Service seeks to raise €1m for new building
By Maurice Garvey
A FAMILY support service in Clondalkin has kickstarted a campaign to raise €1 million for a new building after outgrowing their current home.
Deansrath Family Centre has grown to such an extent over the last 20 years, that they now require a bigger space to facilitate programmes, classes and pre-school services.
Last week, staff held a concert and raised €2,500 to get the ball rolling.
Providing a wide-range of child and family support services in West Dublin, the organisation is committed to the delivery of evidence-based programmes and operates an “open-door policy”.
Programmes such as Dinosaur School, which tackles behavioural issues in young children, CoderDojo computer coding, Baby Programmes and the Young Persons’ Working Group which gives teenagers from the area an opportunity to have their say, are now held in a separate building in Bawnogue.
The family support team is confined to a Portacabin at the back of the centre.
Siobhan Feehan, Deansrath Family Centre Manager said: “The staff here are so dedicated and passionate about the work they do, but there is frustration around the working conditions. Our family support team struggle to find quiet rooms to meet with clients and there is limited space for children who might need extra support.
“Over the years we have grown along with the community and now is the time to move to a bigger building so as we can deliver the service that our community deserves.”
Anyone who wishes to donate can visit Deansrath Family Centre Building Fund at www.paypal.me/deansrath.
