Bek’s personal ‘crisis’ leads to a life of care

Bek Andrews says the Loaves and Fishes Tasmania mission “to deliver food and hope” to those who need it most resonates with her.

The admin assistant at the Loaves and Fishes offices in the Grace Centre in Rokeby admits she was unaware of the enormous need on the Eastern Shore where she grew up until her own surprise teen pregnancy opened her eyes.

“You would have to say I grew up in a somewhat sheltered environment in a loving Christian home,” she said.

“But when I found myself pregnant at 17, I began to see the advantage I had in so much family and community support. Her boyfriend, who is now her husband, was 18 and in his first year as an apprentice mechanic.

“I was fortunate enough to get a job with Anglicare who took a chance on a young mum without any experience and trained me to work part time in the call centre.

“I knew homelessness was a thing, but I was shocked at the amount of need in Tasmania and within my own community.

“It was there that I found I had a passion for helping people.”

Bek, who is studying psychology as well as working three days a week with Loaves and Fishes, worked as a volunteer for 10 months before being offered a paid role in October last year.

It didn’t take long for Bek to make her presence felt.

“Admin is simply the vessel to be able to connect with people,” she said.

“You never know who you are going to get on the other end of the phone.”

Loaves and Fishes General Manager, Aaron Kropf, said Bek was a calm, stable and caring staff member who created not only a great first impression for the organisation, but was willing to listen and then assist clients and staff with whatever they needed.

“I am so thankful we have Bek with us in this key role,” he said.

“She so faithfully lives the culture we are establishing here.”

By Paul O’Rourke