New Volunteer Coordinator, Karen!

We’re excited to welcome Karen to the Family Life team as our new Volunteer Coordinator. Based in Bayside, Karen works closely with Yolande to support and grow our amazing volunteer community. Find out a little more about Karen below. 

What drew you to working at Family Life? 

I really wanted to give back to the community that supported me while raising two young children in Bayside. When I came across Family Life, an organisation dedicated to delivering services and support for children and families, it aligned well with my personal values. I started as a volunteer retail assistant at the Mordialloc store while my kids were at school. Later, when the role in the volunteering team came up, it felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my background in social policy with my passion for community engagement. 

What’s one thing you’re most excited about in your new role? 

I’m really excited about getting to know everyone at Family Life. It’s something I loved when working in the store – listening to people’s stories and learning about their lives. Everyone here has a unique story, and yet we have all been brought together motivated to help those who need it the most. 

What’s the most surprising or memorable item you’ve ever found in an Op Shop? 

It’s hard to choose! There have been so many! One standout was a 200-year-old book on sailing ships with handwritten love letters tucked inside. Another was a brand-new boxed set of the exact books my son had on his Christmas list. 

If you could describe the perfect Op Shop in three words, what would they be? 

People. Ambience. Treasures. 

Do you have a favourite tip for finding hidden gems in Op Shops? 

Always check the glass cabinet. There’s usually something special inside!