Tammy started volunteering with the Small Steps childminding program last year. After losing her job due to injury, she had been looking for an opportunity to help those who needed a helping hand. 

“After losing my job, and having my mum pass away, I decided I wanted to give back to the community”, says Tammy.

“I saw the ad about childminding at Small Steps and thought, ‘I can do that’. I know that my daughters value me as a mum so I knew I had something to offer the young mums at Small Steps.”

Unbeknownst to Tammy, she already had a connection to Hobart City Mission before she started volunteering. One of her daughters had been living in HCM’s transitional housing. Tammy’s daughter had severe depression and HCM support workers had been helping her find safe accommodation. Tammy had met the support workers at her daughter’s home, but it wasn’t until she saw them at Small Steps that she made the connection.

“The support HCM provided to my daughter was amazing. She stayed for about a year, and her mindset has completely changed”.

Tammy has been an asset to the team at Small Steps. She has helped the Small Steps program leader, Nonie, with sorting donations, inspecting the properties and making Welcome Packs for the new families at Small Steps.

“Every day is totally different”, says Tammy. “One day I could be outside playing with the kids on the jungle gym, and the next day I’m sorting donations”.

“I’ve met lots of great people through volunteering. When I first started I did the childminding with another lady and we made a great duo – we’re both from different backgrounds but we get along so well”.

 “The Small Steps program means a lot to me. I’m so happy to be there for the girls when they need a chat. I go home happier, because I know that I’ve helped someone”.

This story was first published in our 2020 Annual Report. To view the full Annual Report, click here.