Outer’s inner buzz

WHEN a new volunteering opportunity came up at Mount Evelyn’s Outer Encounters, Wandin resident Agnes Jones thought she’d “give it a try.”
That was 18 months ago, and although Ms Jones is the only volunteer at Outer Encounters, she is having too much fun to give it up.
The after school care and holiday program for children with disabilities is run by Villa Maria, and Ms Jones spends her time cooking, planting and teaching art and craft to children two days a week.
“I love the fact they’re fun to be with and I can let my hair down a bit,” she said.
“Helping them to write their names, even if it’s just one letter, and seeing the joy in their faces that they’ve achieved something is fantastic.”
Ms Jones has had so much fun that she went back to school and completed her Certificate Four in Disability Studies at Morrison Community House.
“It has helped with knowing about their behaviours. When they come in the door you can tell how they’re feeling, whether they’ll high five you if they’re happy,” she said.
“Sometimes it can be a challenge to find activities according to the concentration of the kids.”
Ms Jones has also learnt basic signing skills.
“All of the children have their own signs, which you learn as you go along,” she said.
Ms Jones teamed the work at Outer Encounters with her position at Healesville Sanctuary, where she has spent 20 years volunteering.
Ms Jones is one of more than 300 Villa Maria volunteers whose hard work and dedication are being acknowledged as part of International Volunteer Day on 5 December.
Program co-ordinator Susan Muller described Agnes as “inspirational.”
“She does beautiful crafts with the kids, and is always willing to go the extra mile with anything we require help with. She is a champion and we value her very highly,” Ms Muller said.