Without a competent and dedicated staff, the work of St-Justin would simply not exist. Lara Kate Crettaz, Maria Isabel Perreira and Anne Rapillard are responsible for the new St-Justin de Sion home, which will opened in 2021.

 

Valais staff

What path led you to work for the Œuvre St-Justin ?

Lara Kate Crettaz : The work of St-Justin came to put an end to a long confinement of almost 18 months. Indeed, I was in Ireland with my parents when everything came to a halt and my prospects of returning to Valais were dim. Time passed and I did not see how I was going to be able to find a (remote) job to return to Switzerland. And it was in April 2021 that I saw the announcement that St Justin was looking for a student hostel manager for Sion. Fortunately, they agreed to receive me for an interview by videoconference and we had a very nice exchange despite the 1670 km that separated us.

What is your field of activity ?

L K C : I have the chance to occupy a varied position. Initially, the common areas had to be redesigned to make them functional and welcoming. On a daily basis, I have to manage rental requests, both for rooms and for meeting rooms and parking spaces. I also have to worry about the building itself and call on the right companies when needed.

What enrichment do you find in your work ?

L K C : I have only been here for 4 months and the house is only occupied at a third of its capacity, but I already have a lot of fun meeting these young people. They have very different profiles and backgrounds and yet they immediately knew how to create a spirit of community between them. It is a pleasure to talk with them about their daily lives or their ideas for improving cohabitation in the house.

What is special about a job in the institution of St-Justin ?

L K C : I would say that by working at St-Justin we carry a mission where the human being is central. Whether between the staff or the residents, there is great respect and the desire to share and move forward together.

Would you like improvements ?

L K C : Everything has to be done at St-Justin Sion since it is new. For some things we base ourselves on the operation of other St-Justin homes. But we can adapt our work to the specificity of Sion. It’s a small hostel compared to the others, it allows us more flexibility I think. And I can count on Maria who always has good ideas to improve the functioning of the house.