About the John Pierce Centre for the Deaf

About The John Pierce Centre

Spirit of the Deaf Community

The origins of the John Pierce Centre (JPC) date back to 1935 when Father John Pierce was appointed as the first Chaplain to the Catholic Deaf Community in Victoria by Archbishop Mannix. In those times, all the major denominations conducted missions of various sorts to the needy people of Melbourne; included in these were the Deaf and Blind.

Over time these church run services have all gradually disappeared and a range of social service agencies with the support of the State and Federal Governments have assumed responsibility for these areas of social welfare. Existing now in a largely secular environment, this fundamental change to how social welfare is delivered has brought a different ethic to the way people engage with social service organizations when seeking or requiring welfare assistance.

The flexibility to respond to community need in a timely and pro-active manner has all but disappeared due to the demands of government regulation and accountability. When a community or individual need is recognized, early intervention is generally hindered by the need to convince outsiders of the existence of the problem – draining valuable resources as responses become largely re-active.

In November each year the John Pierce Centre makes its annual appeal to the Catholic community. The generous support of parishioners in recent years has allowed the John Pierce Centre to continue its important work with Deaf and Hearing Impaired people throughout Victoria.

At JPC we work with many disadvantaged families and understand the uncertainty and worry of debt, diminished savings and financial insecurity. JPC is a not-for-profit charity that receives no government funding and operates independently as a member of Catholic Social Services. The community can be confident that any support offered to JPC is immediately directed to those Deaf people and families who will benefit the most – our mission is to support Deaf people to “live life to the full” and we are committed to making a difference in the lives of Deaf people and their families.

In early 2009 our Family Support worker met Hannah, a 13 year old girl who was “slipping through the gaps” of school welfare and youth support services. Although Hannah is hearing, both her parents are Deaf and communicate using Sign Language. In recent times the media has raised awareness of Youth Suicide and Depression – however Hannah’s parents are Deaf and this information had not reached her home. Although very worried her parents felt her unusual behaviour may be normal for teenagers – they did not have the confidence to approach “hearing professionals” – teachers, doctors or others who may judge their lack of knowledge.

A visiting Deaf friend was concerned by Hannah’s strange behaviour and suggested that JPC’s Family Support Service might be able to help in some way. The family was reassured that the person visiting from JPC would be fluent in Sign Language. Within a few days our Deaf Pastoral Worker put in motion a series of potentially life saving events. Hannah was referred to youth mental health services and JPC is now supporting the family to access services and information that better equip them to care and monitor Hannah’s depression and anxiety disorder.

JPC has over 25 years experience of supporting Deaf and Hearing Impaired people who are frequently isolated within their local communities, and even within their own families. We provide opportunities for people to learn more about the challenges of parenting through education programs, playgroup and Family Camps. These services compliment our visits to older, frail and isolated Deaf people. A Community Centre brings these groups together and strengthens the Community.

The John Pierce Centre receives no Government funding. Our support comes from the Catholic Church, generous benefactors, philanthropic grants and our Parish Appeal in November. All donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

For more information regarding the services of the John Pierce Centre and our work in the Deaf Community please visit our website www.jpc.org.au or contact us at -

John Pierce Centre

25-35 High Street

Prahran

PO Box 443

Prahran Victoria 3181

Tel: (03) 9525 1158

TTY: (03) 9525 1337

Fax: (03) 9525 1191

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W: www.jpc.org.au

ABN: 55 005 611 601