Brighter days ahead for Shane and his kids

We wanted to share this story about a Caloundra dad who is turning his life around with the help of Mission Australia’s Employment Solutions.

Our Caloundra Employment Solutions team is helping the single father of three to avoid possible eviction and move into stable employment.

Shane was facing homelessness when he approached Mission Australia Employment Solutions 18 months ago. After being unemployed for some time, he was struggling to support his children and suffered from depression, anxiety and stress.

With the help of local ES Assessor Julie Conlan, Shane is transforming his life:

"When I came to Employment Solutions I was able to do little more than pay rent, school fees and electricity bills,” Shane told The Caloundra Weekly. “I was near breaking point.

"Julie helped me identify what I wanted to achieve in terms of employment, and then helped me acquire my HR (Heavy Rigid) truck license, with all lessons and costs paid by Mission Australia."

Mission Australia has also assisted Shane to gain his excavator ticket, and Julie is confident he is close to securing steady employment.

“There are now opportunities out there for him. He is still moving forward and staying positive, which is so important,” said Julie.

“I love being able to work with clients like Shane, to see them overcome barriers, build confidence and them transform their lives.”

With over 30 years’ experience, Mission Australia Employment Solutions helps job seekers find quality jobs that match their capabilities and long-term goals, through employment assistance and training.

Giving back to great employers
The gift of employment is perhaps the greatest gift that an employer can give. Employment makes a tremendous difference to a person’s life, and helps them to engage with the community in which they live.

To celebrate businesses that give unemployed people a “fair go” Mission Australia Employment Solutions’ is hosting its inaugural 2011 Employer Awards.

These awards strive to recognise employers who are willing to overlook and help overcome the challenges which job seekers face, and help make a real difference in their lives.

Employers can be nominated by completing a nomination form and returning it to your local Mission Australia Employment Solutions site. To learn more and apply, click here