At the end of 2007, Melissa Moon joined the staff as an outreach worker, supporting guests to move forward, perhaps in finding accommodation or employment. Her role is an exciting development for the Centre, allowing us to expand the services we offer and highlighting the increasing importance of lay staff.

The following is written by Melissa on her work:

I feel privileged with the work I am able to do at the Soup Kitchen. Our guests who visit the Soup Kitchen are from all walks of life, all unique and each one with special qualities. It is a pleasure to be part of serving the evening meal, to interact with our guests alongside our volunteers, Sisters and staff.
 
Last December a new face appeared at the Soup Kitchen. He wasn't well physically and had 'lost his direction in life' in this new city to him, Wellington. He did, however, manage to find his way to the Soup Kitchen, and I believe it was Mother Aubert who guided him there, a good soul wanting to help another good soul whose start in life had been tough and continually rough.
 
My new role as an out-reach worker had begun. Firstly we had to get him some medical assistance, and then over the next few weeks and months we established a routine of a shower at the Wesley Community Centre and clean clothes from the kind donations that come in. Simple things, but those simple things started to give our guest a smile in his eyes, a confidence in his body language. Our trust grew and our chats became longer, but the most important thing for me was the absolute gratitude and thankfulness our guest showed me. That gratitude gives you the most wonderful desire to do more.

Wellington agencies work collaboratively and, with the help of Downtown Community Ministry, we were able to put a roof over his head - his own permanent accommodation. The St Vincent de Paul Society helped with a bed and a few chairs to create this new home. Our guest’s life is more settled now.

Ironically, when he arrived in Wellington over a year ago, our guest made his home in the bushes of Buckle Street, right next to the first Soup Kitchen Suzanne Aubert established back in 1899. As she said ' let us be full of attention and thoughtfulness for others' and in doing so she guided our guest to the Compassion Centre. I have really come to appreciate the 'spirit of generosity' of Wellingtonians. As human beings we just need the simple things in life, not to be judged, but to be shown respect and compassion, that is the legacy of Mother Aubert. There are times in our lives when we all need a helping hand and there are times in our lives when we can all give that helping hand - that is the spirit of compassion.