Volunteer Profile : Darcy
Darcy is an After Dark Drop-In Volunteer, a free after-hours sport-based activity program for young people aged 12 -18 who are likely experiencing some level of disengagement from community, family, or school.
Darcy has completed over 800 hours of volunteering with PCYC Crestmead. Started as a student placement back in March 2023 and has put in the hard yards to now become an employee of PCYC working as a Support Worker for CWS here at PCYC Crestmead. Darcy has had his troubles growing up in and around Logan, spent some of his childhood in and out of foster care. He has grown as a person in the past 12 months and it shows by successfully gaining employment at PCYC Queensland.
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you heard about the volunteering role at PCYC Queensland?
My name is Darcy, I’m 25 years old and from Brisbane, Australia. Growing up in foster care myself, I’ve always had a strong passion for working with youth and making a positive impact in their lives. That’s what led me to seek out opportunities to volunteer at PCYC. I wanted to give back to my community and provide support and guidance to young people who may be facing challenges similar to those I’ve experienced. Working with PCYC allows me to directly help youth in need and make a difference in their lives. As part of my cert 4 in youth work last year at TAFE, I needed to complete a volunteer placement and decided to choose PCYC Crestmead, given my personal experience with PCYC as a child
What inspired you to become a volunteer at PCYC Queensland?
Having been involved with PCYC as a child, I was inspired by the positive impact it had on my life. When I had the opportunity to do my placement there, working with the kids in my community reignited my passion for helping others and motivated me to continue volunteering.
What motivated you to choose PCYC Queensland for volunteering?
PCYC Queensland was my first choice because of my past involvement. I looked into local PCYC branches for student placement opportunities and found a suitable option at Crestmead. After interviewing there, I knew it was the right place for me to continue my journey.
Can you describe your role as a volunteer and the activities you’re involved in?
I am the Lead Facilitator in the Youth Leadership Team (YLT) program at PCYC. On Mondays, I participate in the drop-in center activities, and during holidays, we run an extended drop-in program. Tuesdays are dedicated to teaching basketball skills and drills in the afternoon. Wednesdays focus on the YLT program, and Thursdays involve a BMX program where a professional rider teaches kids new tricks and skills. We provide bikes and helmets for the participants. Fridays feature a community barbecue, supported by a church group, where we serve free meals to the community. I’ve also just started a part time paid role as the community work skills community support worker.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at PCYC Queensland?
I enjoy engaging with the kids and collaborating with the respectful and thoughtful staff at PCYC. The supportive environment allows me to pursue my passion for working with youth and making a positive impact on their lives.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your volunteer work?
One memorable experience was when our Youth Leadership Team planned a food drive for disadvantaged families. We visited a local sheep farm to educate the kids about fresh ingredients and develop recipes for meals we will soon be cooking for families in need. This hands-on experience has been both educational and rewarding for everyone involved, and we are excited to start the cooking sessions soon.
How has volunteering at PCYC Queensland impacted you personally?
Volunteering has significantly improved my confidence and communication skills. When I first started, I struggled with public speaking and engaging with groups of people. After over a thousand hours of volunteering, I now find it much easier to speak to crowds and interact with the kids. My overall communication and confidence have greatly improved.
Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience as a volunteer?
Recently, I was interviewed for the PCYC donation campaign, where I will be featured in such campaign for PCYC Queensland. Additionally, being nominated for this volunteering award is a goal I have been striving to achieve. I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities and recognitions.