The global
economic downturn touched lives across Australia, not least in the affluent
area of North Sydney, where the need for practical assistance and encouragement
led to the creation of a Job Seekers' Network at the parishes of Our Lady of
the Way - and the ultimate employment of thirty parishioners.
'The concept
is an idea of Tony Neylan, and was offered to parishes in the recession of the
early 90's,' explains Edwin Galea, Pastoral Associate and Ministries
Coordinator at the Parishes of Our Lady of the Way in Sydney.
The network
is a cooperative venture where those who are unemployed and actively seeking
work gather weekly and are coached by at least two professional mentors.
'The meeting
provides practical assistance with job application letters, resumes, job
searching skills and electronic networks, interview techniques, and personal
coaching for each individual', says Edwin.
The
initiative stemmed from the global financial crisis, when the parish decided to
explore ways in which it could respond to the needs of those parishioners
affected by the downturn. The parish advertised for mentors and received an
immediate response. Since July last year, demand for the network's services has
been consistent.
'We normally
have between eight to 10 members at the meeting each week. Over the last nine
months we have seen some 40 individuals', says Edwin. 'The network provides
encouragement and personal uplift as each individual tackles the otherwise
lonesome road of being unemployed - a word we rarely use. We celebrate
successes such as interviews or anything positive the members report on a
progressive basis.'
The mentors
include a professional job coach who runs a business and gives of her time
freely each week, as well as a Macquarie University lecturer who has taught a
job seeking skills unit at the university.
Some 30 or
more participants have been successful in finding employment or have made
vocational changes, such as enlisting for a course so that they can pursue a
career they have always dreamed of.
'Our job coach
often brings this out of individuals, so that each takes up the real job they
have always wanted to do', says Edwin.
A former
senior executive who had worked extensively in Europe said that, while she was
eager to get back to work, she nonetheless took pleasure from the weekly
meetings and the people she met through them.
'I received
lots of useful suggestions and support, and lots of encouragement. In this
world each of us has his or her talents, but sometimes many of us do not
recognise that. At our weekly meetings I appreciated the opportunity to focus
on such a matter and I' m now convinced that, in our life, if we are determined
and have faith, we are able to achieve what we really wish. God knows our needs
and our wishes!'
By Catherine Marshall
Image: sxc.hu