“When I volunteer, I feel alive again. Meals on Wheels gave me a place to belong, to give back, and to heal.” – Fadia

When Fadia, a 36-year-old Syrian refugee and asylum seeker, arrived in Australia two and a half years ago, she was stepping into a life that felt very different from the one she had left behind. The journey had not been easy leaving home, living through relentless conflict, and starting over in Iraq before finally making her way here. Along the way she experienced the separation from her family and the uncertainty of her future– we are so lucky to have her.

Despite these difficulties, Fadia has always carried with her a passion for community service. Volunteering has been a strong calling for her from a young age. In Syria, she worked with children with Cerebral Palsy and cancer patients, and in Iraq she again worked closely with women and children fleeing ISIS.

Fadia applied to come to Australia in 2019, but soon after COVID-19 struck and the world shut down. She spent seven months isolated in her apartment without a job and she felt her hope of coming to Australia slipping away. By the time her permanent residency was finally granted in 2023, four years later, she had almost given up on the possibility of starting over.

Arriving in Adelaide brought fresh challenges, navigating an unfamiliar system, adjusting to a new culture, and finding her place. But Fadia a well-educated woman was determined to contribute. Not long after settling, she enrolled to study for a master’s in human resource management and fortunately for us discovered Meals on Wheels, there was an opening at her nearby branch for a deliverer.

What began as a way to connect with her local area soon became something much more valuable. “I never expected to find a second family,” Fadia explains. “The volunteers welcomed me, supported me, and made me feel like I belong.”

Over time, her involvement deepened. Alongside deliveries, she took on an administrative role in her local branch, helping with the day-to-day organisation to help keep the wheels truing. The friendships she formed, such as with her driving partner, Ewan, who Fadia considers a family here show how volunteering can build new bonds across differing backgrounds. Invitations to social gatherings and community events with fellow volunteers gave her not only a role but also a sense of belonging “there was always someone there to listen if I needed to talk”.

Fadia’s journey has also been shaped by her passion for further education. She finished her master’s studies receiving a commendation letter from the chancellor at Flinders University and is currently studying for a Certificate III in Women's Advocacy while working on the Torrens to Darlington project, which involves supporting local social enterprises and supporting the local community.

Fadia hopes in future to help welcome refugee and migrant families as they begin their new lives in Adelaide by spreading more awareness about her people and where she came from. Her experiences give her a strong understanding of how important those first connections and supports can be.

Unfortunately, due to the impact of full-time work Fadia has paused her volunteers work but is hopeful one day to return.

Volunteering with Meals on Wheels has been more than just a way to keep busy, it has been a source of new friendship, strength and stability. “Even when I was struggling, helping others gave me energy,” Fadia says. “It gave me something positive to focus on.”

The impact has gone both ways. For Meals on Wheels, Fadia brings warmth, reliability, and a unique perspective. For Fadia, the organisation has been a community that welcomed her, celebrated her contributions, and provided opportunities for friendship and community.

As Fadia looks to the future, she is clear about her goals. She hopes to continue her career in human resources, advocate for others who have come to Australia as refugees and build more opportunities for people to share their skills.

Most of all, she hopes her story will show others that new beginnings are possible, and that volunteering can be a pathway not only to help others but also to heal, connect, and build a new life. Fadia believes that a smile has the power to brighten hearts and open doors.

Fadia’s story shows how finding connection and purpose can help shape a life. It’s a reminder that when people are welcomed and included, communities become stronger, and volunteering plays a part in that.