Eliza-Jayne (EJ) was referred to AnglicareSA TTW as a 16 year old. Like many young people not working and not in education, EJ faced many barriers. EJ’s relationship with her parents and step parents were turbulent. EJ felt like she was in trouble, and felt an enormous amount of pressure to be doing something – anything – she just didn’t know what. She felt like she was heading nowhere, and that she wouldn’t be able to get through this rough part of her life.
Being referred to Transition to Work at AnglicareSA was one of the best things to happen to EJ. “You guys have been so great and so helpful.” she said – reflecting on her time in the service. “I don’t know where I would be without you”.
Through a combination of one on one Advantaged Thinking Coaching with her Youth Development Coach, and the experiential learning program My Move – run by AnglicareSA, EJ gained confidence and a new direction. The Experiential Learning program sparked a passion for food in EJ. She moved out of home and into Brighton, a southern suburb of Adelaide. Despite the distance, EJ wanted to stay with her Youth Development Coach Jo Sicheri, and decided to make trips to AnglicareSA for her appointments, despite the journey taking close to an hour by public transport.
EJ enrolled into a certificate II in Kitchen Operations, and soon had employment as a kitchen hand with the Richmond Hotel. A few months later, she was offered a position as an apprentice chef. EJ often receives positive feedback from her employer about her work ethic and effort she puts in every shift.
The whole team is pleased with this outcome for EJ. The team remarked that they have never seen her smile so much. It’s a real win for EJ herself, but also the business and the wider community.
