b'NoBucks helps Jodie give back Jodie has volunteered at NoBucks community meals service in Hobart for overtwo years.A friend suggested I go to NoBucks for a mealSupported employees are people living with a one day. I was home alone throughout the day disability who receive a little extra help while and feeling a bit lonely, says Jodie. they are at work.One of the volunteers suggested I should lookSupported employees receive help to do theirinto volunteering, so I did. job, develop new skills and create long-term Jodie (pictured above) started helping in thework goals.kitchen twice a week. When the pandemic hit,Im really excited, says Jodie with a beaming Jodie gave even more. She volunteered mostsmile on her face.weekdays to make sure people were still beingIts nice to feel valued. Ive really enjoyed fed during such challenging times. volunteering at NoBucks, so Im proud to have the But like so many of the people Jodie serves atopportunity to become a supported employee.NoBucks, she also endures daily struggles. Ive volunteered for many organisations. ThisJodie lives with an acquired brain injury thatis my first paid role, so its very special.causes severe and ongoing short-term memoryEach weekday, the NoBucks team serve a hot, loss. Jodie is often unable to remember what shehearty main meal and dessert to around 60 people heard, saw or did only minutes earlier. in Hobart who are struggling to put food on the My life hasnt always been easy, but Ivetable at home or experiencing social isolation.managed. And I know there are people out For a handful of people who come to NoBucks, its there worse off than I am says Jodie. the only food they have access to each day.Im grateful that I can still help people and giveFor many, its a chance to come into a welcoming back to my community through NoBucks. and friendly space and have a chat to others. In December 2021, Jodie was hired as a supported employee at NoBucks.26 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2021-2022'