We are a skilled and passionate team of people united in mission.

Read some of our stories here. 

“I’m so grateful that God called me here all those years ago.” 

Dave, Team Leader WestCare Centre 

Dave’s story  

It was a call from a man he met on a small island off the west coast of Scotland that brought Dave to Baptist Care SA’s WestCare Centre, where he has remained working for the past 25 years.  

 

 

At the time, Dave was a volunteer in a small Christian community on Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides, known as the Cradle of Christianity in Scotland. He had landed there while backpacking to explore different expressions of the Christian faith and was attracted to the community where the emphasis was on social justice. 

The call was from David Wright, the Pastor of the WestCare Church, who was also the Manager of Baptist Care SA’s Inner City Services, offering Dave a newly created pastoral role at the WestCare Centre. Enjoying his time at Iona and with further travels planned, Dave initially declined the offer despite the caller’s many attempts to lure him away.  

But the offer stayed with him. After a time when he prayed and discussed it with his wife, Renee, Dave recognised it was a call from God and the couple returned to Adelaide so Dave could take up the role.  

Dave credits his 25-year tenure to the genuine relationships he has made with members of the WestCare Centre community.  

He says that treating every single person as someone of value, as worthy of respect and with something to offer is a core value of the WestCare Centre community. He believes that from a faith perspective, this expresses the truth that everyone is made in the image of God.  

“Everyone is of value no matter what life has done to them or how broken they are,” he says.  

He says the warmth, humour and encouragement he receives in the genuine conversations he has with the community is what keeps him going. 

The genuine relationships Dave forms with people often extend beyond when they are back on their feet, and they remain connected with the WestCare Centre Community.   

 “They tell me they feel the sense of love and community they find with us is greater than anything they can find elsewhere,” he says. 

The love and compassion Dave has shown over 25 years is shown in return. Renee recently passed away and the empathy and kindness shown by members of the community of the WestCare Centre has wrapped him in reciprocal comfort and support, demonstrating how he has helped them along their own journeys.  

Dave says his relationship with the WestCare Centre is much more like a calling to a Christian community than simply a job. 

“I’m so grateful that God called me here all those years ago.” 

Back to 23-24 Impact Report

“Good morning, welcome to Baptist Care SA…”

Amber, Receptionist 

Amber’s story

Bright eyed and bubbly with a laugh that echoes throughout the office, Amber is a people person with a big heart for those in need.

 

 

Meet Amber, Baptist Care SA’s receptionist – she’s hard to miss! 

As a master multitasker, she’s the director of first impressions and she has a special way of putting people at ease – something that comes from a genuine love for human connection.

“I thrive off communication with people – it’s what I love. I want to make a good first impression so I take what I do very seriously.”

In the 12 months that Amber has been at Baptist Care SA, she’s already become part of the furniture, forging strong relationships with staff, clients, and stakeholders alike.

“Before, a lot of communication was done via email but I’ve worked hard to build relationships where people feel comfortable approaching me and I can connect clients with the services and answers they need right away.”

Amber feels blessed to be in a meaningful role where she can make a difference in people’s lives. Every day she receives calls and visits from people who are facing challenges and in need of urgent care. She considers it a big responsibility to listen, talk with them and connect them with support services.

“When I walk away after a day’s work it’s nice to feel like I’ve helped someone, even if I’ve just made their morning a little bit better because I’ve just literally sat, listened to them and genuinely cared.”

Back to 23-24 Impact Report

“Their footprints on our hearts never goes away.”

Melissa, Acting Manager of Service Delivery, Disability Services 

Melissa’s story 

Melissa considers it a great honour to work alongside people with a disability.

 

 

Melissa considers it a great honour to work alongside people with a disability. As Acting Manager of Service Delivery at Baptist Care SA, she thrives on journeying with clients to make a positive difference in their lives.  

“We may not always be with them for their entire journey, but during their time with us we do everything we can to ensure they are able to live their best life. Their footprint on our hearts never goes away”, she says. 

Every day, Melissa engages with clients whom she admires for their talents, intelligence, skills and overall qualities. Seeing her clients achieve their goals brings her so much joy and fulfilment. 

“Even on the busiest day, they manage to make me smile”, she says. 

With over four years of experience at Baptist Care SA, Melissa considers herself blessed to be part of an incredibly compassionate team, characterised by genuine empathy. 

 

She feels she’s found an organisation whose values resonate closely with her own and she trusts the quality of service – so much so that her own son, Lucas, is a developmental education client at Baptist Care SA.  

“I truly believe in what we do and being part of this community strengthened my resolve in wanting my child to be part of it”, she says.  

Lucas has developed a wonderful relationship with his Developmental Educator and looks forward to their “DE Day”. Their strong bond has been instrumental in providing Lucas with the confidence to take a job as a junior data analyst alongside other employees who also have autism spectrum disorder. 

Melissa’s daughter, Jessica, also works at Baptist Care SA as the Client Engagement Team Leader. Melissa attributes her own dedication, as well as her family’s, to Baptist Care SA’s culture. 

“I truly cannot imagine working anywhere but here with my ‘work family’”, she says.

Back to 23-24 Impact Report

“Everyone is welcomed, without question.”

Josie’s story 

Volunteering is more than just an act of service for Josie—it’s an outward expression of her Christian faith, focused on building meaningful relationships.

 

 

As you make your way to the counter at Baptist Care SA’s Community Food Hub, you’re met with a warm smile and bubbly energy from volunteer Josie. In an instant you feel like you’ve known her for years.

Volunteering is more than just an act of service for Josie—it’s an outward expression of her Christian faith, focused on building meaningful relationships.

Originally from the UK, Josie attributes her strong social conscience and desire to connect with others to her Christian upbringing. Having volunteered at homeless shelters while growing up in England, the PHD student felt a strong calling from God to live out her faith when she moved to Adelaide.

It was the people and the open, non-judgemental atmosphere that drew her to the Community Food Hub, “It just helps anyone and everyone and it doesn’t ask questions,” she says.

This resonates strongly with Josie’s belief that everyone should be welcomed, no matter their circumstances.

“Many who shop at the Food Hub are made to feel like they don’t belong elsewhere in society. But here, whether they’re living on the streets or have lost their jobs and need to feed their family, everyone is welcomed, without question.”

Josie’s journey started with a desire to put her faith into action, but she’s discovered so much more. She’s found a community where she can contribute her time and talent to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. This is why she shows up every week.

“I love the people here. There’s no real hierarchy, everyone is just in it together. There’s a real sense of community.”

Josie understands that for many who visit the Food Hub, it’s not just about buying food—it’s also a place where people find connection.

“Some people just want to have a chat. I love going that bit extra for people.”

Back to 23-24 Impact Report

Acknowledgement of Country

Baptist Care SA acknowledges we work on the lands of the Kaurna, Peramangk and Boandik people. We respect the ongoing skilful custodianship of lands, skies and waters and the continuous deep cultural connection with Country. We pay respect to Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all Countries, Nations and Mobs.