A Day in the Life of ... Major Narelle Jacobsen
A Day in the Life of ... Major Narelle Jacobsen
27 September 2022
Major Narelle Jacobsen, pictured with Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett, thrives on being a connector at The Well at St Kilda Chapel.
Meet Major Narelle Jacobsen, the Community Development Officer at The Well at St Kilda Chapel. A place of sanctuary and inclusion, The Well is modelled on the story of John chapter 4, inviting people of all backgrounds and ages to experience community and care through a variety of activities, fellowship and relationship.
Can you give us an overview of your role?
My main role is being a connector. The Well is the hub where other Salvation Army services in our area can invite those who access their services to connect and experience a healthy community, care and opportunity to explore faith pathways. My role also entails helping communities identify projects and enact them. This involves assessing needs within a community and aiming to address them by networking and collaborating with other services by gaining community input.
The Well is a home away from home for the lonely and isolated to find a safe place to connect and nurture their soul. I oversee a range of activities from gardening and woodwork projects to reflection stations, Sunday worship gathering, and offering a listening ear to those who need to be heard. The Well is a place where people can feel loved, accepted and have a sense of belonging.
What’s the first thing you do when you start your workday?
I prepare myself for the day ahead by praying on my way to work, handing the day over to God; and listening to a podcast and worship music. Once I arrive at work, I start the gas log fire, light some candles and turn on the urn to create a welcoming environment for volunteers, community members, and any network meetings we may have at the site.
What does a workday typically involve for you?
Each day is different; however, here’s what a typical Friday might look like:
It starts with a bread collection from the local Woolworths. I then pick up a volunteer on my way to The Well. When we arrive, we setup The Well, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere with the gas log fire, scented candles and the welcome sign out the front.
The gardening and maintenance volunteers will begin their various tasks and enjoy the connection with one another. There's often a chat around the fire and out in the garden. We'll also prepare the ‘We Care’ packs for the day. These are distributed to community folk who have contacted us for help or the unannounced street drop-ins who are in need. With people often being sick or unable to collect packs due to not having transport, we do a run at the end of the day to deliver them to their homes.
The pantry (blessing box) out the front will be filled with food, and a table will be set up to display the bread collected that morning for community members to help themselves. Once the administration volunteer team comes in, I set tasks for them, which I oversee, while responding to emails and calls throughout the day.
From late morning, community folk drop in for a coffee or lunch. We heat prepare home-cooked meals for them and sit and connect over our meal, providing a listening ear and friendship. At the end of the day, I debrief with the team and share in a time of prayer.
What’s the most challenging part of your work?
Sometimes not being able to meet the needs of the people reaching out for help; or not having enough manpower, that is, volunteers to do the work that needs to be done. Trying to stretch myself in many different directions; resourcing what I need and having the financial means to meet all that is needed.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Journeying alongside people and seeing their lives be transformed through the love of Jesus and finding connection in our community. Also, creating a sense of family and seeing how our volunteer and community members support one another.
How do you connect with The Salvation Army mission intention: Caring for people?
I am responding to people’s needs as they phone seeking assistance. We are also caring for people through the ‘We Care’ packs of food, toiletries and basic needs. These packs also contain an invitation to connect at The Well and engage in a safe and supportive community. Further, testimonies from those we care for speak for themselves. Here are just a few I have recently received:
“Thank you so much for my basket of goodies. I just had a mandarin that was bursting with flavour. Thank you for blessing me in all the nourishing ways you do. God knew what he was doing when he directed me to The Well. He is the true master architect, refining each and every day” – Fefe.
“Thank you again. It was beyond amazing! You have helped me heaps.” – Gemma.
“Thank you so much. This day has been beautiful for me. I’ll definitely be back Friday and the first Sunday of every month. I feel so connected.” – Saffire-Rose.
“Thank you so much for arranging the Positive Lifestyle Program with Jim. Feeling blessed.” – Elly.
“I would like to thank you for your service on Sunday. You filled my mind with great thoughts and feelings about the challenges I’ve overcome and more confidence for the challenges ahead of me! I can’t thank you enough. I’ll see you on Friday!” – Samuel.
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