Scottsdale is home for 19 people who live with mental illness. Our church is responsible for the management of Scottsdale and its Board members, under the leadership of David Wright, are drawn from the ranks of our worshipping community. During the past 12 months Scottsdale has morphed from an SRS (Supported Residential Service) to a PDRSS (Psychiatric Disability and Rehabilitation Support Service). This does mean that we will be receiving more government funding but it means much more than this. We are now linked into a system of community and professional expertise that will enhance the quality of care that we are able to provide. We will be part of the Opening Doors cooperative network of local agencies involved in the treatment and care of people living with mental illness.

We have an outstanding manager, Marie Molner, and very dedicated staff. Marie has developed Scottsdale as a home where extended family members and friends are welcomed and encouraged to participate, to drop in at any time. Scottsdale residents appreciate so much those visitors who call to say hullo – just because they want to. The residents are thrilled when someone brings them a birthday cake or present. They love outings and invitations to church events. They appreciate those who regularly call in on a Sunday morning to offer a lift to church.

Residents from Scottsdale have always been part of the life of our church community. They have added colour and diversity to our community. They have challenged and broadened our horizons. The very worst outcome for Scottsdale would be if the provision of more ‘professional support’ were to coincide with the withdrawal of the ‘community support’ of natural friendship and love. This commodity is priceless. It cannot be bought, sold or funded.

Let’s make sure that we go on valuing the people who are our friends at Scottsdale. Let’s make sure that Scottsdale does not become an out of sight out of mind institution where people who are different can be conveniently forgotten.

Scottsdale Special Residential Service: 51 Alma Rd. St Kilda 3182. Manager: Marie Molnar: 9534 7634