CEO Update

Hello.

I’m sitting here writing this note to you feeling a little stunned that it is almost the end of another year.

So much has changed here at St Mary’s House of Welcome in the past 12 months or so. So many wonderful developments and achievements… So many exciting plans for the coming year and beyond. If the time has flown, surely it’s because we have all been so busy!

One of the most significant and exciting things to happen has been the launch of the St Mary’s House of Welcome Strategic Plan 2019-2021 . This three-year Plan – developed after extensive consultation with Directors, staff and community members – will form both the roadmap and yardstick against which we will organise and measure our vital work.

Most importantly, the new Plan sets forth strong key strategic initiatives which demonstrate our continued alignment our continuing mission of standing with the most vulnerable people in our community, offering support, solutions and hope.

There’s an overarching sense that the old bluestone building that has been the House of Welcome for some of Melbourne’s most disadvantaged people for almost 60 years, is abuzz with new energy.

We have a number of new staff – including a new Executive Leadership Team- who have brought with them a bundle of enthusiasm and fresh ideas. They have teamed with our amazingly dedicated existing staff members to form a close-knit, forward-thinking team, committed to getting the job done.

With the team’s combined knowledge, passion and energy we will continue to enhance the way we provide interim support, case management, practical assistance, crisis interventions and delivery of quality services to meet the needs of those who rely on us for help.

The timing couldn’t be better.

Demand for St Mary’s House of Welcome’s services is growing at record levels.

By the time we open our doors for the first sitting of breakfast at 8.30am, a long queue has formed, including many who have slept rough on the streets of Melbourne the night before.

Yes, there have been some changes in the way we go about our business – some new programs, and streamlining of systems and processes. No doubt there will be many more given our adherence to continuous improvement.

But one thing will never change – that’s the commitment of the St Mary’s House of Welcome Directors and staff members to people who are chronically homeless, sleeping rough and experiencing desperate poverty, to whom our centre means so much.

Our hope is that you will choose to partner with us as we continue on this journey of purpose and hope, with the vision of improving the lives of everyone who walks through our doors.

On behalf of everyone here at St Mary’s House of Welcome, wishing you and your family a happy, safe and blessed Christmas.

Warmest regards,

Robina Bradley
CEO & Board Secretary