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Downtown Community Ministry / March 2021

The Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) gives down to earth support to individuals and families.

April 2021 | February 2021
    • March Update from DCM
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} } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentColumn{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnImageCardLeftImageContent,.mcnImageCardRightImageContent{ padding-right:18px !important; padding-bottom:0 !important; padding-left:18px !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcpreview-image-uploader{ display:none !important; width:100% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h1{ font-size:30px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h2{ font-size:26px !important; line-height:125% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h3{ font-size:20px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ h4{ font-size:18px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent,.mcnBoxedTextContentContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .headerContainer .mcnTextContent,.headerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .bodyContainer .mcnTextContent,.bodyContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:16px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ .footerContainer .mcnTextContent,.footerContainer .mcnTextContent p{ font-size:14px !important; line-height:150% !important; } } Together we can end homelessness Changing lives one smile at a time This month we have been marking the 5th birthday of the DCM Dental Service. During the birthday week, we offered daily dental sessions, sometimes with a difference. Rāhina/Monday: Monday’s session was taken by John and Emily; they saw several taumai with complex lives, who had not been able to be treated for their high levels of dental pain anywhere else. M had had his jaw broken, with the resulting metal plate adjacent to problem teeth causing him great pain. He had been referred to the hospital, but was not able to go there due to anxiety and addictions. The team at DCM worked to come up with a solution. We arranged for him to come back to DCM the next time that John Buckerfield took a dental session here. John spent an hour and a half with M, talking him through the treatment and successfully extracting the tooth. M also received fillings for other teeth. He left proudly showing off the extracted tooth, and with antibiotics and a plan for his recovery from John. Later in the day he was happily chatting and in a good space. H had a bad abscess and was in a lot of pain. He struggles with his addictions, and was very proud that he had managed to stay drug-free that day so that he could see the dentist. John was able to numb the area and treat the abscess in one appointment. H left pain-free and not needing further work. Rātū/Tuesday: On Tuesday, for the first time, one of our dentists headed out with our team to see taumai in their new communities and housing complexes. DCM has supported D over many years. He recently saw Sophie at DCM; she discovered he had a bad infection that needed urgent treatment. This time she was able to check on his progress in his own community, also explaining how a referral for dentures could work to better improve his oral health. N has recently been housed in the Berhampore area. He hasn’t seen a dentist in a long time and appreciated the chance to see Sophie at Berhampore Centennial Community Centre. Utilising a little side room, sterilised instruments, a dental and periodontal chart and torch, Sophie assessed N’s sore teeth and gums and could feel where any potential holes were located. N looks forward to a follow-up appointment at DCM. Rāapa/Wednesday: David took the very first session at the DCM Dental Service in March 2016. He has been a regular through all of the five years, and was back to take a session during our birthday week, supported by dental assistant Hazel. We definitely kept them both busy. Although DCM has supported T over many years, he had never seen a dentist at DCM. It had been a difficult week for T - not only was he experiencing pain but he had issues with his housing, and had been at a tangi the day before. David was able to extract two teeth, which made a big difference to T. Rāpare/Thursday: Once again, a line-up of people in pain with nowhere else to go for treatment made for another busy day. S is an older Māori man who is staying in emergency accommodation. He recently had a toothache that got so bad he took the tooth out himself! Still sore and with a number of other issues, he saw dentist Sunjna who treated infected roots as well as completing another much-needed extraction. S was so happy to have all his dental issues treated in one appointment. "I love the atmosphere at DCM," reflected dental assistant Issie at the end of the day. "The energy, the singing, the taumai... The highlight today, as always, was being able to offer people relief from pain. The challenge? Today again reinforced for me how difficult it is for taumai here to access support elsewhere. They may be referred to the hospital or other supports, but because of their anxiety, addictions, a whole range of barriers, they cannot get there and continue to live in pain. It's great to be part of the team in this place, where taumai do feel safe and are able to come and receive our support - and to leave pain-free." Rāmere/Friday: A is a refugee from Africa; for some years he has cycled between backpackers, motels and periods in temporary housing. A experiences a lot of dental pain. Last month, he saw a dentist at DCM for emergency treatment of his most urgent pain and issues, including a much needed extraction. He returned for another appointment this week, expecting further extractions. Dentist Laura was able to restore two of his front teeth, which he had assumed would need to come out. A was absolutely delighted to be able to retain his smile; he left praising the “angel” dentist who had made such a difference to him. DCM taumai have so much to contend with in their lives, the emergency dental work they are able to receive at DCM is truly a life-line, and in some cases a life-saver. We acknowledge all of the dental professionals who have made this possible over the last five years, Kaye and Maurice Clark who purchased this building with its dental rooms for DCM, and our supporters who donate money, product and skills so that we can offer this service to the most marginalised people in our community. Together, we have achieved something very special. <!-- --> Bringing a smile to the community We ended our very special week of celebrating the 5th birthday of the DCM Dental Service with seasonal kai. We all came together to share kai and to acknowledge one another and the taonga which this dental service has been for our taumai. How appropriate that the community of dentist Morris Wong, the Wellington Anglican Chinese Mission, should provide kai, along with EKTA, Good Bitches Baking and some Pasifika delicacies lovingly prepared by the family of our kaimahi, Nani. A smorgasbord of delicious food from different cultures, enjoyed together in the sunshine at DCM. <!-- --> Another reason to smile Many of you know and love Te Amo, who DCM has supported for a long, long time. Te Amo featured in DCM’s 50th birthday photo exhibition. He has worked in our foodbank for many years and is now our longest-serving staff member. As Te Amo grows older, and is able to work less hours, he has been looking for other ways to spend his time, so that he can thrive in his own community and in his retirement. We were excited to hear recently from Anne. Looking to downsize, Anne needed to find a new home for her beloved piano, which she has been playing since she was 7 years old. We immediately thought of Te Amo. He is a talented pianist who has learned to play by ear. You may have even seen him around Wellington where he serenades the city whenever he can find a piano to play – including outdoors in Frank Kitts park. It was great to see Anne's piano gifted to Te Amo's local community centre; he can now play whenever he wishes. Thanks Anne and we know you've found a new friend in Te Amo! To listen to them enjoying the piano together at its new home in Te Amo’s housing complex, click the link below. And how appropriate that Te Amo should choose to play this song for her...yes, love IS a beautiful song. <!-- --> How can I help? To mark the 5th birthday of our dental service, we have produced a new brochure, encouraging dentists and dental assistants to join our team. If you would like to pop in to DCM to pick up a brochure to share with your own dentist, or with dental professionals who you know, we would very much appreciate this. Or shout out if you would like us to mail you a copy. <!-- --> Support DCM! Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket, the people will thrive <!-- --> Copyright © 2021 DCM. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: DCMPO Box 6133Marion SqWellington, Wellington 6011 New ZealandAdd us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
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