Camcare Annual Report 2014
Volunteer Program Report Camcare’s 176 volunteers are a dynamic, diverse and highly motivated group of local people from all walks of life and differing abilities seeking to make a real difference to their neighbours in the community who are facing adversity and disadvantage. Volunteering is a call to active citizenship where ordinary people rally to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged. The aim is to build sustainable communities by enhancing professional client-focussed services that are evidence informed and effective. Our volunteers share common values of authentic connection, nurturing and hope which strengthen community life and give ALL a reciprocal sense of being valued. The social capital gained is especially relevant in the current climate where government appears to be reneging on its responsibility to the most vulnerable. The re-commissioning of services by both state and federal governments has impacted on Camcare and other locality-based services with changed service models resulting in the loss of our Financial Counselling service. New volunteer initiatives this year:
Community Educators Program – Five volunteers were trained to facilitate sessions on ’Dealing with Utilities’ delivered in local neighbourhood houses. A module on “Dealing with Fines” was also developed. Volunteers also conducted “Money Health Checks” during Money Smart Week.
Broadband for Seniors – Connecting people over 50 years of age with IT skills through the internet. A volunteer Tutor was recruited. 28 people have been given basic IT training, and we are developing a Youth Internship to expand and carry the program forward.
Our Services
Volunteer Profile
Youth Volunteering – A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Swinburne University facilitating volunteer opportunities for Swinburne Students to gain experience and make a positive impact that benefits the broader community. Swinburne Students developed an Electronic Daybook for the agency. Deakin University volunteers participated in two community events.
New Reception Team – six reception volunteers were recruited and trained. Opportunities for celebration and fun contributed also to a sense of community. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Camberwell, we celebrated National Volunteer Week this year with two very special mentions – Betty Hewitt and Diana Hanson, who both completed 30 years of volunteering with Camcare. Thank you to all our volunteers! In addition to the new initiatives, we continued with the following roles in our Volunteer Program:
Ryan Zuzek
Volunteer Community Support Worker (CSW) 20 years old. Lives locally. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminology at The University of Melbourne.
“I have gradually developed a passion for volunteering my time to help others and have volunteered previously at various not-for-profit events and also as a part-time tutor in a community housing estate in Richmond. I initially volunteered at Camcare to get in touch with my local community and assist those who are genuinely in need. The CSW role allows this and connects me with a diverse range of people from the Boroondara community, many of whom I would not otherwise interact with. It also gives me access to some interesting community events. Most recently I was afforded the opportunity to connect with young asylum seekers at a Ramadan Friendship Dinner. I believe this event provided a positive channel to share cultural differences and similarities as well as to simply swap stories and build common ground. I felt that the experience was valuable and a small but integral act in a drive to create an open and welcoming community. The training for the CSW position provided me with real life skills to interact with clients from diverse backgrounds. My trainer, Michael, had a wealth of knowledge to share as an ex-member of the Victorian Police and provided real insight into the local community. The overall experience of being a CSW has given me a chance to give to others without expecting in return but has also been extremely rewarding personally.”
Administrative Support including IT and Statistics Bread Run & BBQ (Friends of St Johns) Charity Christmas Card and Gift Shop Christmas Hamper Volunteers Community Support Workers Events and Fundraising Volunteers Volunteer Counsellors Financial Counselling (up to June 2014) Fresh Food Team Gardening Mother Infant Group Assistants Reception Tax Help Volunteer Counsellors We acknowledge the voluntary service of the Camcare Board of Governance.
Ramadan Friendship Dinner – Interfaith initiative. Camcare partnered with Life Without Barriers, Friends of St Johns and asylum seekers as part of the World Vision, Welcome to My Place which welcomed refugees and underage asylum seekers in community detention. Four volunteers attended the World Vision training, resulting in a vibrant event for 70 people where refugees shared deeply of their lives, and enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by young asylum seekers. Ongoing initiatives continue with a core interfaith group.
Page 20
“I dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and found that life was service. I served and found that service was joy.” Rabindranth Tagore
Page 21