Building Confidence Through Volunteering: Bethany and Kathryn’s Story
At are-able Mildura, Finding and Keeping a Job participants Bethany Williams and Kathryn Rich are discovering the power of volunteering, and the joy that comes with giving back.
Supported by their NDIS Mentor Aneeka Macdonald, the pair were eager to build their retail skills and gain real-world experience. With the help of are-able’s connection to Glenn Milne at the Salvation Army Op Shop in Mildura, Bethany and Kathryn found the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and make new connections.
From customer service to teamwork, they’ve embraced every moment of their volunteer work. Both say they love the friendly environment, learning new retail skills, and connecting with other volunteers.
Their time at the Op Shop has also helped them gain independence and confidence, and they’re now proudly managing their own volunteer schedules.
“It’s been so rewarding to see both Beth and Kath step out of their comfort zones and really thrive,” said NDIS Mentor Aneeka Macdonald. “They’ve built great relationships with the team at the Salvos and developed skills that will support them well into the future.”
Bethany and Kathryn’s story shows just how meaningful community partnerships can be in helping young people build valuable skills and take steps toward future employment.
A huge thank you to Glenn Milne and the Salvation Army Mildura team for providing such a supportive space for our participants to thrive.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step from school to work, our team is here to help you start your own achieve-able journey.