The initial work consisted of a medium term accommodation refuge, called Shiloh House, which was built to house teenage boys in crisis. This refuge was successfully run for a number of years working with many teenagers in crisis, accommodating them and supporting them through many of life’s issues. Shiloh house quickly developed a reputation of taking teens that other agencies could not assist, placing them in a family setting. This property was eventually sold as the facility was inadequate for future growth of the program.
COVENANT HOUSE
The next phase of the City Life story was another refuge, which was called Covenant House, a large 40 sq house situated in Bangholme Victoria. This refuge was used to continue the work of Shiloh House but it was expanded to house not only teens in crisis but was also able to support others who needed our support services. Covenant House was a crisis accommodation centre as well as offering short to medium term accommodation for those in need. This facility was effectively used to house and support many people going through life issues. Covenant House was also able to offer counselling and support to our many clients. This facility was eventually given to another community group.
CITY LIFE CAFE
The next project undertaken was the City Life Café and Food Bank in Frankston, supplying over 9000 meals each month to the needy.
THE BARGAIN STORE
‘The City Life Bargain Store’ retail shop was launched in 2005 - other shops and facilities were added to the City Life stable in 2006 making City Life a busy community based centre.
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
City Life presently runs a Café/restaurant that produces hot nutritious meals to the vulnerable and needy of our city. Each day the centre is open over 100 meals are produced supporting many of our city’s disadvantaged.
City Life Inc is also presently working with groups in the city looking at the issues of Housing and support to the most vulnerable.
TRAINING
Alongside the cafe programs at City Life we operate a training program that offers various courses for our many clients - ranging from basic computers to food handling and other life skill areas.
PARTNERSHIPS City Life has formed many effective partnershipswith other community based groups over the years. One such partnership is with Jubilee Church, led by Mark & Sue Whitby. Jubilee supports City Life by providing pastoral services and leadership resources to help City Life to more effectively achieve its purposes
To connect with Southwind - the personal website for Mark & Susanne Whitby - click the link below:
To connect with the Jubilee Church web site click this link:
City Life HELPING PEOPLE DREAM AGAIN - 9770 0660
