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