Jacqui
Jackie, a long-time Orange Sky volunteer in Newcastle, shares her experiences and insights on the importance of dignity, connection, and community partnerships.
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"I love the fact that we're providing a laundry service which certainly helps with dignity. Most of our friends are male. We, for this shift for some reason, we very rarely have females, and a few of the fellas live in their cars."
"It's just great to have some have some fresh clothes and to have that connection when they come back fortnight after fortnight and you can just the conversation can continue on, you know, like like you would with a friend."
"I heard about Orange Sky when the lads won the Young Australian of the Year and when I heard that, I thought, 'Oh, if that comes to Newcastle, I'm going to volunteer for them.'"
"I think it's really important because our friends have a lot of experience with the church and they're really so many challenges, and if they can get their washing done for nothing, financially will help them, but they can also access food at the same time. It's one less thing for them to have to be thinking about and and worrying about."
Weaving Dignity and Connection: Jackie's Journey with Orange Sky Newcastle
In the heart of Newcastle, Jackie has found purpose and connection through her work with Orange Sky. Since 2018, she has been part of a team that provides more than just clean laundry – they offer dignity, friendship, and a sense of normalcy to those doing it tough.
"I love the fact that we're providing a laundry service which certainly helps with dignity," Jackie shares, her eyes lighting up as she talks about the impact of their work. For Jackie, Orange Sky is about more than just washing clothes; it's about building lasting connections.
Inspired by Orange Sky's founders winning Young Australian of the Year, Jackie was drawn to volunteer when the service came to Newcastle. Her background in public health and personal experiences with family members struggling have fuelled her commitment to giving back.
Jackie emphasises the importance of Orange Sky's partnership with the local church, which provides food services alongside the laundry. "It's one less thing for them to have to be thinking about and worrying about," she explains, highlighting how this collaboration helps alleviate multiple challenges for their friends.
While Jackie notes that homelessness in Newcastle may be more hidden than in other areas, she believes it's more prevalent than many realize. As Orange Sky continues to make a difference in Newcastle, volunteers like Jackie remind us of the power of simple acts of kindness and the importance of community support.