Volunteer Testimonies

Below are some testimonies and experiences written by previous MMO Volunteers.

Brendan - JCA Full Time Volunteer

My name is Brendan Foster and I am a full time volunteer with Josephite Community Aid. Our work with the poor and marginalised includes spending one day a week at Mary Mackillop Outreach.

My Experience here has been fantastic and I have made many friendships with people I would never have otherwise met. I have also formed a close friendship with a wheelchair bound man, who I have taken to swimming lessons once a week. It has been special to see him grow from being very timid in the water to a now confident, capable swimmer who is now able to swim quite a distance without a carer guiding him, or a floating device.

Chiaki - Art Therapy Student

I am currently studying the Master of Art Therapy at UWS. I have a background in Visual Arts so I usually did the arts and craft workshop with clients.

I had worked as a volunteer for about 14 months at MMO and for the final three months I was there as a student on work placement. I started volunteering because although I study art therapy I never had any experience of working in the field of mental illness or any community work,so I simply wanted to have a hands-on experience with clients in order to improve my understanding as an art therapy trainee.I was usually in the arts and craft workshop to facilitate clients with their needs. I struggled at times, but having the art therapy mind I tried to work with no judgmental attitude and open mind with this client population.

What I liked most about working at MMO were the support of friendly staff members and honesty of most clients. In the area like this, first I really wasn’t sure how to approach people due to lack of knowledge and experiences. However I was able to share my worries and uncertainty with some staff members to clarify what I could do to make improvement.

Also it may take some time for some clients to open up to you, but once you get to know the clients they are very kind and honest. Although a day can get quite busy and crazy at MMO, for me it was sort of like a little oasis as I knew the interaction I had with clients were based on honesty (although the spoken language can get tricky sometimes).

Believe it or not, I actually learnt so much about myself as I was confronted by some strong emotions and reactions I had that were triggered by my work with clients, It really helped me in order to enhance my understanding as art therapy trainee.

I had so many valuable moments with lovely clients and staff members as I was able to feel that I was a part of MMO

Lorraine - Community Welfare Student

My name is Lorraine and I am currently on my last year of Tafe studying Diploma of Community Welfare. I became a volunteer at MMO as part of my work placement and spent 6 months working there. I have been involved in other welfare related agencies for the past few years but I would have to say that my experience working at MMO was one of the best places I ever came across as a volunteer.

The working environment is very laid back and easy going. The clients are the sweetest people I have ever met in my life! You get the opportunity to engage with them and learn so much from them. You have so much fun with them! You leave the place everyday feeling happy, fulfilled and content.

During bus outings you have an awesome time wherever you go! I’ve been to locations I have not been before and I’ve been living in Sydney my whole life!

Besides the working part you get to meet other volunteers from all walks of life. During my 6 months as a volunteer I have made new friendships with other volunteers from here and overseas. You meet these like minded individuals and it makes your time at MMO worthwhile. You make new friendships that will last a lifetime. The staff members at MMO are the most hilarious, kind hearted and down to earth people I’ve ever worked with. If you ever needed a hand with anything they are more than willing to help you out and assist you with any issues.

It was sad leaving MMO but I know I will always have a connection with this organisation. They will see my face again from time to time!

Susanne - Community Welfare Student

My name is Susanne and I am a mature age student finishing my community welfare certificate IV.

Living on the northern beaches I was really lucky to finally find my student work placement at MMO. Welfare opportunities on the northern beaches are seriously limited so it is with heartfelt gratitude that I attend MMO 3-4 days a week.

I absolutely enjoy working with the clients and staff. The clients accept me and what help I can offer, with a smile. The staff are a joy to work with; I am in awe of their dedication and support.

For me MMO is a place of learning, inspiration and acceptance

Jodie - JCA full time volunteer

My name is Jodie Heterick, I’m a full time volunteer for Josephite Community Aid. Our mission is to never see a need without doing something about it. As part of our full time commitment we volunteer each week at MMO.

MMO is a loving and welcoming environment. I really look forward to coming here each week and getting to grow and learn and create with all the clients. I especially enjoy the new ‘music bingo’ program on Monday Afternoons. Its great to see everyone helping each other out to win and memorizing all the lyrics. I’ll never forget the day the whole centre broke out into the neighbours’ theme song. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. I feel privileged to be part of something so important and amazing. I have really developed some wonderful, uplifting and rewarding friendships here and I hope to continue volunteering for a long time to come.

Thank you MMO for this Unique Life experience.