Sharni's Story

CONTENT WARNING: This story discusses sensitive topics that some viewers may find distressing. If this story raises any issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Seeking a placement as part of Certificate IV in Youth Work studies with RMIT amid lockdowns in Melbourne was challenging, and Youth Projects was one of the few organisations still open, so Sharni reached out. Although we weren’t taking on any new student placements at the time, Sharni took a brave side-step of self-referring to seek support with a few other things going on in her life at the time.

And that’s where Sharni’s journey with Youth Projects began...

In 2021, Sharni received support through our Disability Employment Services (DES) program, where she was also connected with our Youth outreach services (YHOP and YNOT) for a complete, wrap-around support. She received help and support with living independently for the first time, substance use, building independence, navigating her desired career path, and finding suitable employment that embraced her disability as a super-power.

With the support of these programs, Sharni began her journey towards building her skills, knowledge, and independence. She expressed her aspirations to work in Youth Work, and immediately our Youth Coaches saw Sharni’s potential.

When Youth Projects announced our expansion into the Western suburbs, we started advertising for Customer Service Officers (CSOs) to be the beating-heart of our new Youth Hubs. Sharni's coaches recognised this as an excellent entry-level role for her and thought she would make a fantastic candidate – she had the skills and demonstrated the passions we were looking for.

“Our CSO role is a great entry-level role for a young person who has a passion for youth work or community service work to gain sustainable employment in a frontline role, with limited experience. As part of our focus on employing people with lived experience, helping young people see how their lived experience and transferable skills can be utilised to take the first step in their career journey.” - Angela Gaylard, People & Culture Manager at Youth Projects.

Sharni's presence has brought a refreshing energy to our Sunshine Youth Hub, and more recently she has joined the team at our Glenroy Youth Hub.

She radiates positivity, loves a game of table tennis, makes an amazing coffee, and always has snacks on hand. Outside of work, Sharni finds joy in simple pleasures including watching movies, spending quality time with friends, and transforming her new house into a home.

“Sharni has been able to run our Glenroy Youth Hub like it is her own, demonstrating pride in keeping the place organised, showing innovation in the design of new projects, and most importantly, creating a safe and comfortable space for young people to access. Across all aspects of her recent annual performance appraisal, Sharni rated above average, with their manager noting that her performance consistently exceeds the position requirements and specifically commented on how impressed they have been with her resilience, flexibility, and drive to develop.” - Angela Gaylard, People & Culture Manager at Youth Projects.

Sharni acknowledges that Youth Projects has played a crucial role in her journey, offering ongoing support and balancing the roles of an employee and a client, even assisting her in the transition to her own apartment and provided personal leave when needed.

Looking into the future, Sharni's dream is to open her own alternative school, where she hopes to serve as the principal - a school specifically designed to cater to disadvantaged young people, including those with learning differences or those who may have disengaged from traditional educational settings.

Her passion for this stems from her own experience in attending an alternative school, where she completed her Year 12 education and credits this experience with "changing [my] life and making education actually fun."

In the future, Sharni intends to expand her career into teaching, especially with the recent announcement of free teaching degrees at Melbourne universities.

Sharni's journey has inspired many and demonstrates how the power of self-determination, combined with tailored support, ensures young people are able to realise their full potential when given the opportunity.

If you want to find out more about Disability Employment Services, please send us a message here or please give us a call at (03) 9304 9100.

Latest

Healthcare Career Jumpstart Program

Youth Projects offers an innovative youth pre-employment program designed to nurture, train & support young people who aspire to work in the healthcare sector, including positions in non-client-facing roles.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
New year, new St Albans Youth Hub

This year, we opened our FOURTH Youth Hub in western Melbourne, this time at St Albans. Our newest hub mirrors our existing state-of-the-art hubs, co-designed with young people to ensure it can meet their needs.
Queer Psychosocial Outreach Program (QPOP)

Free outreach service providing essential support LGBTIQA+ youth aged 12-24, specifically those with varying abilities such as autism, ADHD and psychosocial challenges, in Melbourne's western suburbs.

Cameron’s Story

Cameron’s inspiring journey began at Youth Projects, facing homelessness and family struggles. Despite this, Cameron pursued training, landed a full-time job and found flexibility through the Accommodation Association program, demonstrating resilience and unwavering determination.
Rachel’s Story

Meet Rachel, a single mother facing employment challenges due to her parental responsibilities. With the help of Youth Projects, she discovers a rewarding career path that perfectly aligns with her needs, showcasing the power of determination and innovative solutions.
Casey’s Story

Casey, an ambitious individual with dreams in business management, received crucial support from Youth Projects after facing a setback. Securing a full-time, work-from-home customer service position, Casey's perseverance is paving the way for a promising future.
Alex’s Story

Alex's transformative experience with our Transition to Work program showcases its remarkable impact on at-risk young people. Through collective efforts, Alex secured stable housing and overcame barriers, engaging in valuable programs.
Hakim's Story

Hakim arrived in Australia with hope but faced numerous challenges. Despite obstacles, Hakim's determination and hard work, supported with guidance from Youth Projects, has allowed him to succeed - inspiring other young people to do the same with the right support.
Ellias’ Story

Flipping the role from client to frontline worker, Ellias’ road was not an easy or quick one. After hitting an all-time low, overcoming a toxic relationship with drugs, Ellias is now using his lived experience to help others overcome their situations at The Living Room. This is Ellias' Story.
TJ's Story

TJ was a university graduate, who found herself struggling to find an entry-level graduate role off the back of her studies. Through our Employability Skills Training program, she was able to get the encouragement and support needed to persevere into landing her dream role. This is TJ’s story.
Jordan’s Story

Finding an inclusive and understanding workplace as a trans and gender diverse young person, is a barrier often experienced. Through our holistic approach to youth-services, Jordan was able to find an inclusive working environment that she felt accepted in. This is her story.
Dan's Story

Hearing the news that he was HIV positive was like someone was writing a death notice for Dan. But it opened up a new life for him. Years later he’s on antiretroviral therapy and now works in harm reduction services to change peoples views about HIV and stop the stigma.
Kris's Story

Kris was extremely reluctant to see a doctor or seek medical help for several years out of fear and judgement for being transgender. After becoming acutely unwell, The Living Room was there to provide safe and judgement free recovery support. This is their story.