Mary of the Cross Centre

Mary of the Cross Centre

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Volunteers

Volunteers of varying ages and with a diverse range of skills play a vital role at Mary of the Cross Centre. Many of these people contribute regularly in areas such as reception, administration, gardening and maintenance while others are available to assist on an occasional basis.

Some volunteers with particular expertise in using information technology or with writing skills contribute through their membership of the media reference group.

The Centre provides opportunities for tertiary students to complete field placements in areas of study allied to its work of supporting families in relation to drug abuse. This voluntary work sometimes takes the form of a block placement while other students are attached to the Centre for a period of time each week. This web site was originally developed by Jenni Tayor, a final year student in the Bachelor of Social Science (Youth Studies) on placement at the Centre. It has recently been taken over by the team at GeekZone.

Consistent with the principles of volunteering, staff at Mary of the Cross Centre ensure that work carried out by volunteers is mutually beneficial. While the contribution of time, skills and experience given by volunteers enhances our service we hope to enable people to become involved in an area of interest and to gain new skills in a friendly environment.

Training sessions are provided for Mary of the Cross Centre volunteers so that they are familiar with the mission and values of our organisation, informed about drug and alcohol issues and prepared for the tasks they will undertake.

Volunteer Profile

This page provides an opportunity for you to read about some of our volunteers and their role at Mary of the Cross Centre. It will be updated regularly.

Helena Adamsons

My name is Helena Adamsons. I have been a volunteer at Mary of the Cross Centre for almost two years, and have found my time here rewarding and most enjoyable.

I commenced my working career at Colonial Mutual Life Insurance and was a secretary for ten years, working my way to the position of secretary to the General Manager before moving to Sydney. There I did secretarial work at two different travel centres which gave me a wonderful opportunity to travel overseas several times. After eight years in Sydney I decided to come home to family and friends in Melbourne.

I lived in Black Rock for ten years, during which time I started a domestic cleaning agency with a girlfriend. We employed one hundred and twenty people in this very busy and demanding venture. Unfortunately, I became seriously ill and had to return home to be cared for by my loving mother in East Bentleigh. I sold my half of the business and after a miraculous recovery decided to help those less fortunate than myself. I volunteered for the Heart to Hearts Soup Kitchen run from Our Lady Help of Christians, East Brunswick. We prepared and delivered sandwiches and soup to boarding houses in the surrounding area. This was a first-hand experience with many people living their lives in poverty and despair.

When I read about the work of Mary of the Cross Centre and its need for volunteers I grasped the opportunity to offer my time and service. I regularly help at the Centre on either Mondays or Tuesdays.

The fulltime staff and volunteers I.ve met are genuine, caring people. It is obvious that Christ is at the centre of this wonderful place. My heart goes out to the families and the victims of addictions and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to offer my help, even in a small way, to assist these people on their road to recovery and healing.

Mary of the Cross Centre
7 Brunswick St.
FITZROY VIC 3065
Ph: 9495 6144
Fax: 9495 6166
Email: moc@maryofthecross.org.au