Ozanam Learning Centre - St Vincent de Paul Society

What is the Ozanam Learning Centre?

The Ozanam Learning Centre (OLC) is an early intervention centre that supports people who are at imminent risk of homelessness or those who require social inclusion options to prevent them from falling into cycles of disadvantage and marginalisation. We are focused on producing sustainable pathways that provide people with skills, confidence, and opportunities. With an innovative approach, the OLC works with the community and our corporate partners to empower individuals and promote independent living.

The OLC aims to break the cycle of homelessness by supporting people to achieve their personal goals. We achieve this support through using a person-centred and strength based approach. We form trusting and professional relationships; facilitate referrals to case management and other comprehensive supports as needs are presented; provide access to accredited onsite education; offer recreational activities, and provide a holistic living skills program. The OLC shares an individual’s journey and helps to develop and grow the potential inside people.

Who can access this service?

All the OLC classes and activities are free to men and women 18 years and older who feel they require support. The classes include TAFE accredited courses, therapeutic and recovery based programs, living skills, tenancy focused training and professional services. The OLC runs over 40 activities per week, with approximately 120 people accessing the service daily.

Where is the service located?

The Ozanam Learning Centre is located at level 3, 99 Forbes Street, adjoined to the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo, NSW. The Centre is open between 8.30am and 4pm from Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays.

Who benefits from the Ozanam Learning Centre?

Anyone interested in education and learning opportunities but who may not be able to pay for training can benefit. Our programs particularly aim to prevent homelessness, sustain tenancies and help to stay or become connected with the community.

Can I volunteer for this service?

Yes! Click this link and find out how you can assist http://www.vinnies.org.au/how-to-volunteer-for-matthew-talbot-hostel-nsw

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact our centre reception on (02) 9358 8170

Ozanam Learning Centre weekly program of activities

Please find attached the Ozanam Learning Centre’s programme for the week starting 18 – 22 June 2018 inclusive.

SPECIAL EVENTS –

You are invited to the OLC Music Show 2018, on Tuesday 19 June at 1pm

The Ozanam Learning Centre will be hosting a music event to showcase the variety of music talent on offer within our community. Attached is a flyer if you would like to promote the event within your team/organisation.

Reconciliation Action Plan Launch on Tuesday 26 June at 1.30pm

You are invited to join the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan on Tuesday 26 June at 1.30pm. The event will start with a Smoking Ceremony at Tom Uren Place where we will welcome the local Woolloomooloo community. This will be followed by a procession of attendees walking behind a digeridoo player as the group heads up to the Ozanam Learning Centre on Forbes Street. Here we will have some speeches, a dance performance and a bite to eat as we celebrate this significant launch together.

What’s new…

Haircuts for Men with Peter on Monday 18 June, 9am-12.30pm

Drop in – First-come, first-served.

Resume Workshop, with Moir Group, Tuesday 19 June at 11am

The Moir Group will be at the OLC on 19 June from 11am to 12.30pm. This workshop, run by the Moir Group, will help ensure you have a well-written resume that sells your skills and highlights to an employer. We will discuss how to create a plan so you know what your strengths are and what type of jobs you can apply for. Then we will talk through how to ensure you are well prepared for what will happen at the job interview and how to overcome any nerves. Please call 02-93588170 for more information or to register. Please be at the workshop at start time of 11am. Flyer attached with details.

Tuesdays Time To… Step into a Labyrinth, From 12 June – 3 July on 4 Tuesdays - 12, 19, 26 June and 3 July, 10am-12noon

Come, pause, imagine and explore life. The twists and turns of the Labyrinth are like those we encounter in life: we think we are going in one direction, but suddenly we are turned around and find ourselves going the opposite way. You will have the opportunity to walk, colour and make a labyrinth, reflecting upon your own story, feelings and life experiences through fun activities and in a safe environment. See attached flyer.

The OLC Woolloomooloo Zine Project, Wednesday 20 June to 11 July, 10am – 3pm

The OLC Art Studio is teaming up with artist Keg de Souza and Artspace Gallery to create a zine all about Woolloomooloo. The zine will be made up of your paintings, drawings, poetry, photos and stories that represent specific places in Woolloomooloo that mean something to you. The 4-week project will run on Wednesdays from the 20th of June to 11th of July at 10:00am - 3:00pm. See attached flyer.

There will be an ‘expression of interest’ list at OLC reception, please put your name down as numbers are limited. If you would like more information please see OLC reception or call Luke on 9358 8111.

Drawing Studio with Gabrielle is back, From Thursday 21 June, 9:30am-12:30pm

Gabrielle’s Drawing Studio every Thursday morning from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Just drop in. Drawing Studio is a great way to develop your skills and your own creative style.

Haircuts for Men with Wanda on Thursday, 21 June, 9:30am-2:30pm

Drop in – First-come, first-served.

Job Readiness Training on Thursday 21 June, 11.30am-12.30pm

Job Readiness is designed for people looking to prepare for undertaking employment or re-entering the workforce. Facilitators provide clients with tips and advice on various aspects of the workplace including, presentation, communication, employer expectations, understanding workplace culture, managing conflict and much more.

Sydney Street Choir on Thursday 21 June, 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Sydney Street Choir is a singing community formed to support those who have experienced social disadvantaged or homelessness. The Choir’s performances are inspirational and uplifting as they share their stories of triumph over adversity through joining the program with a range of audiences. The Choir was created by Jonathon Welch (Choir of Hard Knocks) in 2001 and it is the longest running choir programme of its type in Australia. The aim of the choir is ‘to connect with, inspire and empower those who are living or working in homeless or disadvantaged communities through creating music, performance and passionate expression that truly opens people’s hearts”.

What’s on…

Drum Circle with Alex – Mondays, 11am-12pm
Rooftop Gardening with Laura – Wednesdays from 16 May – 20 June, 9am-11am
Urban Gardening with Laura – Wednesdays from 16 May – 20 June, 11am-12pm
Job Support with Emma-Lea and David - Mondays, 11am – 1pm
SEEK Job Search Class with Emma-Lea - Wednesdays, 1pm – 3pm
Interview Coaching with Emma-Lea – By Appointment on Tuesdays, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Computer Support with Andrew, Margaret, Mark and Peter - Monday 1pm – 3pm, Tuesday 10am – 12.30pm, Wednesday 10am – 12.30pm & Thursday 1pm – 3pm
Group English Pronunciation Class with Chester - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9am – 10am
Literacy One-on-One support with David K. – Wednesdays, 9am – 12pm, with David W. 2:30pm-3:30pm & with Christine 2.15pm – 3.15pm
Poetry in the Hub with Pat, Carole and David – Wednesdays, 1:30pm-2:30pm from 6 June to 11 July
Paint-A-Plate with Eva - Mondays 9.30am - 12.30pm & 1pm – 3pm
Pottery with Luke - Tuesdays, 10am – 3pm
Art Studio Access with Luke - Wednesdays, 10am – 12.30pm & Thursdays 1pm – 3pm
Milkcrate Theatre Workshop (Round Two) - Tuesdays from 1 May – 3 July, 1:30-3:30pm
Women’s Loft with Suzanne and Emma - On Break – Back 12 July
Women’s Social Lunch with Trish - Thursdays, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Fitness for Ladies, Tuesdays 11am-12pm / Thursdays 1:30-2:30pm
Restorative Yoga with Lesley-Ann - Tuesdays, 2pm – 3pm - On Break 19 June – Back 26 June
Yoga Vinyasa with Sonja - Fridays, 9:30 – 10:30am – On Break 22 June – Back 29 June
Tai Chi with Simon – Wednesdays, 10 – 11am - Note on Break 20 June to 25 July – Back 1 August
Men’s Space with Richard - Mondays with Richard 2pm – 3.30pm
Living Skills Program with Richard (Cooking, Tenancy Care, Money Wise) with Richard – weekly - Note Tenancy Care on Break 19 June – Back 26 June
Basketball with Collin - Wednesdays, 2pm – 3pm
Touch Footy with Collin - Tuesdays, 2pm – 3pm at Cook & Phillip Park
Gym with Collin (Rehab Gym, Regular Gym) – weekly
Gambling Counselling with William – Wednesdays, 12:45pm-1:45pm – appointments needed
Financial Counselling with Lin - currently on Break
Counselling with Suzanne (Mondays to Thursday)s & Peter (Tuesdays) – appointments needed.

What’s coming up …

Partners-in-Recovery, Monthly Information Desk on Tuesday 26 June, 1-3pm

Eastern Sydney Partners In Recovery (ESPIR) work together with people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness to access the services they need to support their recovery. ESPIR come to the OLC on the last Tuesday of every month to provide information and talk with clients – clients just drop in, no booking required.

For the Diary

Self-Care and Resilience Workshop on Monday 2 July and Monday 9 July, 10am-11:30am

The Ozanam Learning Centre (OLC) is delighted to be offering our Self-Care and Resilience workshop over two sessions on Monday 2^ndJuly 10am - 11.30am and continuing Monday 9^th July at 10am - 11.30am. The workshop is an excellent opportunity to explore topics connected with physical, cognitive and emotional well-being in an easy to understand, user friendly way, offering plenty of opportunity for participants to share their experience, as well as gain new knowledge. The workshop covers topics such as:

Physical activity

Good posture

Getting a good night’s sleep

Patterns of thinking and feeling

Personal values & Identity

Self-esteem, what it is, and how to improve it

Personal boundaries

And we finish up with conversations about the ingredients of healthy and respectful relationships.

Please encourage your clients to participate. Referrals / booking can be made by calling OLC reception on (02) 9358 8170 and leaving a name.

The Chat – late September/early October

Do you know of an ex-offender interested in working with a team of internationally renowned artists from Australia and the UK? ‘The Chat’ is a theatre performance addressing the issue of how Australia deals with people convicted of crime. James Brennan is as award winning artist working in theatre, music and video. He has worked professionally as director, composer and performer in Australia, UK, Brasil, USA and Europe. James will be facilitating a two-day workshop at the Ozanam Learning Centre in late September/early October, where two participants will be chosen to join the team on stage for a week long season of the Sydney Festival in 2019. Participants will gain basic skills in performance and communication as well as learning strategies to deal with difficult situations. They will be paid for their time engaging in workshops or the performance or both. No performance experience necessary, male only participants. We are currently recording expressions of interest for this opportunity - call 02-9358 8170.