For Mary it meant getting her identity back – in more ways than one. When the 42-year-old was first referred to Caboolture’s Participate in Prosperity’s (PiP) program 18-months-ago, Mary was feeling like she had hit rock bottom.
Due to personal reasons and circumstances out of her control, the Scottish-born fighter had no proof of identity (ie passport, birth certificate), had been homeless with her children for more than six months, unemployed and as she says ‘just down and out.’
Caboolture Family Haven referred Mary to STEPS Participate in Prosperity (PiP) program. The program, available thanks to state government funding from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, offered assistance from anything to helping with obtaining documentation such as birth certificates, working with legal aid, sourcing accommodation to even providing fuel vouchers so clients can make job interviews.
Over an 18 month period, Malcolm (Program Coordinator, pictured above) and Leanne (Project Officer) assisted Mary to source new identification papers, move into accommodation closer to her children’s school, support her with her legal issues via Pine Rivers Community Service, and later supported her in finding a career in her chosen field.
“When I first came to Malcolm and Leanne I was homeless and staying at a refuge in West End,” Mary said. “I was travelling from Brisbane to Kallangur every day for the kids’ school.” “The first six months with PiP were really intense. They helped me with my identification as I didn’t have any, which meant finding my birth certificate in Scotland.” “They were so wonderful. They really helped me get my life back on track.”
Through her hard work and dedication, coupled with the support and advice offered by PiP, Mary was able to secure that all-important job she had been longing for during her time living on the streets. “I found an ad in the paper for the Certificate III course in Aged Care” she says. “I got into the course, which was full-on, but I’m so proud that I did. It was a 15-week course, full time, and involved work experience.
Mary now works in aged care as an assistant in nursing at an aged care facility in the Moreton Bay region, three or four shifts a week. “I’m so happy and my children are very proud of me. Everything has really fallen into place.” Malcolm said the whole team are incredibly proud of Mary and how much she has turned her life around. “Mary’s story is a great example of how much PiP can do for those who most need it. “Leanne and I really see some great value and success stories come out of PiP. All clients referred to us, receive a holistic approach to barriers impeding their employment or training or simply put, their integration back into society.”
Clients of the PiP program receive intensive individualised support for up to 18 months. Last year, the project service supported more than 120 people. “We really enjoy what we do and helping others get back on their feet. It’s a great program,” Malcolm said.
Mary couldn’t agree more. “The support PiP has provided to me has been brilliant,” she said. “Eighteen months ago I was down and out, and now I’m on cloud nine. It’s just amazing. I can’t sing their praises enough.” “The support of Leanne and Malcolm to me and my family has been so incredible and they were really welcoming.”
