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The work of JCA relies on volunteers. We work with real people in real need and
these people really need your help.
There are plenty of ways that you can lend a hand to those in need...full-time, part-
time or in some way that suits your time and skills. It does require a sacrifice, but
nothing like the sacrifices made by the people that we help!
A Great Need
Many people in Sydney are really poor. We seek out these people and try to help
them in any way we can.
This means helping them to help themselves, remaining supportive of those who
are at the lower end of the social or economic bracket, and always offering
friendship and care.
Amongst the people that JCA works with are refugees. Many people come to
Australia because they are persecuted in their own countries. They come here,
with their families, to start a new life. When they first arrive, they have many
difficulties to face: often they can't speak English, they have little or no money,
they have no friends, they don't know the Australian systems and they feel
isolated and lost.
JCA visits these families, helps them to contact other people from the same
community and assists in practical ways such as helping with English or with
clothes or furniture. Above all, we offer friendship to people who feel very alone
when they first arrive.
People who are refugees almost always find their own way very quickly into the
new society.They are highly motivated, they have come to Australia to find work
and to build a new life, they want to be educated. As a result, they tend to do well
at school and university and they find their place in their new culture. So, while we
remain in contact with people who are friends, people who are refugees often end
up helping us to help other new arrivals.
JCA also works with people who have been in boarding houses in the local
community. These people have often been institutionalised for many years and
have now been put back into the community. Many of them live quite lonely lives,
without support or friendship. JCA helps Mary MacKillop Outreach take these
people on picnics and bus trips as well as teaching them living skills such as
health, cooking and beauty skills. Above all, we offer friendship. Many of the
people from the boarding houses do not move on, they have remained our friends
for many years.
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Volunteer Full-Time 
What a challenge!
Spend a year helping the poor and underprivileged. As a full-time
volunteer you get to make a noticeable change in the community around you. You
are extremely important in helping to rebuild the lives of the refugees and people
with mental disabilities that we meet.
You also become part of a fantastic community that knows how to have fun.
Coming on board full-time is ideally suited if you are aged between 18 and 35 and
you are keen to live with other young people who are committed to the JCA work
and community.
We provide your accommodation, meals and a small weekly allowance. Yes, this
does mean making some sacrifices and living a simple lifestyle where your needs
are kept fairly basic. But it also means that you will experience a year of the most
rewarding work you may ever do, you will become the driving force behind camps,
holiday programs and a host of other events that are held throughout the
year.From one full-time volunteer who worked with us for a year:
'My year with JCA opened my eyes up to the world for the first time. I was
always conscious of the fact that there were people living in such poor
conditions in the world, but never once did I think they were so close to
home. I learnt more about myself, life, culture and justice in this one year
then I had learnt in the 18 that preceded it.'
From one full-time volunteer who worked with us for two years:
'I was so selfish when I came here. This has made me realise what a lucky
life I've had and how wonderful my family is.'
Volunteer Part-Time You are young, energetic and already leading a busy life. Now the time has come
for you to make room for the poor and give some of your time and undoubted
talent, great!
Until you have met a refugee family, heard their story and helped them to get on
their feet you have no idea how much your time can make a difference.
As a part-time volunteer you could be introduced to a family who needs some
ongoing support or you may be able to use your skills in the activities of the
community or the JCA network.We can discuss with you the way in which you can
have the greatest impact on the lives that we seek to change.
Let us know what you can give? A night, a day, maybe a weekend now and then?
Guidance from our more experienced campaigners is always close at hand so
you won't be on your own.
It is impossible to say just who or how many people belong to our community
because people whom we help almost always become closely involved in our
lives.’ Email for more info
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Weekends Away  Always a big hit!
Time and time again the success of the JCA camps can be seen in the beaming
smiles etched in the faces of the refugees who come away with us for a fun-filled,
action packed (or relaxing) weekend.Our destinations include Kincumber and
Gerroa and give us the chance to take in some of the great beaches on the NSW
coast. Joining us will be anywhere from 40-60 people who are refugees, made up
of families from countries such as Bosnia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone,
Bangladesh, Burma, Iran and more.
Of all the memories that our refugee friends treasure, the camps are right at the
top of the list. The weekends away offer an opportunity to experience Australia in a
way they have never been able to. To stand in the waves as they roll into shore
creates excitement that you have to see to believe. Our camps often include
beach volleyball, basketball, craft, treasure hunts, BBQ's, cricket, horse riding,
indoor games, music and some great food.
As you can guess, being away with a large group takes some organising and
requires plenty of help over the weekend. So, if you are keen to join us for a couple
of days bringing heaps of fun and happiness to people who have yet to experience
the Australian coast, this is for you. Don't miss the chance to spend time with
some very special people, refugees and young volunteers alike!
Email for more info
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School Holidays
 Why not make something of your holidays during the year?
In the school holidays we offer a special programme that caters especially for
refugee families.
This is an ideal opportunity for students, teachers or anyone who can give some
quality time to poorer people.This is a great way to get involved if you only have a
day or a few hours to spare. Come and make some new friends and have fun on a
day trip picnic for our refugee families.
The bus is at the ready for a big day out. Parks, picnics, beaches and the
mountains are just some of the activities that we offer during the 2-week holiday
breaks.
Our simple aim is to have some fun and share some friendship with people who
don't get to visit and see the places that we do.
So if you're free during the Easter, Winter or Spring school holidays, drop us a line
- we'd love to hear from you!
Email for more info
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Other Help In many ways the spirit of JCA is alive because of the tremendous support that we
receive behind the scenes.
We run a full calendar of activities that aims to keep our supporters, volunteers
and friends informed and involved in the work that we do.We invite you to assist us
with your expertise, your time or your contacts for any of the work that contributes
to the communication, promotion and administration of JCA and our work. Spreading the Spirit newsletter
Special Community Events
Photo library
Donated clothing
Christmas Party
Life Skills Weekend
Fundraising
Marketing and promotion
Maintain web site
IT
English lessons
Christmas Hampers |
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Get Involved