Vicki Sorenson

"From Career to Community: Vicky Sorenson's Journey of Service at Trambi House"‍

In the bustling heart of Perth, Vicky Sorenson's story unfolds as a powerful testament to the impact of community service and the transformative power of human connection. Recently retired from a hectic professional role, Vicky has embraced a new chapter in her life, dedicating her time and energy to supporting those experiencing homelessness through her work at Trambi House.

Vicky's journey into community service began long before her retirement. "I've always been fairly community minded," she reflects. Her involvement with organizations like Food Bank and Orange Sky laid the foundation for her current role at Trambi House. This transition from a professional career to full-time volunteering highlights the potential for retirees to make significant contributions to their communities.

At Trambi House, Vicky has found her niche in what she calls "the cold face" of community service. "It's where it's happening," she explains. "Get the basics right. Tummy, food in your tummy, your laundry done, you know, some conversation." This focus on fundamental needs underscores the importance of addressing the immediate challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

However, Vicky's approach goes beyond just meeting basic needs. She emphasizes the crucial role of human connection in her work. "We all need to feel some sort of connection, don't we?" she asks. "And a friend can take on all sorts of things." This perspective aligns perfectly with Orange Sky's concept of 'friends' - treating those they serve with dignity and respect.

Vicky sees her role at Trambi House through the lens of hospitality. "I see my role with Trambie House as a hospitality side of it. So hospitality comes with a smile and being welcoming and inclusive," she shares. This approach creates an environment where people feel valued and respected, regardless of their circumstances.
The collaborative nature of services at Trambi House is something Vicky particularly appreciates. From street vets to street doctors and lawyers, the facility offers a comprehensive range of support. Vicky notes the importance of effective communication and regular team meetings to ensure the best possible outcomes for those they serve.

For Vicky, the transition from her professional career to full-time volunteering has been a natural progression. "I couldn't imagine not ever doing it," she says of her work at Trambi House. This sentiment speaks to the fulfillment many retirees find in dedicating their time to community service.
Vicky's story also highlights the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing social issues. "We can't rely on the government. We can't say it's everyone else's problem," she asserts. "We've actually got to get out there, boots on the ground." This call to action emphasizes the role each individual can play in creating positive change in their community.

The impact of simple acts of kindness is evident in the stories Vicky shares. She recounts a particularly poignant moment from her time with Orange Sky: "A gentleman said, you know, I finally felt that I could sit on a bus because my clothes were so tight. My clothes were clean and people weren't going to be offended." This anecdote powerfully illustrates how basic services can restore dignity and self-esteem to those experiencing homelessness.

As Vicky continues her journey of service at Trambi House, her story serves as an inspiration for others, particularly retirees, to consider how they can contribute to their communities. Her experience demonstrates that volunteering not only benefits those being served but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the volunteers themselves.

Vicky Sorenson's dedication to community service at Trambi House reminds us of the profound impact that individual actions can have when multiplied across a community. As she so eloquently puts it, "If we all do a little bit, it's like anything. If we all contribute a little bit, wow, we can, you know, we can achieve a lot."