Soul Food Community

☕ Soul Food Staff Update ☕
Trish- Back-end of Soul Food

My role at Soul Food was Dish Washing – the best one in the job. Dishes came out perfect- Sparkly. If they didn’t sparkle they went back in.

Not much happened after Soul Food's shop closure until March when I started at Elcies. Elcies is the Lutheran Care Op Shop chain – the upper class of their op shop brand. I’m at the Parade Norwood, an awesome place to be. Great people. Interesting things coming and going. Interesting people coming and going. Fun and laughs most days. Elcies has take me totally out of my comfort zone.

My role at Soul Food got me out of the house for starters. I got to meet new people and see new places. It increased my confidence. Before Soul Food it was hard to find a volunteer place. Its hard if you just have to go on a volunteer site to try to get a place. Soul Food got me started on moving out of my comfort zone.

I enjoyed meeting a lot of people and I miss the friends I had there
and all the people I met.

If you're in the Norwood area pop in to Elcies and say hello to Trish!

☕ Soul Food Staff Update ☕

Susie- My role at Soul Food was Front of House.
I made coffee, worked the till, made sandwiches and iced drinks. I loved being up 'front and centre', greeting and chatting with the customers.

Since the cafe closed, I had a small stint working at The Heights School in the canteen.
I'm now working for a company called ADL Support Services (Assisted Daily Living) as a Disability Support Worker.

Soul Food was such a wonderful place for my family.
I started coming in as a customer back when my kids were babies. I then became a volunteer and later a permanent staff member.
My kids quite literally grew up at Soul Food, and later had their first experiences in a workplace volunteering there. This put them at an advantage when applying for their first paid positions, and both have steady jobs as a result.

Soul Food Community was much more than just a cafe to us. The people we met through the Soul Food community soon became like family. As I started my journey in Disability Support, I found people within the Soul Food Community who were knowledgeable and experienced in this industry and super helpful and supportive in helping me reach my goals.

To the Soul Food customers, I want to say I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all. I miss our awesome chats, and thanks for all the laughs! I hope to see you around out there in the community.

Winter school holidays are over halfway complete ✅

How have you kept yourself entertained this school holidays? Perhaps you have been creative with indoor activities, busted out the arts and crafts, had a movie marathon, or turned the living room into an indoor obstacle course!

What are you doing this school holidays to keep entertained, warm and dry?

Soul Food Community acknowledges and respects the traditional owners of the land that we work and play, the Kaurna people, and their elders past, present, and emerging.

In recognition of NAIDOC Week from July 7th to 14th, 2024, we recognize the significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australian culture, as embodied by the NAIDOC, National Aboriginals' and Islanders' Day Observance Committee.

Happy NAIDOC week! 🖤💛♥️

Hope you are all keeping warm and cozy this winter with a lovely cuppa 🌧

☕Soul Food Staff Update☕

Celina- Soul Food Allrounder. I worked Front of House and Back of House and was one of the managers. I loved how everyday was almost like a different job!

Since the closure I have been very fortunate to stay local and get a job down the road at milk + honey cafe as an allrounder/ barista.

The Soul Food community gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. I came with no experience and barely any confidence and walked away with experience, confidence and life knowledge which I will be forever grateful for.

I miss everyone so much! I would love to see some familiar faces! The Soul Food community will always have a special place in my heart. So many wonderful memories and people. 💕

Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC. annual PJ drive is on. Let's help support kids be comfy and warm this winter! Please support if you are able

Let’s make a Difference… one pair of Pyjamas at a time! 🌟

🤔Imagine being a child and suddenly finding yourself in an unfamiliar place, away from everything you know and love. For many children entering emergency care, this scenario is a harsh reality. Amid such upheaval, something as simple as a pair of pyjamas can provide immense comfort and ease the anxiety during what is an extremely stressful time.

Children entering emergency care often arrive with little to nothing of their own. They've been uprooted from their homes, sometimes in the middle of the night, due to circumstances beyond their control. The trauma of these sudden changes is compounded by the unfamiliar environment and the lack of personal belongings. In these critical moments, basic necessities like clothing are not always immediately available.

Our annual Pyjama Drive aims to ensure that every child in emergency care has a pair of pyjamas to call their own, but we can’t do it alone. We’re calling on our incredible community to come together to help us support these children during their most vulnerable times.

Your contribution can make a such a significant difference. By donating pyjamas, you are offering more than just clothing; you are giving a child a piece of comfort and a reminder that they are cared about, loved and are not alone.

Imagine the smiles on their faces, the warmth in their hearts, and the comfort they’ll feel knowing someone cares.

Here’s how you can help
1. Purchase new pyjamas.
2. Host an event seeking PJ donations at your workplace, school, community club etc
3. Deliver your PJs to our warehouse or drop them off at our amazing collection points around SA.
4. Donate funds so we can place a bulk order for desperately needed sizes.
5. Spread the word.

We are so grateful for all donations but are particularly low on the following:

👧 Girls – 5, 7, 8, 10 & 16
👦 Boys – 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12 & 16

All sizes must be brand new. Thank you.

💖 Donation Drop-off Locations: http://backpacks4sakids.org/drop-off-locations

If you are unable to drop off, but would like to send us donations in the post or order online for delivery, our delivery address is:

Backpacks 4 SA Kids
5/1421 Main North Road
PARA HILLS WEST SA 5096

If you are time poor and would like to donate funds for us to use for a bulk order, you can do so here: https://shoutforgood.com/charities/backpacks-4-sa-kids

Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Let’s wrap our kids in PJs, love and comfort this winter. 💕

Great chats & connection time at the Community Expo promoting our community meals program & weekly community dinner, "The Table".
Awesome to see so many local groups building community in the Tea Tree Gully area.
Thanks to the City of Tea Tree Gully for organising the event.

Community Expo is TOMORROW!
Come and meet 40 local groups from the local area including our team!
All are welcome- looking forward to seeing you all then.

☕ Soul Food Staff Update ☕
Ann- front of house service at Soul Food

My role at SF was very much ‘front of house’. I enjoyed serving customers at the till (and chatting with them) and delivering orders to their table (and chatting with them!). I also made a mean sandwich and iced drinks.

Since the café closed I’ve had more time to return to my first love, which is music. I’ve done some (paid) accompanying work on the piano, as well as continuing to play and sing at church most Sundays. Recently I also took part in a play - a dramatic representation of the Gospel of Mark. This was extremely challenging but very enjoyable.

I would say that my involvement with Soul Food gave me a newfound confidence with people that I perhaps didn’t have before. I now find it very easy to strike up a conversation even with a complete stranger - my daughter recently described me as one of those “infuriating old ladies who stops to chat with everyone!!”

I do miss everyone at Soul Food, both staff/volunteers and the regular customers. As I don’t live in the area I don’t tend to bump into people at shops, cafés etc, and I often wonder what everyone’s up to (and where they’re getting their coffees!).

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (NRW). NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

At Soul Food Community we recognize the Aboriginal peoples of our local area, the Kaurna people and recognize their continuing connection to lands, waters, skies and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Come and say hello to many local community groups including our team! Hope to see you there!
https://fb.me/e/28ss0Sd6b

Happy Mother's Day 🤍
Today we're thinking of those who are mums, the mums to-be, those who have lost their mums, the grieving mums, the amazing step mums, the pet mums, the fabulous foster mums, the solo mums and those struggling to become a mum.

☕Soul Food Staff Update☕

Toni- Role at Soul Food - Community Manager

What have I been doing since? I'm a Lifestyle Assistant at Bene Italian Aged Care Village at St Agnes. I'm predominantly working with residents who live with Dementia. Doing exercises, art/crafts, reading, singing, taking them to church (on-site). It's very rewarding.

My experience in being involved in organising people living with Dementia in our community being involved as a Community Group, showed I had recent experience in that area, to add to my previous experience in Aged Care.

Thank you for helping to enrich our community by supporting our community meals program. Something in which I was truly passionate about. Your friendship during my time at Soul Food was something that I cherish.

Community Meals Program Update

The Community Meals Program has completed a great first term in our new space at Golden Grove Uniting Church.

Our three participants worked well together while we familiarised ourselves with the new kitchen, having to learn new appliances, new procedures and where things are kept. With two large, modern ovens we were able to make an extra dish each session and learned the hard way that the ovens work more efficiently than our old Cafe oven! It was lovely to see the participants donning the Soul Food aprons, working together and watching out for each other.

Liz returned as Mentor, typing recipes, sourcing ingredients and guiding participants with continued dedication. Past participant Brock attended as Assistant Mentor and updated us on his new endeavours. We took Denis on-board as Dishwasher, which really helped things run smoothly.

The term provided 30 meals to our primary school contacts, plus meals for a family with a new baby, a father after surgery, a mother after injury and also to our participants. Demand was so heavy that Skye, Liz, Mathilde and Shirley got together for a cook up and made over 60 meals to restock the freezer.

A huge thanks to Golden Grove Uniting Church for graciously sharing their kitchen with us and to everyone who pitched in to help throughout the term.

Thank you so much to those who donated financially so we could continue to serve the community in this way.

With Term 2 fast approaching, please get in touch if you'd like further info, or to participate.

[email protected]

More information and the application form can be found here: https://soulfoodcommunity.org.au/the-christian-community/community-meals-program/

Lest We Forget 🥀

Some urgent needs from Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC.
Please help if you're able

Our Community Meals Program has been running at our new venue this semester with some keen participants learning kitchen skills and baking many goodies!

Thank you for your support in purchasing the Soul Food Cookbook which has supported some of the costs of this program.

We would like to invite our local community to an Easter reflection at our weekly dinner (called the Table) today- Easter Sunday 31st March.
We meet from 5:30pm in the Redwood Park Primary School staffroom, entering via the black pedestrian gate on Lokan Street. Please follow the signs to the staffroom. Anyone is welcome to join us at The Table.
Come along for dinner, a story from the Bible focusing on Easter and community prayer time. It is a shared dinner open to anyone…there is no charge but you’re welcome to give a donation if you would like. We are all about creating a community where people can be themselves and belong.
Happy Easter to everyone.

We would like to invite our local community to an Easter reflection at our weekly dinner (called the Table) on Easter Sunday 31st March.
We meet from 5:30pm in the Redwood Park Primary School staffroom, entering via the black pedestrian gate on Lokan Street. Please follow the signs to the staffroom. Anyone is welcome to join us at The Table.
Come along for dinner, a story from the Bible focusing on Easter and community prayer time. It is a shared dinner open to anyone…there is no charge but you’re welcome to give a donation if you would like. We are all about creating a community where people can be themselves and belong.
Happy Easter to everyone!

☕Soul Food Staff Update ☕
This starts our series of follow ups on staff since the closure of the cafe. First - we have Nerida!

My role at Soul Food was mainly barista and often out back making Cakes, Cheesecakes & GF biscuits. And helping out wherever needed - meal prep, dishes & cleaning. I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer at Quench Cafe @ Clovercrest. Still finding where I fit into a larger cafe & kitchen. I go wherever I'm needed at the moment. A lot of people can make coffees so I don't get much opportunities to barista. Help out with meal prep & lunch orders. I do miss making the cakes at Soul Food but that may change in the future.

Soul Food helped build my confidence in all areas of cafe work. From barrister to baking delicious cakes.
Also the interaction with customers as well.

Thank you to the amazing staff I worked with. You were & still are amazing. Such a caring & safe environment to be in. Customers were always up for a chat & great support to what Soul Food was offering. Miss being there but enjoying this next chapter at Quench.

If you're in the area pop into Quench Cafe It'll be great to see you 😁

Please read the below list of items needed by Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC. Lots of local locations nearby

Clothing Needed 🙏

Stock levels are low and we need your help to refill the shelves ready to meet any backpack requests we receive.

Can you help us with any of these particular clothing items to make sure no child is left behind?

GIRLS CLOTHING
❤️ Shorts sizes 5, 6, 7, 10 & 16
❤️ Hoodies sizes 8, 16
❤️ Track pants size 16
❤️ Long sleeve tops sizes 8 & 16
❤️ T-shirts size 16

BOYS CLOTHING
🩵 Shorts sizes 2, 3, 12, 14 & 16
🩵 Hoodies sizes 5, 12, 14 & 16
🩵 Track pants sizes 5 & 16
🩵 Long sleeve tops sizes 5, 14 & 16
🩵 Pj’s sizes 5, 7, 8, 12 & 16

Please note the really specific sizes and age groups we are searching for to ensure we can be as efficient as possible.

PJ’s and clothing size 10 and up must be brand new. All other items can be preloved, but must be excellent, like new condition. Please remember when donating your items, you are giving to someone really special, and we want to make sure they feel the love.

Are you able to help us? Here are a few different options.

If you would like to purchase stock and drop off at one of our drop off points, you will find these on our website here http://backpacks4sakids.org/drop-off-locations

If you are unable to drop off, but would like to send us donations in the post or order online for delivery, our delivery address is:
Backpacks 4 SA Kids
5/1421 Main North Road
PARA HILLS WEST SA 5096

If you are time poor and would like to donate funds for us to use for a bulk order, you can do so here: https://shoutforgood.com/charities/backpacks-4-sa-kids

Thank you for helping us make a difference to kids who need us most.

Please keep safe on this hot weekend and watch out for your neighbors.
Due to the extreme heat forecast for Sunday evening, our Table Gathering evening has been cancelled this week.

🔴 CODE RED 🔴
Baptist Care SA's WestCare Centre will provide overnight accommodation for people experiencing homelessness during the upcoming extreme heat over the long weekend. Location: 11-19 Millers Court, Adelaide

- Saturday 9 March: Open overnight from 5pm until 7am
- Sunday 10 March: Open overnight from 5pm until 7am
- Monday 11 March: Open overnight from 5pm until 7am

We’ll offer a bed to sleep on in our air conditioned chapel and access to showers and a laundry, as well as meals and plenty of cold water.

Cookbook update 👩‍🍳
Emails have gone out from our team today so please check your inboxes (or junk mail) to ensure you have received it.
If you are interested in being added to the list or didn't receive an email please PM our page ASAP so we can get the information to you.

Mad March is almost upon us and the weeks keep getting busier!
So many events in the local community and beyond to check out.
What are you planning to see/ do this Mad March?

Whilst we are no longer a drop off point we encourage you to continue your donations to Backpacks 4 SA Kids INC. They are currently in need!

HELP Needed❤

Stock levels are depleted and we need your help to refill the shelves ready to meet any backpack requests we receive.

Can you help us with any of our need items to make sure no child is left behind?

BOYS CLOTHING & UNDERWEAR
💙 Jumpers Sizes 0, 1, 4, 5, 6
💙 PJ’s Sizes 3* & 7*
💙 Socks Shoe Sizes 000-2* & 5-8*
💙 Underwear Sizes 2*, 5*, 12*, 14* & 16*

GIRLS CLOTHING & UNDERWEAR
🧡 Jumpers Sizes 1 & 7
🧡 Long Sleeve Tops Size 6
🧡 Shorts Sizes 10* & 16*
🧡 Socks Shoe Size 000-2*
🧡 Underwear Sizes 2* & 5*

STATIONERY
💛 Highlighters*
💛 Rulers*
💛 Erasers*

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
🩶 Shampoo/Conditioner (2 in 1 is good for the kids)*
🩶 Face Washers*
🩶 Hairbrushes*

BABY NEEDS
❤ Baby Wash*
❤ Baby Bottles*

Please note the really specific sizes and age groups we are searching for to ensure we can be as efficient as possible.

* indicates items that must be brand new. All other items can be preloved, but must be excellent, like new condition. Please remember when donating your items, you are giving to someone really special, and we want to make sure they feel the love.

Are you able to help us? Here are a few different options.

If you would like to purchase stock and drop off at one of our drop off points, you will find these on our website here http://backpacks4sakids.org/drop-off-locations

If you are unable to drop off, but would like to send us donations in the post or order online for delivery, our delivery address is:

Backpacks 4 SA Kids
5/1421 Main North Road
PARA HILLS WEST SA 5096

If you are time poor and would like to donate funds for us to use for a bulk order, you can do so here: https://shoutforgood.com/charities/backpacks-4-sa-kids

Thank you for helping us make a difference to kids who need us most.

Enjoying the simple joys of life in our local area on this beautiful sunny day! 🌳☀️
What's your favorite spot to soak up the sun in our neighborhood?