Case Study 2
J has been part of Breaking Down Barriers for the past twelve months and volunteers on a weekly basis at CERES. J has additional employment barriershe is a mature worker and has a head injury that sometimes restricts his ability to work. J’ s gardening work at CERES has allowed him to reconnect with the employment he had before coming to Australia. Improved self esteem and self worth have been important achievements for J. One of the highlights of his time at CERES this year has been helping to build a green house. For J, community connections are more of a focus than employment opportunities.
Job Search Program
An appointment system operates for those who need more specific job search assistance. On average, we would see 2 – 3 clients per week. Many of these clients are not currently studying English and may also be in contact with other community organisations. Assistance can involve goal setting, resume preparation, accessing employment websites, looking at training opportunities and finding opportunities for community networking. This is a shorter term service – we would see the client around four to six weeks.
Unlike the job service providers or larger organisations such as Brotherhood of St Laurence or the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, Fitzroy Learning Network is not linked to local employment organisations that will give clients traineeships or work placements. We are also seeing increasing numbers of people on temporary visas who do not qualify for the full range of government subsidised employment and training assistance services.
This term most of our students are being assisted to develop an employment portfolio – they will be guided into training or other community networking opportunities that will assist them to find employment in the future.
Fitzroy Lunch Club
Our regular readers will note a new, and more fitting, name for this activity; previously known as the“ Over 55s”.
The Fitzroy Lunch Club is an example of the breath of services provided by Fitzroy Learning Network. The program is designed for those older people who may be isolated due to social and other barriers such as age and mobility. The group meets on a weekly basis for a home-cooked lunch and social activities. We have a weekly prize for some lucky member to win during bingo.
The age of the group range from 76 to 98 years young and birthdays are celebrated with great enthusiasm with a cake and lunch.
We have had various highlights during the year to recognise significant events. One of the highlights is our much talked about Oaks Day smorgasbord and watching the racing and fashions.
Due to the age & mobility of our clients we have had to restrict excursions but, nevertheless, all our friends have a marvellous time every week.
The success of the program is reliant on our dedicated and regular volunteers and our thanks to Anne & Roy for their assistance.
The Fitzroy Lunch Club is funded by the Department of Health.
Fitzroy Learning Network Annual Report 2011 / 12 15