Farhan’s journey with Vinnies began as a Master of Social Work student completing his placement with us. After completing his placement, Farhan continued to volunteer with Vinnies, before successfully applying for a Client Support Assistant role just four months later. From student placement, to volunteer, to employee, his journey is a wonderful example of how a placement can open the door to new opportunities, learning and meaningful connections. Here, Farhan shares his experience in his own words:

"When my college first notified me that I would be completing my Master of Social Work placement at Vinnies, I was in a state of absolute disbelief – the good kind. Vinnies is an institution built on over a century of goodwill, human dignity, and the kind of community service that actually changes lives. I had heard the name, seen the shops and read about its work. And now I was going to be part of it and contribute to something much bigger than myself! 

Every single day as a volunteer brought something I had never encountered before – a client in crisis, a system that needed navigating, a conversation that required far more than a textbook answer. There were moments that tested my confidence, my composure, and my understanding of what it truly means to support another human being. During those moments, I chose to embrace the challenges. I asked questions. I leaned on my supervisors and the incredible people around me who were always respectful and supportive. We were constantly reminded that there is nothing wrong we can do that cannot be fixed. This provided me with the push to go the extra mile and be present in the situation, no matter what. As I continued to show up and give what I had, opportunities started presenting themselves. Opportunities I was unaware of started finding their way towards me. I was trusted with more responsibility, more complexity, and more meaningful work. 

So, when I was successful with my job application as a Client Support Assistant – just four months after starting as a volunteer – I was humbled. To become an employee of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is to be part of a mission that stretches far beyond any individual role. Every day I walk into this office, I learn something new – be it from a client who shares their story with trust and courage or a colleague who has been doing this work for years and still brings the same heart to it. 

To my Team Leader and fellow team members at Vinnies Redfern – watching your work has shaped me. The way you show up, the way you treat every person who walks in as someone who matters, has set a standard I aspire to every single day."