Debra
For Debra, volunteering at Church 4 Life Charities has become much more than simply helping out. It has become a place of friendship, purpose and renewal — a space where she can breathe, connect and care for herself while caring so faithfully for others. As the full-time carer for her granddaughter, who lives with severe […]
Sam
Sam is often one of the first people you’ll notice when you walk into the shop—not because she’s loud, but because of her quiet, steady presence. There’s a calm kindness about her. She’s helpful, attentive, and full of care. The kind of person who notices what someone needs and gently steps in to meet it. […]
Lana
She didn’t just find a job—she found a place to belong and to serve. As a local Warners Bay resident, Lana had always known about the Church 4 Life Charities Op Shop. In late 2024, she dropped off donations and browsed the shelves, impressed by what was available to the community. As a donor, she […]
Violeta
Fear has a way of making the world feel very small. For one mother of four, arriving in Tanilba Bay in 2019, life felt exactly like that—uncertain, overwhelming, and fragile. She came with nothing. No money. No security. Just her children and a heart weighed down by fear. In those early days, it was her […]
Rissa
Grief has a way of stopping you in your tracks. For Rissa, life changed in an instant. After the brutal stabbing of her two sons—one of whom tragically lost his life—her world was shattered. The pain was overwhelming. Moving from Sydney to Newcastle was meant to be a fresh start, but in those early months, […]
Jo’s Merry Young Men
Each Wednesday Jo and her merry young men fill our warehouse with laughter, teasing and friendship while they learn about what work is all about. As they sort through donations looking for top quality clothes for our op shops, they are learning so many skills, not only for work but also for life. We are […]
Andy
Andy often felt listless and lost, without purpose. Then he found us and everything changed. Things had changed at his last job, and Andy knew it was time to move on. His long-time mate Owen suggested Andy might like to join his team processing donations in our warehouse. So, Andy applied for a warehouse role. […]
Darby
Darby is studying Marine Biology at Newcastle University and he’s part of our team. We love uni students. When they are looking for more casual shifts in their holidays we are in our peak periods as families are decluttering during the school holidays so really need their extra time. When they need time off for […]
Jayden
Jayden was born with genetic disabilities that have made even the simplest things in life a bigger challenge than normal. Yet his attitude to life is “This is me and I can do anything!” With his Nan Tina at his side and the tenacity to do the impossible, Jayden is conquering the world one challenge […]
Kim
This year we had the privilege of working together with Kim from Home In Place in Maitland and Cessnock to deliver Hampers with Heart to those who need it most. One of the staff from Home in Place heard about Hampers with Heart and knew that they the two charities could work together to make […]