People power is what makes it possible for SSI to support vulnerable individuals and families to achieve their potential — whether that’s the efforts of our 700-strong workforce or the hundreds of volunteers, donors and partners who support our work each day.
SSI engages with community members who are committed to our values and would like to contribute their skills, experience and commitment to our vision. We value the involvement of more than 300 active volunteers across Sydney, and during 2017-18, we also expanded our volunteer program into regional NSW.
SSI volunteers undertake more than 40 different roles across a range of programs. Many programs rely heavily on the contribution of volunteers to achieve positive outcomes and build the capacity of the people we support. Our volunteers help newcomers to Australia to access support services. They mentor new business owners and support families and individuals to engage in meaningful social activities — and much, much more.
In 2017-18, more than 45 people participated in SSI’s student and intern program, which reflects our commitment to supporting and developing people across the community. Students gained valuable skills and knowledge in the workplace, while in turn making their own contributions to various programs and initiatives.
During the year, SSI also initiated fundraising and partnership initiatives that enabled people to support our work, including both community fundraisers and corporate partnerships such as Allianz Australia, Atlassian, Belvoir Theatre, CBA, Deutsche Bank, Google, TEDx and TripAdvisor.
One example of this in practice was an innovative project between SSI and Sensis White Pages that connected new migrants and refugees with businesses and services in their local area. The Connective Collective used a number of tools, including welcome packs, to connect newcomers with the owners of small businesses, recognising that they are often leaders in their communities and can provide a link for refugees and migrants to engage with their local area.
During 2017-18, Allianz Australia won an Australian Human Rights Awards for Business Inclusion for its partnership with SSI, which has, among other outcomes, helped dozens of refugees to secure permanent employment through an innovative cadetship-style program.
In September 2017, SSI also held the inaugural SSI Mosaic Gala event, where more than 375 people gathered to raise awareness and funds for a collective of SSI initiatives that help refugees overcome barriers to employment and education.
The best bit for me was chatting in the kitchen with the other volunteers, learning about Armenian food, helping out and meeting new people.
Over 300 active volunteers across our community contributed approximately 58,000 hours during the 2017-2018 year. With volunteers fulfilling over 40 unique roles across metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW, our amazing volunteers have contributed in kind hours valued at a conservative $1,440,000. In terms of the social impact volunteers have on SSI clients and working in programs their value is priceless and we thank each and every volunteer.
