After experiencing a long period of unemployment throughout last year, Courtney was near her wits end when she turned to Youth Projects’ youth-specialist disability employment program.

Courtney had been experiencing long-term anxiety that was restricting her abilities to sustain full time work, particularly work that gave her a real sense of purpose.

She worked closely with one of our disability employment coaches to understand her goals and aspirations and looking at ways to decrease and mitigate the challenge her anxiety presented. That’s when our social enterprise trainee program captured her attention.

It was a pathway that provided hands-on, practical training in an environment that accommodated her individuality and acknowledged that some days her health could be tougher than others – it was the supported pathway she needed.

“It makes such a difference to be working in a workplace where I feel supported. This job has really kept me going during a tough time”

Courtney moved into our 4-week social enterprise trainee program at The Little Social to grow the skills and job readiness she identified she needed. As a result, her confidence flourished at The Little Social as she began to realise her true potential and the value she could bring to a team dynamic.

"The team have really helped me gain really important experience and I've been able to meet so many interesting people. Their stories have inspired me.”

Through hands-on training and mentoring from industry experts, Courtney mastered the art of a perfect latte and her people skills improved immensely.

As her 4-week program started to finish up, Courtney scored herself an ongoing casual position at The Little Social, which has provided her a meaningful foundation of employment while she pursues studies in Youth Work to help other young people in similar positions to where she was.

Her passion and enthusiasm for giving back is opening new doors for Courtney. She was thrilled thrilled at the opportunity to partner with StreetSmart Australia to assist with providing good, hearty meals to Youth Projects’ flagship homelessness service - The Living Room.

Despite the challenges Courtney faces as a young person in a post-pandemic economy, she continues to stay true to her purpose and ambitions as an emerging Youth Worker – made stronger and more resilient with the support of Youth Projects.

Help us continue providing high impact support services for young people across Melbourne by donating to Youth Projects today.