Social Work Story

One of the things that blows me away as the social worker at Soul is the way that our whole community works to support one another. Yes, we have over 250 volunteers who keep the kitchen humming and the good times rolling. Yes, we’ve got incredible donors who support our work through their generous giving. Yes, we have staff who organise and manage and plan for the future. BUT, we also have guests who make Soul what it is, who support one another, who share their brilliant selves with us each and every day.

Riley is one of those special guests. Recently, Riley lost his Dad. This loss has been really hard on Riley and his mother who survived her husband. A few weeks ago, Riley went to visit his mum. To comfort her in this time of loss, he brought her a beautiful knit jumper that belonged to his father. Riley’s mother appreciated the gesture, but she said this in response: “Why don’t you bring that jumper to that Café you’re always going to? Give it to someone there to keep them warm.” Riley was touched that his mother, even in the face of their loss, thought of the guests at Soul Hub. So, Riley brought the jumper into Soul and it found its way to one of our guests, Marty. We heard he was a big fan of woolly jumpers! Marty and Riley got the opportunity to meet the other day just as Marty was showing off his new jumper to the ladies at our Administration Desk.

As the social worker, this moment gave me the opportunity to reflect upon the fact that so much of the helping that happens at Soul is actually done by our guests who look out for each other in so many ways. Thanks, Riley and Marty for making Soul a brighter place with your smiles, generosity, and kindness.

Meet our guests

Our guests and meeting their needs is what compels us. Soul Cafe has become a safe place, a refuge, a family. Its a place where everyone’s welcome because nobody’s perfect and anything is possible.

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Meet Josh

Josh is now doing a TAFE Course, works part time, and just got his own place not long after this calendar photo was taken.

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