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 21st to 25th August 2017.
What’s new next week …
Intro to Garageband is a 4-week program starting on Tuesday 22 August 1:30-3:30pm in the MacLab. Every Tuesday until 12 September.
Garageband is a music program on the Mac that is used to produce music. It is great for beginners. Participants will need basic computer skills for this class. Flyer attached.
We will be running through the basics of How to use Garageband for Music Production including:
- A tour of the Garageband Interface
- Using Audio and Midi Loops to produce music
- How to record an external instrument like guitar
- Arranging your song
- Song export and sharing.
Resume Workshop with Moir Group on Thursday 24th August, 9:30-11am
This Moir Group Workshop provides tips and strategies for writing a winning resume and preparing for an interview. Please call 9358 8170 to register your expression of interest. Flyer attached with details.
OLC Radio Program, starting Thursday, 22 August, on 4 Thursdays until 14 September, 10am-12pm
The OLC in partnership with Jailbreak Radio is delighted to be running a 4 week Radio Program at the OLC. Starting on Thursday 22 August (10am-12pm) Kate from Jailbreak Radio will be running the workshop with a focus on stories and music from the community. The workshop is open to everyone so please invite your participants to bring their story or music for the show. Flyer attached.
The radio show will be aired on 2SER 107.3FM as well as other community radio programs including Jailbreak radio. Registrations are NOW OPEN. Please Call OLC Reception on 02 9358 8170 to register.
Next week’s highlights …
Tuesdays Time To… Explore the Seasons, from 8 – 29 August, 10am to noon
Come and join a conversation about loss, change and grief. Reflect on these human experiences against the backdrop of the seasonal changes- we see that nature renews life and landscape year after year. However, the renewal (spring) only comes after seasons of loss (autumn) and emptiness (winter). Could it be that the loss, change and grief that we experience in our lives are played out before us in the seasonal changes that we see in nature? Are there important insights and wisdom to be learned by reflecting on this? Flyer attached.
Milkcrate Theatre Free Artistic Workshop Series –ROUND THREE, every Tuesday from Tuesday 25th July to 26th September (10 weeks), 1:30-3:30pm.
Come and explore your creative side in a relaxed, social environment at Milk Crate Theatre’s Open Door Creative Arts Workshops. In 2017, participants will work with a wide variety of artists and art forms. Each ten week round will feature a new theme, topic or art form followed by a community sharing to showcase the work created in the workshops. Open to anyone that identifies with having a lived experience of homelessness, who feel vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged.
Drawing Studio with Gabrielle, Thursdays, 3 August - 21 September, 9:30-12:30
This class provides clients with a great way to develop skills and their own creative style. From Thursday 3 August to 21 September, every Thursday for 8 weeks. See attached flyer.
What’s Coming up …
Partners In Recovery (PIR) Monthly Info Desk on Tuesday 29th August, 9:30-11:30am
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. If you or someone you know live close to the Woolloomooloo area and could benefit from the Partners In Recovery program please visit or contact our team on 1800 035 626.
Time to Shine, A Women's Empowerment Program - second session on Tuesday 29th August, 9am-1pm
Start on a journey towards feeling more empowered. This is an 8 session program from 18th August to 27 October, that aims to build self-esteem, challenge the inner critic, develop assertive communication skills and explore purpose and meaning. For more information or to register please contact Alarna on 9358 8170 or olc@vinnies.org.au (see attached flyer).
OLC Sketch Club with Alistair - starting Thursday 31st August, every Thursday afternoon, 1:30-3:30pm
Sketch Club is starting Thursday 31 August! Enjoy a relaxed studio space to develop your sketching and drawing projects with the support of a professional artist. Sketch Club will run from 1:30-3:30pm every Thursday.
Haircuts for Men with James on Friday, 1st September, 9am-12pm
No bookings. On a first-come, first-served basis.
