Volunteering at Ignite Café ‘a privilege’ for Chee Ming

Chee Ming was food shopping at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market when she stumbled on an employment-help stall staffed by Jesuit Social Services.  

She’d recently moved from Sydney just two weeks before a COVID lockdown and was looking for opportunities to switch jobs.   

After hearing about her interest in hospitality, Jesuit Social Services connected Chee Ming to Ignite Café, our social enterprise café where people experiencing barriers to employment and training can come to build skills and connections to find work. Our staff also helped her find casual work in events.  

Once a week, Chee Ming volunteers at Ignite Café in Camberwell, Melbourne, building her skills to become a barista.   

“I really appreciate that Jesuit Social Services has this program. It feels like a stepping stone – easing us into the work, rather than throwing us in the deep end.”  

Chee Ming says the customers, staff and volunteers have all been welcoming.  

“A lot of the customers are regulars and they are super friendly and kind, and really encouraging. It is motivating. Getting to volunteer at Ignite was like learning to socialise again after the lockdowns.  

I really look forward to volunteering and I appreciate that Jesuit Social Services has this program. It feels like a privilege,” Chee Ming says.