THREE days a week, Janet Becker drives 30 minutes from her home to the ac.care Berri Community Centre, where she helps run cooking groups, supports art sessions and welcomes people into the space with warmth and humour.
While she now volunteers regularly at the centre, Janet first connected with ac.care during a difficult period in her life when she was experiencing homelessness and social isolation.
Like many people facing housing insecurity, Janet was navigating multiple pressures at once, including chronic pain, anxiety and the challenges of trying to manage without stable housing or support.
“Walking through the door that first time, I was nervous,” she said. “I don’t like asking for help. But everyone was welcoming straight away.”
Through support from ac.care and SA Housing Trust, Janet was able to secure stable housing – something she describes as life-changing.
“I’d been scared I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own,” she said. “But I’ve paid my bills, looked after my animals, kept everything going. I’m proud of myself.”
Having a safe place to live gave Janet the opportunity to reconnect with parts of herself and her community that had been difficult to access while simply trying to get through each day.
She began attending groups at the centre, initially as a way to rebuild connection and confidence.
“Coming every week helped a lot with my mental health,” she said. “I’d been isolating myself. I had to remake friends. Being part of something again made a huge difference.”
Over time, Janet naturally became involved in supporting others.
“I didn’t say, ‘I want to be a volunteer,’” she laughed. “I just started doing it.”
Janet now helps lead the cooking group, sharing practical strategies she has learned through her own experiences living independently and managing on a limited budget.
“Meal prep, freezing meals – I learned all that myself,” she said. “Being able to share that with other people has been great.”
She has also reconnected with creative interests through the centre’s art group, including painting and photography.
“My camera was just sitting there. Now I’m using it again,” she said. “It’s been great for my mental health having something to look forward to.”
For Janet, volunteering is less about “giving back” and more about being part of a community where people support one another.
“Helping people has always been part of me,” she said. “Even if it’s just a chat over coffee, it can make a difference.”
Her story reflects the importance of safe, welcoming community spaces like Berri Community Centre where people can build connection, confidence and belonging at their own pace.
As National Volunteer Week celebrates the theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer,’ Janet hopes others might consider taking the first step – whether that means joining a group, meeting new people or volunteering themselves.
“You don’t have to talk, and you don’t have to join in straight away,” she said. “Just come along. You never know what might grow from it.”
To explore volunteering with ac.care or find a role that suits your skills and availability, visit our Careers page, drop by the ac.care Berri Community Centre at 5 Kealley Street, or call 1300 ACCARE (1300 222 273).
READ MORE: How locals are helping ac.care strengthen country communities
