A busy career working with vulnerable youth has not stopped Jolena from volunteering her time to support the elderly in the Barwon region as a Home Visitor.
Arriving in Australia from Mauritius six years ago, Jolena brought her passion for assisting others. With a background in family support and studies in child, youth, and family intervention, she quickly found her calling as a Youth Support Worker. While her days were full in the new role, Jolena felt she could do more.
“During my spare time I thought I should do something for other people who are in need of my help,” she said.
Jolena joined a volunteer program visiting clients in palliative care in her local area of Warrnambool. When she moved to Geelong, she was keen to continue volunteering and support others in her new hometown.
“I started looking online for volunteer work and genU came up,” Jolena said. “They had multiple programs and were very flexible.”
After successfully completing the application process, Jolena found the right volunteer role with genU’s Social Support Home Visiting Program. This service matches volunteer visitors with an older person to boost their social participation and maintain community connections.
Helping seniors to maintain their community links and reach their goals has been gratifying for Jolena.
“It’s so rewarding, and it’s good to be able to give back to the community,” Jolena said.
“One of my previous clients did volunteer work for 40 years and it was a great experience being able to give back to her when she needed it.”
“I’m proud of the great relationships I’ve built, and I know that my clients look forward to seeing me every week.”
Volunteer with genU
If you have a passion to make a difference, we welcome you to join our incredible volunteer community and make a positive impact by giving back.
Volunteer support can be delivered in person, over the phone or online at one of the following locations across Victoria:
- Barwon
- Mornington Peninsula
- Northern Metro
- Southwest
- Western Metro
Learn more about becoming a volunteer with genU.