For seven years, Janet Lord has supported the residents of Compassion Housing
in Horowhenua, visiting around 150 people each week. Her role has included not
only enabling access to health services but also companionship and
conversation.

“There’s a lot of lonely people who don’t have any family,
and they just appreciate somebody popping in”.

Janet ensures everyone is seen and receives the necessary attention they need.
While some of them say to her, “I’m fine. Thank you”, others have invited her in
for a cup of tea and a chat. “I just needed somebody to come and talk with me,”
they have mentioned to her from time to time.

Janet knows that the people in Compassion Housing are all different, each facing
various challenges, and her role is to refer them to the appropriate medical
professionals who can offer further advice or treatment, if necessary. “For the
residents, it’s wonderful to have support that they wouldn’t get anywhere else —
the extra assistance from a nurse and the two Sisters who visit,” is a contribution
she believes is having a positive impact on the residents’ lives.

Over the years, it’s her relationship with the residents that she’s enjoyed the
most, meeting people and making a difference through her job. “There are people
whom I know very well, and our relationships have become closer. One particular
lady likes to chat about cats because I have cats too. So, I go, make my visit, have
a cup of tea, and catch up on what our cats have been up to.’”

Compassion Housing residents also receive care from the Sisters of Compassion
based in Levin. Every week the Sisters visit the homes of our residents often
bringing bags of vegetables to share.

“It is very moving to hear the residents’ responses when the
vegetables are offered to them. They’ve shared that it
really helps them, both financially and health wise”, said Sister Sosefina Mafi.

Janet’s dedication, along with the pastoral care offered by the Sisters, provides
the residents of Compassion Housing with much-needed support and
companionship. Whether it’s a friendly chat, a cup of tea, or a bag of vegetables,
these small acts of kindness make a big difference in the lives of those who may
otherwise feel alone.

As Janet retires this month, we want to acknowledge with gratitude her seven
years of service and the comfort she has brought to so many.