Volunteering at HopeStreet: Mario’s story of giving back

Mario has been part of HopeStreet in Port Kembla, New South Wales, for more than 15 years. His journey is another example of how people sometimes come to a service seeking support, and later choose to give back in ways that feel right for them.

HopeStreet provides care and support to vulnerable people in the local community, offering social connection, nutritious meals and a friendly ear to chat about life’s struggles. For Mario, it became a place of belonging during a time of need, and over time, a place where he found purpose.

Learning new skills and meeting people along the way

Since joining the volunteer team a few years ago, Mario has developed impressive barista skills, building on training provided through HopeStreet. “I’ve heard his coffee is pretty good!” says Bianca Ring, Pathways Team Leader at BaptistCare South Coast Hub, Port Kembla. “I don’t drink coffee myself,” she explains, “but the feedback I hear is 100% positive.”

Mario says he chose to volunteer to feel more connected to his community. “It provides me with social connection, and being part of HopeStreet gives me a reason to be active in the community. I also like to have fun with people I know,” he says.

“Volunteering means everything to me. If I didn’t have somewhere to volunteer, I would be bored and lonely. I get along well with everyone here, and working in the community gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction.”

For Mario, volunteering with BaptistCare has been about more than giving his time. It has helped him discover new skills and confidence along the way. “HopeStreet supported me with training, so I could learn how to make coffee. Now I have the pleasure of giving a hot coffee to almost everyone here,” he says proudly.

Choosing to give back through volunteering

Through his volunteering at HopeStreet, Mario has been exposed to many different life journeys. While the paths that bring people through the doors may vary, the role of kindness, listening and consistent presence remains a common thread in supporting people through life’s challenges. “Everyone lives their life differently, and volunteering here has made me more understanding when people may be struggling,” he says.

“Volunteering has also given me a reason to stay active in the community, and it fills a sense of purpose I didn’t know I needed. I’m giving back to the place that has helped me in the past, and it feels good.”

Bianca is grateful for Mario’s ongoing contribution at HopeStreet, where a hot coffee and a kind ear often make the difference in starting meaningful conversations. “I have worked alongside Mario for 14 years,” says Bianca. “To be part of his unique journey is a highlight of my career here.”

Thank you, Mario, for sharing your story and for the care, time and warmth you bring to HopeStreet. Your willingness to show up for others continues to strengthen the community you are part of. We look forward to sharing a hot coffee with you soon!

If you’d like to volunteer, like Mario, to support people in need, we’d love to hear from you. With opportunities across most Australian states, there’s sure to be a role that suits your lifestyle and the level of commitment you can make. There’s no one way to volunteer, just your way.

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.