This is a photo of Lisa as a child with her mother

Congratulations on 90 years. For me knowing the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) has been one of my early memories. My mother worked at the Brotherhood of St Laurence Settlement in Carrum Downs as a cleaner. I was immersed in the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and my favourite time of the year was the Fair held each year. It was the sense of community that I remembered the most the little tuck shop, the second hand shop was my favourite rummaging around, and also the little garden nursery. BSL was my first part-time job in the kitchen at Carrum Downs helping serve meals and doing the dishes. When I was 17 the BSL showed compassion and kindness when my brother was lost at sea and Peter Hollingworth came to our house to offer comfort to our family. Mum as a cleaner felt isolated and moved into the kitchen as the cook. Here she taught me all of the facets of cooking, which lead me to a career as a Chef. 

The Brotherhood has always given a sense of wholehearted kindness and support to whoever needed it. Now in 2020, I have now re-joined the BSL as a teacher at the David Scott School. Life does move in circles and the ripple effects of kindness go on.


BSL has always given a sense of wholehearted kindness and support to whoever needed it

This is a photo of Sharmaine, one of our BSL Store Managers

Meet  Sharmaine, a BSL Op Shop Store Manager. She has asked Alexandra, Marketing Manager for Social Enterprises to share her story.

Sharmaine’s journey with the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) began nearly 23 years ago. She’d been op shopping at the Dandenong store on a regular basis and loved browsing the range. After striking up a friendship with some of the volunteers, Sharmaine noticed they’d needed some help operating the eftpos machine and whipped behind the counter to assist. From that day forward, Sharmaine joined the team, who have become like a second family to this day.

She’d started out as a casual and moved from the Dandenong store to the City, and within a few years was appointed to 2IC, becoming the store manager shortly after.

And while Sharmaine has always loved op shopping and has had great experience working in a retail environment, she really felt inspired to join the BSL team as an opportunity to give back. Growing up in a small family, Sharmaine and her mum were so grateful to be able to connect with charities. And through her experience working with BSL, Sharmaine has managed to offer the same support and connection to others. 

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with BSL and the people. We’re like family, that’s what BSL is for me and I like being able to help people in need”, she says.

Sharmaine’s outlook is incredibly optimistic, she believes that all people can be trained up and that for every challenge there is a lesson to be learned and a new experience to grow from. “I believe in being able to give volunteers the opportunity to learn something, and to train them up so they can get back into the workforce”, she explains, adding that “it’s important to train the next generation so that they can support the next cycle of volunteers”.

Reflecting on her time with BSL, Sharmaine is grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much from so many people across all of the op shops. It’s given her the chance to create the same opportunities for other people, and to build amazing relationships with fellow staff and volunteers.

“BSL means a lot to me, and if I left, it would feel like something is missing”, says Sharmaine.




BSL means a lot to me and working here feels like family 

This is a photo of hands playing with a magnetic kids board

I have only been in Australia 8 months, it took us 3 years seeking asylum, living in refugee camps before I arrived here. After all this my husband and I are not as confident as we used to be. We are learning about Australian way of parenting our 2 year old daughter  but we get lonely as we don’t have a family.

A few weeks ago we went on an outing with Refugee Child Outreach Program (RCO) and other families, we all met at the local railway station. I was so confused – everything was in English and there were so many people. 

The Refugee Child Outreach Program works with children and families who are newly arrived in Australia, supporting them to access the right support services.

RCO helped me to use a translator app to communicate and I started to feel less overwhelmed. I went to some beautiful buildings – we did not realise Melbourne was such a lovely city. Now, we feel more confident to go to the museum and other things around Melbourne again. We also met another family who came from our country and town, which made us really happy and we will be seeing each other again.

Before I met the RCO worker from Brotherhood of St. Laurence, I have been waiting for so long for my life to start again.  When I came to Australia, I felt like it’s a puzzle.  Now after only 6 months, the pieces of the puzzle are in place.  I understand about playgroups for our baby, we are learning English to get a job, getting transport.  We can finally start our life again.   I have never experienced a worker like RCO one who stays so in touch and checks to make sure they are communicating well with us.


_\* This participant's name has been changed as he wanted to remain anonymous_


Thanks to BSL, the pieces of my puzzle are finally in place

This is a photo of Heather, Hippy Co-ordinator and Mum with her son Lachlan

Lachlan is my son and is a Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) graduate from 2014 who is about to enter his first year of high school next year.  As a graduate of the HIPPY  program, Lachlan was provided with a home based and education program designed to encourage his love for learning and build confidence in his own ability to learn whilst increasing a stronger relationship with myself, his mother.

Every year Lachlan is actively involved in planning, running and supporting HIPPY graduations in Katherine. He comes up with wonderful engaging activities and games and is very gentle and nurturing with all the HIPPY kids. He still comes into the HIPPY office in the afternoons and will go through HIPPY packs looking for activities to entertain himself. 

Completing the HIPPY Program with my son Lachlan helped me to connect with him and really work out what kind of learner he was. Throughout his journey through primary school this has helped me as a parent develop strategies to help support his learning journey.

As I head towards 10 years of delivering HIPPY to this community I can really look back and see how many lives it has benefited along the way, mine included. The HIPPY model is so wonderful, and I am so thankful to have had this kind of job that allows us to build such strong foundations and learning for our future generations. HIPPY builds family connections with education, community, and each other. 

I am a HIPPY success story too……from Tutor/parent to Coordinator.


It is the whole family that benefits, which makes it even more special

This is a photo of Cassie, a Saver Plus participant

This is Cassie, a participant from our Saver Plus Program and her story is being shared by Nicole, her Saver Plus Coordinator.

Cassie is a single mum of five who is enrolled into our Saver Plus Program and completed in March 2020. The Saver Plus Program support families like Cassie who live on a tight budget, to develop lasting savings habits through a financial education program.

She said this program was so beneficial especially during COVID. According to Cassie,” If it had not been for Saver Plus, my kids would have gone months without school. We had to drop back to isolating at home because I have an auto immune disease and my youngest is very asthmatic, so we had to stop going to school about 3 ½ weeks before school shut. For the kids remote learning, without that money they would have gone three months without anything in which to learn. I was able to withdraw the money straight away. I got new uniforms too because I asked for a discount. I said, what deal can you give me with the uniforms? I didn’t know that before either. Someone told me at one of the meetings. If you buy one or more of one thing. Should give it a go. I got $150 off! I was also able to purchase two laptops and one tablet and I still had $200 left for food.”

The program is delivered via workshops and Cassie learnt tips to be more financially savvy including savings ideas, which food to buy and buying bulk.  “I found that by the end of my 10 months I would have at least $100 left after paying food and bills. It meant I could do more with the kids. We’ve done more things as well. With COVID, that’s been a picnic in the backyard.I just think everything I learned has helped me be able to manage my money better especially during the COVID crisis. If I keep implementing everything I have learned I won't financially have difficulties and can see out this whole crisis with little impact to 'normal lifestyle way'.

This program has given Cassie the confidence to be financially resilient . She is now in her second year of a law degree and Cassie is now saving to take her kids on a family holiday to Queensland. “ We deserve a trip away. Gold Coast. It will be a trip away for the kids’ birthdays in summer. 

Cassie has become a true advocator for the program  and if you ask her what does she tell her friend, her response is “It's just a bloody brilliant program and I've been letting everyone know about it."




I wouldn’t have had that money if it weren’t for Saver Plus 

This is a photo of Evie, a volunteer at the Respite Banksia Centre in Frankston

My name is Evie Massee, I am 20 years old, an occupational therapy student, a local artist and volunteer with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL). 

In May of 2019, I became a volunteer Artist with the BSL at their Banksia Respite centre in Frankston, working with a variety of people living with different types of Dementia (members). Originally it was a requirement as part of my occupational therapy university degree to volunteer somewhere where I could help a vulnerable or disadvantaged community. I love working with and helping others, so this was a great chance to improve my communication skills and work with a diverse population group. 

Apart from my university degree, I love to draw and do art commissions. My dream is to become an artist (which is very different to the degree I am pursuing). I find that art is a way for people to express themselves, their thoughts, their feelings, relieve stress, and share their creativity with the world. So, when I found this volunteer position with the BSL online, I thought it was a sign. I thought this would be the perfect volunteer role. And it was just that. Perfect. As soon as I stepped in the door, I was greeted with open arms, kindness and love from all staff and members. 

Spending my Thursday’s volunteering with the BSL became the highlight of my week. I was able to work with incredible members of the community, hear their life stories, have a yarn, and create art with them (if they felt daring). I was able to use art and a variety of mediums as a means of expression and relaxation for people with Dementia and doing art-based activities, including drawing and painting, as well as using a variety of mediums such as acrylics, pastels and pencils. Group sessions took place for members to paint or draw, and there were a variety of subjects or pieces they could create each week. I was able to do one-on-one sessions, where I worked with individual members to explore techniques in painting or drawing, such as shading, building up the colour/tone and sketching. I had chances to collaborate with another volunteer artist and activity coordinators to ensure each person found enjoyment in these art activities, and we encouraged each participant to talk with one another and make new connections and friends within the centre. Watching members express themselves and keep productive, as well as finding art as a relaxing or enjoyable outlet, was amazing. Those who struggled or were down were able to relax and have a break by drawing or doing other art activities.

The kindergarten kids from across the street joined in some days, which always made the members so happy. I love working with young people, so this gave me an opportunity to work with kids as well.

Finally, I decided to stay as a volunteer with the BSL after my university requirements were fulfilled. Why? Because I just love being there and seeing the staff and members each week. I remember one thing that a member used to say to me. She always told me to ‘not take life so seriously’ and to enjoy every minute of it, which is so incredibly true. We’ve grown up trying to please others and worry about how we look, what we do and what we say. But these words inspired me to show myself and who I really was, to be light-hearted and have a good laugh. I will always cherish moments like this. COVID-19 has stopped me and others from volunteering since March (2020) until next year (2021), which was saddening to find out. I’ve been missing everyone at the BSL. I hope when we return to some level of normality that we can pick up where we left off. The staff and members of the BSL Banksia Respite centre are like my second family, and I truly thank them for changing my life for the better. I hope I’ve been able to contribute to my community as much as the BSL has contributed to my happiness and positive life experiences.




BSL is my second family  

This is a photo of Ita, a Stepping Stones Participant with her business products

I started the Stepping Stones Program after I had just come back from Mexico and I was very inspired about sharing my culture in Australia. The main incentive of this feeling was that I had become a mother five years earlier and it made me realise the importance of giving a solid  cultural identity to my two beautiful daughters.

Another important part of my experience is that I have lived with a chronic illness since 2003. I can’t hold a regular full time job, but I could still do something on a smaller scale.  So the idea of having a small business became a project for me. The Stepping Stones to Small Business Program gave me the opportunity to learn how to achieve financial wellbeing through learning how to set up my own small business. This was achieved through one on one mentoring and support.

My experience during this program offered through BSL was very positive. I personally think that the biggest difference of the Stepping Stones amongst other programs is that they really empower the students to feel and believe that we CAN run a business. It’s said that if you believe, you can make it happen, and I think that’s the most significant part of the program. The most important change I have had since joining Stepping Stones and doing the course, is that I’m not scared of the “unknown” because I know where to find the information I need, and if I can’t find it I know I can ask any of the members of the program and feel certain that they will be able to help me or point me in the right direction.

The classes were very informative, the teachers were extremely knowledgeable and it was in a very safe environment in which I never felt unappreciated or embarrassed of asking something I could not understand.

The peers are the most amazing women that come from all corners of the world and enrich the class experience and later on can become long term friendships and support.  The most important thing I learned in the Stepping Stones Program has been that I am not alone, that I can ask any of the people I have met during the program, and know for a fact that they will empower me with the correct information, contacts and emotional support I have needed up to now.

Since the program, I joined other programs and groups which have helped me. I launched my business in October 2019 making Mexican salsas, which keeps me busier than what I expected.

Thank you BSL.



I have learnt I am not alone

This is a photo of Angie, a Program Coordinator of the Stepping Stones Program

This is a story about one of our Stepping Stones Participants, Jane.\* She has asked her Stepping Stones Coordinator, Angie to share her story, but has requested her identity remain anonymous.

Jane\* came to Australia from Syria with her fiancé in 2015. She moved away from a supportive and close family where she had worked as an Environmental Officer for the government. She had moved away from financial security, community status and a happy life. Not long after her arrival in Australia she became aware of how socially isolated she was. 

Jane\* joined the Stepping Stones Program, a program tailored for women from refugee, migrant and asylum seeking backgrounds. Providing opportunities to achieve financial wellbeing through starting a small business, finding employment, training pathways, mentoring and support. She completed the program in 2017.

During this time, she also managed to complete a Certificate IV in Early Childhood. She made some friendships from the Stepping Stones group and gained back her confidence. This was very important to her as she had an abusive fiancé and wanted to become independent of him. She wanted to make it work here in Australia, as her home country was no longer safe for her to live in. After completing her qualification and gaining experience with Stepping Stones as a child minder, she was able to get a job as an early years educator. Her fiancé didn’t want her to work as he wanted her to be financially dependent on him. Once she got a job, and was able to financially support herself, she left the abusive relationship.

Jane\* hadn’t envisioned this for her future, but she is proud of herself for making changes and being brave enough to set up a safe life here with new friends and a new career. She has hopes that one day she can work for the Environment Protection Authority and be doing again what she loves most.  

_\* The participant's name has been changed _


Financial wellbeing is key to long term security

This is a photo of Achel, a Breakfast Club Participant

I am a proud mother of four children: Abuk, Nyuol, Makuch and Jador. My family has been frequenting the Breakfast Club Program for over 5 years, since my eldest child, Abuk, first started prep at Sacred Heart Primary School in Fitzroy. 

The Breakfast Club has been providing nourishing meals for my children every day before school.  

Now getting ready to finish grade five, Breakfast Club has been a consistent and dependable part of the morning routine for the whole of my daughter, Abuk’s primary school experience.
 
As a parent of the Breakfast Club community, my favourite things about the program are;

‘The kindness of people who volunteer at breakfast club, they get along with the kids and teach the kids’.
 
‘Breakfast club helps for school, so easy for us in the morning routine. I’m thankful to all the volunteers who really do a good job. My children are dancing, having fun before school’
 
Breakfast Club supports families like mine by providing yummy breakfast options for children before heading to school, helping them to get to school on time and stay focused during class.






My daughter loves her start to the day thanks to the Breakfast Club

This is a photo of our BSL Op Shop in Moonee Ponds

This is Sue, a BSL Op Shops Store Manager. She has asked Alexandra, Marketing Manager for Social Enterprises to share her story.

Sue’s journey with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence began as a casual retail assistant at the Fitzroy op shop in 1980. Her mother worked in the Brunswick store and encouraged Sue to apply for the job. Little did she know that it would be the start of a rewarding career spanning 40 years with BSL. 

Within a few years, Sue moved across to the Brunswick op shop where she shone as an emerging leader. And while it took some convincing, Sue took a leap of faith and agreed to become the store manager in 1995.  

Reflecting on that time, Sue recalls the most important piece of advice she was given as a manager. “Treat your volunteers with kid gloves. Always treat them with respect, always listen to them and look after them well. I took that with me all the way through my time at BSL”, she says.  

While Sue has many fond memories, one of her favourite experiences is opening the Moonee Ponds op shop, “my baby”. “The community was extremely welcoming”, recalls Sue, and the excitement was like a stock take sale at a big department store, “there were hangers everywhere and the tills went down at one stage, but it was the most successful day I have experienced!”, she says. There was even a volunteer who dressed up as Dame Edna Everage who handed out flowers to customers. 

 “I’ve met so many wonderful people, they’ve all become my friends and I’ve learned so much from them,” says Sue as she reflects on her time with BSL. “I’m so proud to have been an employee of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence for 40 years, I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with. They’ve been amazing”. 

As Sue’s career draws to a close, she has left a remarkable impact on many volunteers and has made friends to last a lifetime. “BSL is very supportive. They were there for me when I needed them, and it really feels like family”. 




I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work for 40 years

This is a photo of our Hunter Gatherer (HG) store in the Melbourne CBD

Happy Birthday BSL... 90 years young. How lucky are we in Melbourne to have a City store run by Sharmaine. Over the years I've bought so many items and donated so many bags, I've gotten to know some of her staff like Chrissy and Julie. All of them with helpful demeanours and up for a chat. A smile. Helpful advice... and I've witnessed kindness to people who are down and out, and with some challenging behaviours and who just need a friendly face and a warm smile to make their day a happier one... Hunter and Gatherer upstairs is the same. 

Great staff and helpful people who put heart and soul into the city. Congrats BSL but even more so for Sharmaine who, like a good captain - steers her BSL Ship through calm and stormy seas.








The staff put heart and soul into our city 

This is a photo of our Aged Care and Coolibah Club Member, Yen 

Meet Yen, a resident of our Independent living units and a member of the Coolibah Hub Fitzroy. Her story is told by Danielle Colic, Community Support Worker for our Aged Care Community Care team.

Yen Giang migrated from Vietnam her home town to Melbourne Australia in the year of 1983.

Yen’s background is Chinese and Vietnamese.

Yen said she always knew she had support from the staff with any issues or concerns and always had her concerns dealt with.

Yen moved into the BSL managed independent living units in 2015 and has felt secure and safe always knowing that she had the centre for support and also the convenience of living in the vicinity of our centre.

Yen is a daily visitor at our Coolibah Hub Fitzroy, as it has a home-like atmosphere, where members can feel safe and comfortable. The hubs provide friendly and stimulating environment, providing meals and activities, helping members feel socially connected.

Yen feels that BSL is the best thing that has happened in her life which has made her move forward instead of back, with her mental wellbeing. Yen calls it her second home and family as she has now been a member at the Coolibah Hub Fitzroy for 19 years!







Long standing member of the Coolibah Hub  

This is a photo of our past Board and Charter Member, David 

I am now a 77-year-old Aged Pensioner whose history with the Brotherhood goes back to 1986/87. At that time, I was the Mayor of the City of Frankston and had the honour of being the Chairman of the G.K. Tucker Settlement Development Appeal. The Patron was Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. There was a need to provide suitable low-cost accommodation for many of the older underprivileged people. The settlement then consisted of 135 cottages, a 50-bed hostel and a 12 bed hospital at Carrum Downs together with the Broughton Nursing Home in Frankston. The appeal was a success and we managed to reach our target.

With my interest more than stirred I continued my association with the BSL at the Settlement and in 1990 was appointed as a member of the Board. At this time the BSL had facilities in country Victoria including Geelong. The Board consisted I believe of 15 members. We had decided to reduce board members as a matter of better management and I retired to become a Charter Member in 1994.

Since then I have had an interest in the BSL at Frankston organising the Freemasons Task Force to sort, pick up and distribute Christmas presents for underprivileged children until the project closed when the Salvation Army were awarded the task by the supermarket involved.

I currently volunteer as an interviewer with Community Support Frankston and take an interest in the BSL. Looking back over some of the things that happened was that sometimes I interrupted work to attend Board Meetings at Brunswick Street. I used to get some funny looks and comments from both staff and clients when I was in uniform. Proudly I was a policeman for 37 years and enjoyed talking to BSL clients and sharing their stories.




My history with BSL goes back 34 years and I love my connection with this organisation

This is a photo of Aaron, a past participant of our Transition to Work program and now staff member at the David Scott School

In 2016,  I made the brave decision to move back to Melbourne after finishing high school in the United States. Unfortunately, University in the United States was not an option for me due to the immigration restriction as there isn’t much opportunity if you aren’t a citizen. After returning to Australia alone, I had no family support and found times uncertain and scary. I was struggling to find lasting employment and was living week to week.

I was pretty down on my luck. I ended up at a community centre asking for a food voucher and saw a poster advertising the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL). I called the number and it all went rather quickly from there. I received support from their youth employment program, Transition to Work (TtW). There I had completed a few short-term roles and participated in TtW as a participant before returning to the Brotherhood of St. Laurence a few months later as an employee after securing a 12-month traineeship with the David Scott School.
 
Since working with the David Scott School, I have received invaluable support giving me opportunities trainees wouldn’t ordinarily receive. The School’s Principal, Catherine Arnold, continually involved me in opportunities for development which resulted in me progressing from a trainee into a role of Administration Assistant. This role manages the school’s ICT management and provide opportunities for digital learning experiences to the students as Learning Technologies Coordinator.
 
I have also designed the official David Scott School logo, curated a range of materials that enhanced the school's profile in the region and also established an online presence for the David Scott School after setting up a website for the school. A man of many talents, I also drove the school’s eSmart accreditation in partnership with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation which is  a long-term change program designed to educate, track, monitor and prevent bullying and cyberbullying in schools. Finally, in 2019, I was also named the Frankston City Council Youth Mayor, which gave me the opportunity to learn about local government, gain priceless mentoring, and develop  leadership skills. 

On reflection of my time with BSL, I have had opportunities to do things I never thought I would. From being featured in The Australian newspaper and speaking on the national ABC radio about youth unemployment, to travelling interstate as a representative for the David Scott School at a seminar. I am very grateful for each and every opportunity provided to me. 





I have had opportunities to do things I never thought I would

This is a photo of James, an NDIS participant

Meet James, an NDIS participant. He has asked his Local Area Coordinator, Libby to share his story.

James is a lovely gentleman who has an ABI (Acquired Brain Injury) as a result of been hit by a bus, 3 years ago. Following the accident James spent five months in hospital as part of his rehabilitation and recovery. He has been on the NDIS for nearly a year and is slowly starting to see the benefit of the scheme. James was able to get a new laptop with his NDIS funding at the start of COVID.  This was approved to give him better access to his telehealth appointments. Prior to getting the laptop he was trying to do his telehealth and other appointments and meetings on his phone, which proved to be very challenging, because of his accident, causing significant vision loss. Having to do the appointments on his phone was giving James headaches and causing a lot of stress. The laptop gave James easier access to his meetings and appointments. 

The great news is that due to having access to the computer, James has able to attend his Brian Matters Support Group (for people with an ABI) and he has now been offered the role as Secretary of the group. This has given James a lot of hope for the future to secure paid employment. James is also now working with a support worker and is participating more in the community. He is going out and enjoying doing his shopping and having a coffee. James is looking forward to becoming more involved with the Brain Matters Support Group. He can’t wait for the face to face meetings to reconvene and to get the opportunity to go into the city to work with this wonderful group in his role as Secretary.





With the help of NDIS funding, James was able to buy a laptop and continue his appointments during COVID

This is a photo of John, a Community Engagement Lead for BSL

I have been with BSL for almost four years. I was approached by BSL directly to work as a Linkage Coordinator within the NDIS family and upon accepting this role have not looked back.

I have built up a strong community connection as a highly respected community Elder over the years, and have brought that extensive knowledge and connection to this role at BSL, as it is very unique. 

My understanding of the inner workings of the BSL continues to grow, making me more effective in community engagement which is very important to me. I love understanding individuals and their connection to their community and I continue to learn and be challenged as I meet more and more people. 

I deeply value Disability and Aboriginality and this role brings these two things together.  Supporting members of the community who are Aboriginal and with a disability is extraordinarily and I feel very blessed to have such a meaningful role.

I love that I am able to share my personal experience and help guide my people. Although it can be challenging at times as a minority working within a minority group, I wouldn’t change it for the world. When you embrace new culture, people first need an understanding and acceptance of it. It is ultimately a different way of thinking and looking at life and I want to be part of sharing this change.

I am really proud that BSL has extended their work in terms of locations and getting uniformity across the board which will have a far greater impact. Our commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan is exciting and really exemplifies BSL commitment to a new path forward. This will help raise our public profile so we become leaders, not just spectators and we can have more impact and be positioned as expertise.

With this new path I hope to see more leadership opportunities for my people within BSL, as ultimately this would be a good message and really show we are leaders.





My role is very unique and I love it

This is an image of clothes available at our Ivanhoe store

I've thoroughly enjoyed my 28 years at the Ivanhoe Auxillary Op Shop and made many friends in the area. The highlight was being awarded the Centenary Medal in year 2000, which I accepted on behalf of all our dedicated capable volunteers. 

When I started in the Op Shop I had never been in one. We had been travelling for several years and I decided to do some volunteer work. Early one morning I waited for the shop to open and asked if they needed volunteers. I left my phone number, and 30 minutes after returning home there was a message asking me to start the next day. So different from these days.


I have thoroughly enjoyed my 28 years being a BSL volunteer

This is a photo of Krystal, a participant of the Given the Chance Program

Hi, my name is Krystal and I am a 30-year-old, Aboriginal single mother of three and I am a successful participant of the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Given the Chance Program.

Prior to starting this program, I feared I will remain unemployed forever. I faced a lot of knock backs because I am a single parent and because I made some dumb decisions when I was younger. It made me feel worthless and not valued for the person I had become.

Given the Chance Program helped me by showing myself and my potential employer my strengths. It also explained to them that I was not the same person I was when I was younger and that I was ready and determined to make it work.

I was given the opportunity to attend numerous appointments and was offered lots of beneficial career guidance. After meeting with Simon Gray, from the Brotherhood’s social enterprise labour hire, I was placed with engineering and construction company John Holland on a traineeship. I was also given the opportunity to complete my Certificate III in Business Administration, which I was so happy about. ‘I had been looking for a job for almost a year. I had applied for over 80 jobs online before securing this position which was the VERY FIRST job I applied for with the Brotherhood and Jobs Victoria.

I am very grateful for all the support and guidance I have received from the BSL Given the Chance Jobs Victoria team at Epping.

I love everything about my new role, but especially the hope it has given my family. I feel FREE. I don’t have to worry about money or where it’s coming from. Although I am a trainee, I know that if I stick it out for a year, I will have a fantastic career at the end, which will give me and my children the life we deserve.



I feel FREE

This is a photo of Hawa, a volunteer at our Aged Care residence, Sambell Lodge

Hey everyone at BSL, staff, volunteers and supporters! My name is Hawa, I have been working at the Sambell Lodge facility in Clifton Hill for nearly a year. I have had quite a lot of enjoyable learning experiences during this period of time, but first, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I migrated from Egypt to Australia back in 2013 and my background is Eritrean. I am fluent in both Tigrinya (the most spoken language in Eritrea) as well as Arabic. I have also worked hard to improve my English ever since I arrived in Australia. I have one son who is 24 and he has just finished his Master of Clinical Audiology and about to start working. Moving countries always comes with its unique challenges. For instance, leaving friends and family behind is a difficult process but you constantly need to look at the bigger picture. I have found many people from a similar background here in Melbourne and we often had events throughout the year up to when COVID impacted our social lives. 
 
Settling in was a big process and had many important aspects to it. I was keen to learn more about the Australian culture whether it is through conversations on the bus or watching television and following the news. Therefore, improving my English was a crucial step to achieve that goal. I joined an English language program in the first few months in my local community centre at Ascot Vale. I continued with it till I felt I was more confident to move to the next step. I always had a passion for helping people especially those who are the most vulnerable. When I was younger, I used to care for my grandmother when she was unwell. This was a motivation for me to find a fulfilling field of work. I decided to study Certificate 3 in Aged Care and Individual Support. There were many challenges throughout the course and I found placements to be an invaluable tool to learning about the workplace. 
 
During my job search, I visited the Flemington community centre and came across the BSL office which held a meeting for those who wanted to join the organisation. I found support from the staff there throughout the application process. It has set a positive impression from the very start which in turn showed that they genuinely cared about the work they do. I have initially been working at both Sumner House and Sambell Lodge facilities but the latter has become my current work location. The environment at Sambell Lodge was welcoming and the staff played a big role. I also had the chance to meet and learn more about the residents in the facility and in particular, those who l see on a daily basis.
 
I would love to use this opportunity to thank everyone who works at the BSL office in Flemington Community Centre for their genuine support as well as my current colleagues and staff members at Sambell Lodge for making this past year a special one.




Thank you BSL for making this year so special for me

This is a photo of Charlotte, a past participant of Given the Chance Program and now a BSL staff member

My story with BSL begins in 2017. After struggling with a 12-month depressive episode that sent my life into a spiral from Uni student to unemployed with no plan moving forward I found myself in a place that many of our participants have experienced; stuck between an inconsistent income, mental health struggles and my loving family far away, I was left with little opportunities to get myself back up. Enter the Given The Chance Traineeship program that provides disadvantage job seekers into paid employment and life changed. I was fortunate enough to have just that one person, that we all need at some point, to see in me what I couldn’t see and pushed me to apply for the trainee position at our previous Connections@Craigieburn community centre. With a little bit of support, a little bit of luck and a lot of faith in myself I somehow secured the role and from there it has been a truly wonderful and world changing experience. 

The teams I have worked with from Craigieburn, Epping and through to Fitzroy have given me constant support and direction to take and achieve any opportunity that has come my way, even if it meant leaving the team behind. For me BSL is not only a space that supports our participants to grow and thrive in their own worlds but for our colleagues as well. I’m proud to be able to work for BSL (3 years running!) and give back to our participants in any way I can, even if it is not directly. 

Thank you BSL and everyone I have worked with that has helped me get to where I am today.


Thank you BSL for believing in me 

This is a photo of the descendants of Gerard Tucker, spanning several generations.

One of my recollections of Gerard Kennedy Tucker, is he demonstrated positive interest in all those with whom he may be talking. He would then ask quite interesting “tricky” or “mature questions” to the youngest generation. 
His positive attitude inspired me (many years later) to coin a phrase: “Every idea deserves 5 minutes of positive thinking”. Indeed, without discussion, David HF Scott seemed to have the same theme in his book “Always say yes.” 
 
In 2007, I asked Tony Nicholson if my Supply Chain, Organisational Relationship and Project Management skills would be of benefit to BSL. After 8 years working with the BSL Social Enterprise team, I joined the BSL Board January 2016. I gained a great deal during that time, not to mention this made it easy to research Gerard Tucker and David Scott, helping me further understand those two. As an unappointed family historian, this was a great help in my role with BSL and my family “notes.”
 
Getting back to Gerard, at the age of 19 (ish) I decided to try and ask him a “tricky” question (maybe genetic!!) I did not know a great deal about him then, nor was I aware of his prolific communication.  My question to him was:-“What is your most challenging and yet most enjoyable activity?” It was about an hour later he returned to me and said, “Thinking about your question Mick” (as I was then)..“writing to those whom have no idea of their potential to support the Brotherhood, then gaining a positive response from them”. 
 
In 1981 at the 50th Anniversary, both Horace and his brother John talked of their late Uncle Gerard and added he would have been 96 at that date. Their cousin, David Scott addressing poverty and disability internationally, a dedicated double act. They spoke of tenacity, humility, effective services to the community and collective motivation of the large multigenerational volunteer group. Success through research and consistency, leading to bipartisan support. Long may the dedicated family of BSL continue to provide for others, without question.

[Find out more from Michael about his descendants of Gerard Kennedy Tucker](https://www.bsl.org.au/gerard-kennedy-tuckers-descendants/)


Long may the dedicated family of BSL continue to provide for others without question

This is a photo of Alice, a BSL Senior Social Worker, at Julia Creek, with her new friend, the local calf

In February 2019, Julia Creek in North West Queensland was devastated by floods which resulted in the loss of homes, livelihoods and thousands of animals. Queensland Rural Health put a call out for a Senior Social Worker with a rural background to spend two weeks in Julia Creek to support the community.

I responded by telephoning and offering my services. After giving a thumbnail sketch of my experience, I was asked “How soon can you get here?” I was in Julia Creek three days later.

I soon discovered the community members were concerned about seeking support from me, in case I was attached to any of the local organisations. They were looking for someone independent to give them a sense of anonymity in such a small town. We decided to set me up in a borrowed caravan and so was borne the Brotherhood of St. Laurence Outreach office in Julia Creek.

What an amazing experience - many locals were too raw to seek my services, so I concentrated on 'hanging out' at the local haunts (supermarket/cafe, library and medical clinic) to 'chat' informally. No one was ready for 'counselling'. Most of my time was spent supporting the people who were already supporting many people. The informal Psychological First Aid seemed to hit the spot. I also helped wherever an extra pair of hands was needed such the Fun Day at the pool to give parents a break or feeding orphaned calves on local properties.

This two-week stint was a great opportunity and an unforgettable experience. 




A borrowed caravan became the BSL Outreach Office in Julia Creek

This is a photo of Philippa, a BSL volunteer

In November 1985, I made the decision to leave the Brisbane-based Religious Community, of which I had been a member for 26 years. It seemed best to move away from Brisbane, and so as a supporter of the Brotherhood and endorsing its ideals of social justice, I wrote to Bishop Peter Hollingsworth, then the Director, daring to ask if there might be any place within the BSL for an Honour’s graduate in Medieval English literature! I still marvel at Bp Peter’s response. He wrote that he could offer me the Sambell Bursary to do pastoral work with the Brotherhood for a year, the Bursary would also pay for a year of Clinical Pastoral Education, and there was a flat I could use in East Melbourne! Imagine my amazement and delight.

So began an eventful year of learning for me in February 1986. I did pastoral work in the Coolibah Centre and loved it, and also at the St Mark’s Community Centre, Fitzroy. Later in the early nineties I worked as a carer in Sumner House and Sambell Lodge. 

In 2012, I volunteered with BSL as a mentor for a former refugee woman within a Training Program. I continue as an ardent supporter of the Brotherhood. I can never thank Bishop Peter and BSL enough for the year that made me, 1986.




I continue as an ardent supporter of the Brotherhood  

Today I work with people who are mentally unwell. I started my journey of nursing 33 years ago. I was a personal carer. Then a state enrolled nurse. Now a division one. It took six years of part time study while working. I am from humble beginnings, and was a street kid many years ago. My passion has always been for reading, which I buy from the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. I have op shopped since I was 14 and I have found many treasures. I still have most.

_\*The name of the customer has been changed as she wanted to remain anonymous_


Stories of progress

Learn how BSL's work has impacted our community.

BSL has always given a sense of wholehearted kindness and support to whoever needed it

Lisa - Teacher at David Scott School

BSL means a lot to me and working here feels like family

Sharmaine - BSL Op Shop Store Manager

Thanks to BSL, the pieces of my puzzle are finally in place

Joseph* - Refugee Child Outreach Program Participant

It is the whole family that benefits, which makes it even more special

Heather - Parent and Hippy Coordinator

I wouldn’t have had that money if it weren’t for Saver Plus

Cassie - Saver Plus Participant

BSL is my second family

Evie - Volunteer at Bankisa Respite Centre Frankston

I have learnt I am not alone

Ita - Stepping Stones Participant

Financial wellbeing is key to long term security

Angie - Stepping Stones Coordinator

My daughter loves her start to the day thanks to the Breakfast Club

Achel - Breakfast Club Participant

I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work for 40 years

Sue - BSL Op Shop Store Manager

The staff put heart and soul into our city

Tim - BSL Op Shop Customer

Long standing member of the Coolibah Hub

Yen Giang - Member of the Coolibah Hub Fitzroy

My history with BSL goes back 34 years and I love my connection with this organisation

David - Past Board Member and Charter Member

I have had opportunities to do things I never thought I would

Aaron - Transition to Work Participant

With the help of NDIS funding, James was able to buy a laptop and continue his appointments during COVID

Libby – Local Area Coordinator at NDIS

My role is very unique and I love it

John - Community Engagement Lead

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 28 years being a BSL volunteer

Patricia - Volunteer for BSL Op Shops

I feel FREE

Krystal - Given the Chance Participant

Thank you BSL for making this year so special for me

Hawa - BSL Staff at Sambell Lodge

Thank you BSL for believing in me

Charlotte - Internal Communications Support for BSL and past participant of Given the Chance

Long may the dedicated family of BSL continue to provide for others without question

Michael - Father Tucker’s relative and Past Board Member

A borrowed caravan became the BSL Outreach Office in Julia Creek

Alice - Senior Social Worker for BSL

I continue as an ardent supporter of the Brotherhood

Philippa - Volunteer

I have found many treasures

Anna* - BSL Op Shops and Brotherhood Books Customer

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