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Vantage Point Community commenced over 20 years ago out of one of Vantage Point Church's small groups simply distributing leftover bread from a local bakery to those in need.
With mercy, justice and audacious faith at the forefront of the gospel, we take responsibility for our community and city. We are committed to playing our part through gospel based inclusion and outreach programs.
Bags of bread were picked up on a Monday night and filled the home kitchen table and benches - word of the generosity spread quickly throughout the neighbourhood and local suburbs; outgrowing its humble beginnings, it moved to the church premesis in Donvale.
With demand and need high, more connections were made with generous local businesses who wanted to contribute to community welfare too with more baked goods, donuts, milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fast forward through bolstering structure and leadership, Vantage Point Community soon became a flourishing, life-building space where agencies would turn to for support and referals, and people could volunteer their time, skills, and passion.
Attracting families from both far Outer-East and Western suburbs Vantage Point extended its food relief and care & connection locations into Brimbank/Moonee Valley and Yarra Ranges.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vantage Point Community pivoted its operations to a safe drive through service with pre-packaged grocery items.Emergency food relief was offered during this time and the demand increased substantially.
Vantage Point Community Leadership
Through and beyond the pandemic
With clear, strategic direction and the ability to quickly shift operations and processes, Pastor Phil and Kirsten Linden have steered Vantage Point Community and the dedicated team of volunteers through the difficulties and ever-changing scope of the COVID-pandemic.
Phil and Kirsten's leadership role has been fundamental to the work of Vantage Point Community as the organisation has been able to both take on significant growth and sustain it.
With foodbank distribution points in Lilydale, Donvale, and Keilor East, face to face connection and meals have been re-introduced - as has volunteer engagement with an emphasis on including those from diverse communities and those with disability.
Vantage Point Community now serves upwards of 100+ CALD families, single parent families, migrants and refugees and collects 4.5 tonnes of food per week from 6+ agencies or local businesses.
We engage around 100+ volunteers and continue to faithfully serve three Local Government Areas across Melbourne.