Volunteers open their hearts to Ukrainian refugees
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Volunteers open their hearts to Ukrainian refugees
5 December 2022
Some of the Ukrainian refugees who were delighted to attend the Salvation Army’s recent Multicultural Gala in Sydney.
Being a refugee in Australia is tough when you haven’t got access to funds to support a new life. It’s especially difficult if you don’t speak English. Thankfully many, including Ukrainians who have been arriving in Australia since the Russian invasion in February, have been connected to Salvation Army migrant-focused programs around the country, as well as to local Salvation Army churches.
Seizing an opportunity to collaborate in response to the Ukrainian situation, Rebecca Micallef, National Social Impact Manager for The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus, linked a few Salvo churches in western Sydney with both Employment Plus and the Blue Peony Foundation, an organisation established to welcome and support Ukrainians who have recently fled their country.
“We have partnered with our local corps (churches) and ... Blue Peony to help those fleeing war in Ukraine by supporting them into employment and providing connections to the community,” Rebecca explains.
“We provide a holistic program that focuses on employment yet understands the importance of feeling a part of a community through social connections provided by the greater Salvation Army network. We currently have around 20 participants who are being supported into employment, with the numbers increasing every day.”
In addition to the people who arrive seeking asylum or as refugees from other parts of the world, the increase in participation from Ukrainians has meant staffing levels needed boosting.
Working closely with the Volunteer Resources team, Rebecca advertised and recruited volunteers who feel connected to the Ukrainian community to fill a Ukrainian/Russian interpreter role, as well as a refugee and asylum seeker job mentor. Alisa Chuganova filled the interpreter role, and Jade Milford the mentoring position.
“The response we had from the community was simply overwhelming – there was such a fantastic response from people wanting to help any way they could,” Rebecca says.
Ciska Burrie is the Volunteer Resources Developer, Human Resources, for The Salvation Army Australia.
Oksana’s story
Oksana, a refugee from Ukraine, engaged with the Salvos for assistance finding employment and is now working in a job she loves.
Oksana is a refugee who escaped the war in Ukraine and sought safety in Australia. The Blue Peony Foundation referred Oksana to The Salvation Army Employment Plus Local for assistance in finding meaningful and sustainable employment.
Nibras Jasim, Humanitarian Employment Consultant, welcomed and supported Oksana and linked her with different employers. Nibras also supported Oksana’s job applications and advocated on her behalf. Oksana secured a part-time position with Harris Farm and an additional two days per week in an aged care centre. The Salvation Army’s financial assistance services also helped Oksana during times of financial hardship prior to her finding work.
“As soon as I asked for help, Nibras immediately responded, offered me all the available vacancies with detailed descriptions, helped me improve my resumé, boosted my resumé promotion as much as possible, informed me about a job market where I could meet with Harris Farm Human Resources personnel and prepare for interviews with them,” says Oksana.
“Nibras kept in touch with me throughout the whole process. Once I had received the contract, she also wanted to make sure everything went well. I am very grateful – her help was necessary for me, and she helped me feel confident. I really like working at Harris Farm. It’s my first job in Australia. I am happy to be part of Australian society, pay taxes and be confident in the future.”
Ukrainian hubs – where it all began
Not long after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Oleg, a Salvos member from Adelaide City Salvos with Ukrainian background, wanted to do something to help. He approached his corps officers, Captains Sarah and Shane Healey, about providing practical support to Ukrainian refugees coming to Australia and sharing Jesus with them.
The Healeys consulted with their congregation, Doorways Emergency Relief, Moneycare, the Ukrainian community, and with Megumi Webb, who oversees Salvos mission development for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities in South Australia and the Northern Territory. The team also visited a local Ukrainian centre and learned more about the culture and the needs of the arriving refugees.
Clothing and shoes were initially popular items for Ukrainian refugees, who often arrived with very little from home.
“From that discussion, we realised we needed to localise our support and provide a one-stop shop,” said Megumi. “Separate times for Doorways consultations were organised, as their needs were completely different. Longer sessions were provided to allow for interpreters.”
A friend of Oleg’s in Melbourne asked about setting up a similar hub in Melbourne, which operates from Kingston City Salvos.
The Ukrainian support hub extends to Sydney, run from the Auburn Salvos. Each week, refugees and others new to Australia access different services such as Employment Plus Local, Doorways, Drive for Life, Moneycare, Youth Ministry, Community Development, and to access vouchers. Local Ukrainian leaders regularly come in to interpret for those not yet speaking English.
“We have invited them to attend programs at Auburn Salvos,” said Nuria Gonsalves, Salvos CaLD Community Engagement National Lead. “Many also attended the Salvos Multicultural Gala in November last year. They were so excited about that invitation, the support and care they receive and how people love and respect them.
“Our doors are always open to them.”
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