Ministry Overview:
Heartfriends Community Services – SJSM’s community outreach ministry – has been faithfully serving the Dover community since 1998 – expressing God’s love beyond the Church walls by meeting both practical and spiritual needs.
At the heart of Heartfriends lies a simple yet powerful call: to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment right here in our neighbourhood.
Through the Heartfriends Student Care Centre (HSCC) at Block 3 and St Andrews Active Ageing Centre (Dover) @ KopiStop (currently at Block 4 and relocating to Block 2 in the near future), we seek to be God’s hands and feet among children, seniors, and families — bringing hope, care, and connection to those around us.
Purpose/Objective:
Effective outreach begins with prayer, and continues through:
1. Listening to and understanding the needs of the community
2. Being present and consistent
3. Serving with compassion and treating every person with dignity
4. Building relationships that open doors for the Gospel
5. Involving the wider Church and adapting to serve better
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
TO CHILDREN
at Heartfriends Student Care Centre (HSCC)
AT THE HEART OF HSCC:
1. God’s love for the next generation
2. A place to grow, dream, and belong
3. The welcome of Jesus: “Let the children come to me …” Mark 10:14
WHAT HAPPENS AT HSCC:
1. Daily Care – Safe, restful environment after school
2. Homework Supervision – Academic guidance and study habits
3. Character Building – Values, storytelling, mentoring
4. Creative Growth – Games, crafts, and group learning
5. Parental Support – Peace of mind for caregivers
CENTRE VOLUNTEER
Activity: Helping children 7-12 yrs old with homework and also lead simple enrichment activities
Commitment: Weekdays, preferably afternoons
DROP-IN CENTRE HELPER
Activity: Informal mentoring through play and friendship
Commitment: Fridays, 3-6pm @ SJSM
HOLIDAY CAMP
Activity: Help plan and execute enrichment day camps in areas such as literacy, sports and art.
Commitment: Weekdays during school holidays
TO ELDERLY
at St Andrew’s Active Ageing Centre (Dover) @ KopiStop
AT THE HEART OF KOPISTOP:
1. Love in action – God’s care through friendship and support
2. A living promise from God: “Even to your old age I am He…I will carry and will save.” Isaiah 46:4
WHAT HAPPENS AT KOPISTOP:
1. Daily Engagement – Exercises, health talks, crafts, games
2.Social Connection – Friendships and a sense of belonging
3. Community Support – Home visits, medical appointments, errands
4. Health & Wellness – Screenings, wellness education
5. Volunteerism – Seniors contributing meaningfully to others
“DEEP BEFRIENDER”
Activity: Intentionally journey with an unbelieving individual or family; build deep, authentic, Christ-like relationships; provide faithful presence or love, hope and truth
Commitment: Longer term, flexible and unhurried
CAREGIVER
Activity: Regular visits with Dover residents to build trust by offering conversation and encouragement
Commitment: Once a month, over 1 year (encouraged minimum)