How it started
Over the last 2 years, Steve has come to be an integral part of New Farm Neighbourhood Centre (NFNC), as both a program attendee and a wonderful volunteer. He’s a familiar, welcoming face to visitors and a key contributor to the delicious meals coming straight from the kitchen!
After experiencing some challenging years of housing insecurity, Steve was housed in local community accommodation where he was able to settle in. Not long after, he began visiting the neighbourhood centre and became involved in activities to rebuild a sense of social connection in his life.
How Communify helped
Steve attends a range of support services offered by NFNC such as our physiotherapist and GP for his health check-ups. He participates in our SPER WDO program which helps participants reduce or clear their State Penalties Enforcement Registry debts through voluntary work or education. Steve was also referred to our Communify Navigators program where he is being assisted to apply for the Disability Support Pension which will make a significant difference in his life.
In November 2023, Steve started studying a Hospitality Course to pursue his love for cooking and hone his kitchen skills. He reached out to the NFNC team to see if he could complete his Placement hours in our kitchen and the answer was a no-brainer!
We liaised with the college Steve was studying through and soon enough, Steve arrived at the centre in his trusty chef’s outfit! He was ready to undertake a month of full-time work at NFNC’s busy social enterprise kitchen which serves hundreds of community members every week. During his placement, Steve took on full kitchen responsibilities including cooking meals, preparation, cleaning, and kitchen management.
How it's going
Steve’s contributions to the NFNC kitchen operations have been invaluable. The kitchen has never been cleaner and Steve’s attention to detail and work ethic has been integral to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
When the placement ended, Steve asked if he could stay on as a volunteer at NFNC. The centre staff absolutely jumped at the opportunity as Steve’s input and presence has become a unique and special part of the NFNC experience. Over the following year, Steve maintained his status as a valued and essential part of our team, managing the floor, looking after our community groups, and running our food relief collection each week.
Steve has turned his life experiences and personal adversities into an opportunity for connection with other community members. His journey so far informs the level of care and understanding he has for everyone he meets, while his comedic side brightens up everyone’s day! Steve’s constant willingness to learn, put himself out there, and jump into new tasks has allowed us to assist him in progressing towards his own personal goals.
Steve’s story speaks volumes to the level of social inclusion that comes with volunteering. Before visiting New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, he was living an isolated life; now Steve is part of a mighty team who benefits from his supportive presence, hard work and relentless hilarious pranks! Steve’s journey with our centre over the past few years has reinforced that the support is mutual – making it a true testament to the power of community development.
Learn more about New Farm Neighbourhood Centre
Since 1986, the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre has provided connection and support to the local community. Our community centre offers numerous community programs, events and activities every weekday as well as brief intervention services to assist with health, social inclusion and information and referral.
