Helping those in need is all in a day's work for Telarah's Kerrie Duffey.
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Ms Duffey, who is the parish counselor and welfare coordinator at St Christopher's, Rutherford, has been volunteering her time there for over 20 years.
This year Ms Duffey was even nominated for Maitland Woman of the Year for her incredible volunteer endeavours.
Ms Duffey is heavily involved with the church's Samaritans drop-in centre which operates every Tuesday, helping struggling community members with food, financial counselling, gift cards or just offering a kind ear.
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A former psychologist, Ms Duffey has a valuable skill set when it comes to helping the community.
"It's important to me to be able to give people a chance, to see them supported," Ms Duffey said.
"Too many people are homeless, there's not enough money to go around.
"Food isn't the only need, it's important to have someone who cares about you and shows interest in you. Everyone has the right to a chance, that's how I see it."
The mother of four and grandmother of eight said she loves being a grandmother, and that most of her family are still living in the area.
"My eldest grandchild is 30 and my youngest are twins, who are 16," Ms Duffey said.
"They've got hearts. They understand about doing things for people."
With all the people going through tough times coming through the doors, Ms Duffey said she can't help but wonder why everybody isn't afforded the same chances in life.
"I see how good my grand-kids and my family have it, and I think why don't these people coming in to see us here have these chances," she said.
"Too many people are too quick to judge, too quick to say this is wrong that the government is giving them money."
Ms Duffey believes everyone deserves help when they're down and a chance at a good life, and this doesn't just mean giving people basics like food - everyone deserves access to things like washing powder and toiletries too.
An issue Ms Duffey is passionate about is the needs of Maitland's rapidly growing community, in particular access to public transport and housing.
"People get dumped into a new estate and it's a long way to get from the top end of Farley to Telarah school, there's no bus service, and there's no bus service into Heritage Park," she said.
"That's when they have to come to us for help."
Those needing a helping hand can drop-in to St Christopher's Rutherford on Tuesdays to access financial counselling, groceries, some guidance, assistance from Samaritans or even just someone to chat to (and a piece of cake).
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