An insight into our Ministries - Wellsprings for Women

This year we are asking our ministries to nominate a staff member or student who represents and embodies the values and vision of Kildare Ministries. Two ministries will feature in each newsletter. Wellsprings for Women chose one of their volunteers, Philippa Wilson.

 

Philippa Wilson is an active embodiment of Kildare Ministries’ Vision and Mission. A dedicated Wellsprings for Women volunteer for the past 7 years, staff often feel that they would be lost without her significant contribution. Throughout the week, Philippa can be seen patiently minding a room full of pre-school children so their mothers can attend classes to gain valuable life skills. She uses this time to gently teach the children English and interpersonal skills. Philippa is something of a child whisperer and the children treasure their time with her.

Philippa has also taken on the often difficult role of providing one-to-one support to isolated and vulnerable women through Wellsprings’ Mentor and Home Visitation programs. She currently visits 2 women in their homes, both of whom are in quite difficult situations, and has gone above and beyond what is expected of volunteers. Philippa is able to listen without judgement, to support without directing and be the genuine friend these women so desperately need.

Moreover, she is an active Wellsprings choir member, fills in for other volunteers when they are away, is a loving grandmother and volunteers at another women’s organisation. Philippa is the kind of person who may be overlooked for such accolades due to her humble and unassuming nature. However, she is surely a deserving candidate to highlight Kildare’s Values. 

We are proud to announce that the team of Wellsprings’ child-minding volunteers, including Philippa, are finalists in the 2019 Learn Local Awards – we offer them thanks and wish them luck!

Dalal Smiley 

Chief Executive Officer

We also asked Dalal's colleagues and regular volunteers to answer a few questions about Dalal. Here is what they had to say:

 

What is an inspiring thing that Dalal has said?

 

"I can summarise what we do at Wellsprings by quoting an ancient Arabic proverb: A woman is a hub of teaching. If you nurture her, you give rise to a hub of knowledge and goodness".

 

Dalal’s leadership is inspiring. She is enabling of her staff and passionate about delivering the best possible outcome for the women of Wellsprings. Dalal holds people to high standards and supports them to be the best that they can be.

 

What’s a funny thing that Dalal has done? 

Dalal has a great sense of humour which she regularly shares with colleagues and volunteers at Wellsprings. This can help bring a light touch to sensitive situations.

 

The funniest thing Dalal has said recently was that she sleeps to relax. This came through in an email from her time stamped at all hours of the night so we knew this was a joke!

 

Our CEO did set a precedent at Balnarring on a staff planning trip. Striving to keep the budget low, we went shopping at the local supermarket to get items for lunch and Dalal took charge and grabbed a small trolley. After some strange looks from staff, we discovered at check-out she was walking around with the basket stand. We were all in stitches laughing!!

What 5 words describe Dalal?  

Dalal has been described as dedicated,

compassionate, fast paced, inclusive and

innovative.

 

What does Dalal do that demonstrates to the community that she is being true to the Presentation charism?

Dalal embodies the Presentation charism in her daily interactions with staff, volunteers and participants alike.

Her strong sense of justice is evident in her commitment to eliminating violence against women, providing support and strengthening women and children through education and connection with each other– giving hope to participants and their families. 

She is passionate about cultural competency and women developing an understanding of learning and living in Australia and taking on opportunities that will enhance their lives.

 

How does Dalal give expression to this year’s KM value of Hospitality?

Under Dalal’s stewardship the number of programs, area covered, and the number of women welcomed to Wellsprings have grown significantly.

Dalal shows hospitality every day where no job is too big or small for her to ensure Wellsprings is welcoming to all – from cleaning the kitchen to working tirelessly on strategic alliances, and submissions. She prioritises participants, staff and volunteers and warmly welcomes and accepts each individual respecting their faith, family relationships and connection to community. She is friendly and always open minded. She engages well across diverse groups of people and actively takes an interest in everyone around her.

 

What does Dalal do to relax?

Though we have rarely witnessed Dalal relaxing, she assures us that she likes to watch quality movies and TV series, read and listen to podcasts. Dalal also likes to socialise with friends, go for walks on the beach (when she gets time once a year) and spend time with her granddaughters.