Joe is a Community Connector in our Food Security team, one of the first friendly voices for whānau reaching out for support.
That support starts with the first phone call, from people who have nowhere else to turn and need food today. Joe always takes the time to listen and understand each person's situation.
"When we pick up the phone, we'll ask a few questions so we can get them the right food parcel and to see how we can best support them."
That care continues face-to-face when whānau come in to collect their kai – a parcel with enough nutritious food to last four days. But for Joe, the welcome matters just as much as the food.
"When they come in for their food parcel, I have a conversation with them, see where they're at. So they feel like there's someone there for them. That's when they start to trust and tell me what they're going through."
"There's always an underlying reason why someone's needing food parcels."
As trust grows, he can connect people with other Mission services and food security programmes. He can also provide people with support to get back into employment.So when a Community Connector hears that someone is looking for work, they let Joe knowand he makes a point of being there to meet them in person.
"I make sure I'm present when they come, not just on the phone. I build that relationship, take time to connect. And from there, we see where they want to go."
The support is practical: preparing for interviews, building CVs, finding volunteer opportunities and job vacancies. And he works with people for as long as it takes.
"One guy was coming in weekly for food. I'd sit down with him, talk about what he wanted to do and show him what vacancies there were. He got a job in December and he's never been back! He just needed someone to journey with him. Every now and then he'll text me an update."
Another woman was struggling to get any interviews until Joe helped her rework her CV. Now she's being shortlisted.
"Seeing her come in with a massive smile and say, 'I'm so happy! I got an interview!' Those are the things that make my day.”
For Joe, it always comes back to people.
"Seeing where someone’s journey starts and where it's going. I want to see them get there. That's my why – the reason I get up in the morning”