For this weeks meeting we visited Starfish Social Services, an organisation Rotary Matamata is proud to have supported for several years now.
Starfish did not know this but we had a hidden agenda for this event! President Peter Vossen presented, on behalf of Rotary Matamata Paul Harris Fellowships to Dr Greg Dunn and Jo McIntosh in recognition for their huge contribution to the wellbeing of youth in our community, and beyond. Greg and Jo both knew that the other was being recognised but the evening did not go quite as either had expected.
After a tour of the new home of Starfish, a karakia by Ian and a waiata from Gary (beautiful voice) we had a tag-team presentation from Jo and Debs. They filled us in on Starfish, from serving 70 meals a night above the Post Shop in 2009 through several relocations and more contracts to their current situation. They have funding to counsel 14 clients in Matamata but through good fiscal management and support from other funding sources they manage to serve 196 clients! Although they function 'on the smell of an oily rag' they continue to grow and are always looking for ways they can improve and extend their services.
We recently contributed a further $20,000 to Starfish to assist with making Rawhiti Lodge fit for purpose. However, we took the opportunity on this occasion to make a formal presentation.
What struck me about Starfish was the sense of whanau. They truly value and support their young, dynamic and committed staff, many of whom are highly qualified, and they in turn show great empathy towards the needs of their clients.
Looking to the future, Merv had a great idea about 'membership' of Starfish and they are looking towards the excellent model of Pohlen and considering a Starfish Foundation. Where ever their journey takes them Starfish can be confident that Rotary Matamata will be there to support them.
