From homelessness to helping others: Gaynor’s volunteer story at WestCare

When Gaynor joined us as a volunteer in South Australia, it was a powerful example of how kindness can come full circle.

Having experienced a period of crisis herself, Gaynor once needed to turn to WestCare Centre for support. With lived experience of homelessness, she understands the transformative impact of safe, welcoming places for people experiencing hardship.

“I have learned that after having everything, to then ending up on the streets of Adelaide and seeing both sides, having someone show up for you when you’re struggling matters more than you know,” says Gaynor. “Westcare listened and treated me with respect. They cared, supporting my partner and me with meals, emergency relief, connection, access to showers, toilets, laundry facilities, and ongoing food support. That support got me through a really hard time. Giving back to the place that supported me is now my purpose and my passion.”

Choosing to give back as a WestCare volunteer

Since joining WestCare as a volunteer three and a half years ago, Gaynor regularly contributes around 30 hours a week, describing herself as an all-rounder within the team. Her role includes setting up the centre for breakfast, helping with cleaning and laundry, and working at the Food Hub, including supermarket duties such as stacking shelves, stocktaking, sorting fruit and vegetables, receiving orders, and providing customer service. Her dedication is such that she even comes in on Sundays.

“I’ve spent 25 years of my life nursing, so helping people has always been my strong point’, says Gaynor. “I’m so happy to be able to give my time back to the people who helped me at my darkest time.”

Why volunteering and community connection matter

Gaynor values the social connections she has built with clients and staff at WestCare and the Food Hub, and she encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. “What I like about volunteering there is that it’s about building a safe space. I like being there for people, having a chat, listening and showing kindness,” she explains.

“Being there regularly means people get to know you and start to trust you. I know how much that matters,” she says. “Being able to stand beside them now means everything to me.”

“I would like to say a special thank you to WestCare Inner City. Without them, my partner and I would not have survived living on the streets. They welcomed us in and without the services they offered, we would not be where we are today. This is my time to pay it forward.”

We are deeply grateful to Gaynor for the kindness and commitment she brings to WestCare. Her willingness to show up, listen and stand beside others helps create the safe, welcoming community that makes such a difference in people’s lives.

If you’d like to volunteer with BaptistCare and see the impact your support can have, whether regularly or in ways that suit your life, we’d love to hear from you. Whoever you are, and however you want to help, you can bring a little more joy to the lives of those who need it most.

Click the links below to learn more about BaptistCare volunteering opportunities near you:

Victoria and Tasmania

South Australia

New South Wales, ACT and Western Australia.