Volunteer Spotlight – Maree

Maree, a dedicated volunteer at Prace, shares her heartfelt experience of joining the Learn English program at the Thomastown West Community Hub. After retiring, Maree was looking for something to fill her time, and she found the perfect fit with Prace’s volunteering program.

With a background as an Occupational Therapist (OT) and experience working in the day hospital sector, Maree has always been passionate about supporting others. She joined Prace and became involved with the Learn English program, where she worked closely with students from various language backgrounds over the past 15 months.

One of the highlights of her experience was working with a small group of women at Thomastown who were incredibly supportive of each other. Despite their different levels of English proficiency, the women took care of one another, helping each other through the challenges of language learning.

For Maree, volunteering has been an enriching experience, adding purpose and structure to her life. She reflects on how volunteering allows her to make a difference without the stress of reports and deadlines. Her advice to others? “Discover what you’re passionate about, and then look for volunteering opportunities within that area. It’s a great way to add meaning and structure to your life.”

Maree’s story underscores the powerful connections made in smaller community groups. For her, the sense of belonging and mutual support is where she finds her greatest happiness.

We are grateful for volunteers like Maree, whose dedication and kindness make such a difference in the lives of Prace students.

Thank you, Maree, for all you do! Your dedication truly makes a difference.

If you’re inspired by Maree’s story, consider volunteering with Prace! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and offer a variety of roles to suit different skills and interests. For more information on how you can get involved, click on the button below.