For more than seven years, Leanne has been a familiar and much-loved face at the Habitat Nursery in Santa Rosa Park. Every Saturday, she arrives with a smile, ready to prune, water, and carefully tend to the gardens.
Leanne’s journey with Habitat Nursery began thanks to the encouragement of Pam W., a fellow churchgoer who saw an opportunity for Leanne to get involved. Before this, Leanne hadn’t engaged in activities like gardening but knowing that Pam would be there made her feel safe and excited to give it a go.
Ely Mercurio, Leanne’s dedicated support worker of nearly 30 years, has been by her side every step of the way. Ely has a natural way of gently guiding Leanne to explore new opportunities, from gardening to swimming and bowling. With Ely’s bubbly energy and deep understanding of what makes Leanne feel comfortable, she found herself stepping into a new space where she could learn, contribute, and feel truly valued.
Starting something new can sometimes be daunting, but for Leanne, the transition into volunteering at the nursery was seamless. With the support of Ely and the welcoming team, she quickly found her rhythm.
Now, every Saturday, Leanne is in her element. Her favourite job? Harvesting New Zealand Spinach and preparing plant clippings to be broken down into fertilizer. She loves the hands-on nature of the work and takes pride in knowing she is helping the plants thrive.
“Leanne doesn’t want to do things if she isn’t interested in them, so the fact that she continues to show up every week to the nursey says so much,” says Ely.
Community Is Everything!
Leanne’s warm and friendly nature makes her a valued part of the nursery. Her kindness and gentle approach create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone around her.
The team ensures Leanne feels included and supported, regularly checking in with her and providing space for her to work comfortably at her own pace. They also acknowledge her contributions by sharing excess harvest with her, offering herbs or vegetables as a token of appreciation for her efforts.
Leanne’s supported independent living team has been instrumental in her journey, offering encouragement and practical support that helps her engage fully in her volunteering role, reinforcing her sense of confidence and belonging.
A Bond That Goes Beyond Support
For Leanne, having Ely by her side makes all the difference. When asked who has helped her the most while volunteering, she simply smiled, laughed, and pointed at Ely. Their bond is built on trust and patience.
Ely is not just a support worker but a bridge between Leanne and the nursery team, ensuring she always has what she needs and feels connected to the community around her.
Growing Through Giving Back
Leanne has gained so much from her time at Habitat Nursery. She has learned how to make fertilizer, enjoyed the company of others, and most importantly, discovered that volunteering isn’t just about the tasks—it’s about the people, the conversations, and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a community.
When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about volunteering, Leanne gave a big thumbs-up and said, “Have fun and don’t be boring!”
