Who, when and why?
"Humble beginnings" is the term that best describes the founding of BREAD 4 LIFE in 2005, which began its journey as a
'Tea Room' at the NG Groote Kerk Church in Kloof Street. Here, members of the congregation would meet to share the gospel and a warm meal with some of the less fortunate members of the community. In 2006, after witnessing the growing numbers of people living on our streets, brothers Johnny and Viron Papadakis identified an opportunity to expand the tea room and a new partnership was formed. Their vision was to create a safe place for the city's homeless to receive support, and in 2008 Johnny became the resident pastor at BREAD 4 LIFE.
Today, BREAD 4 LIFE feeds over 400 guests who have fallen on hard times every week. BREAD 4 LIFE strives to provide much more than just a warm plate of food however, and what may appear as your typical soup kitchen on the surface is quickly unraveled when you consider the work being done behind the scenes. At the core of BREAD 4 LIFE is a purpose-built support system grounded in Christian principles and operating under the ubiquitous guidance of the Holy Spirit. Before any meals are served, our guests (who come from all faiths) are invited to attend a service by one of our pastors whose tailored message is intended to restore hope in what is often a very dark life on the streets. BREAD 4 LIFE also hosts a myriad of guest speakers, many of whom once lived on the streets themselves, to share their stories and inspire similar transformation among the guests.
"Humble beginnings" is the term that best describes the founding of BREAD 4 LIFE in 2005, which began its journey as a
'Tea Room' at the NG Groote Kerk Church in Kloof Street. Here, members of the congregation would meet to share the gospel and a warm meal with some of the less fortunate members of the community. In 2006, after witnessing the growing numbers of people living on our streets, brothers Johnny and Viron Papadakis identified an opportunity to expand the tea room and a new partnership was formed. Their vision was to create a safe place for the city's homeless to receive support, and in 2008 Johnny became the resident pastor at BREAD 4 LIFE.
Today, BREAD 4 LIFE feeds over 400 guests who have fallen on hard times every week. BREAD 4 LIFE strives to provide much more than just a warm plate of food however, and what may appear as your typical soup kitchen on the surface is quickly unraveled when you consider the work being done behind the scenes. At the core of BREAD 4 LIFE is a purpose-built support system grounded in Christian principles and operating under the ubiquitous guidance of the Holy Spirit. Before any meals are served, our guests (who come from all faiths) are invited to attend a service by one of our pastors whose tailored message is intended to restore hope in what is often a very dark life on the streets. BREAD 4 LIFE also hosts a myriad of guest speakers, many of whom once lived on the streets themselves, to share their stories and inspire similar transformation among the guests.
At BREAD 4 LIFE we understand that the first step out of poverty is often the hardest, so guests requiring further support are invited to speak with the pastor or any of our volunteers on a one-to-one basis. Whether its prayer for a loved one who has fallen ill or guidance on how to access drug and alcohol counselling, BREAD 4 LIFE endeavors to provide its guests with the tangible support they both deserve and need.
Long-term reintegration is also addressed as we attempt to link guests with potential employers. Despite their current circumstances, the majority of our guests have led very interesting lives and are in possession of a diverse range of skills and experiences. Potential employers can learn more by visiting the 'Our Guests' page which displays profiles on some of our guests, including information about their past skills and qualifications.
Long-term reintegration is also addressed as we attempt to link guests with potential employers. Despite their current circumstances, the majority of our guests have led very interesting lives and are in possession of a diverse range of skills and experiences. Potential employers can learn more by visiting the 'Our Guests' page which displays profiles on some of our guests, including information about their past skills and qualifications.
How you can get involved?
Whether its in your personal capacity as a volunteer or a physical donation from a company or business, new faces are always welcome at BREAD 4 LIFE.
The following physical donations are regularly in need:
Tinned Food
Clothes (especially during winter)
Blankets
Toiletries
Stationery/Toys for Children
BREAD 4 LIFE thrives on the professional support offered to our guests in need of that extra bit of help in the following areas:
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counselling
Physical/Sexual Abuse Counselling
Employment Services
Email us at bread4life@outlook.com for more information about how you can get involved
Whether its in your personal capacity as a volunteer or a physical donation from a company or business, new faces are always welcome at BREAD 4 LIFE.
The following physical donations are regularly in need:
Tinned Food
Clothes (especially during winter)
Blankets
Toiletries
Stationery/Toys for Children
BREAD 4 LIFE thrives on the professional support offered to our guests in need of that extra bit of help in the following areas:
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counselling
Physical/Sexual Abuse Counselling
Employment Services
Email us at bread4life@outlook.com for more information about how you can get involved
