Beth’s* Story of Finding Work, Confidence, and Community

When Beth* was first referred to us by the Asylum Seekers Centre in November 2024, she was facing homelessness and uncertainty about her future. Since then, she has become an active participant in our programs, starting with her first workplace placement through the Work & Welcome program at one of our partner high schools. With our support, Beth has also secured follow up employment with the Parramatta Archdiocese, received guidance on superannuation, interview preparation, and training in Australian workplace culture.

Alongside employment assistance, she has accessed stable housing, essential items through our Foodbank, and ongoing casework support.

For Beth, the opportunity to step into professional employment for the very first time in Australia was life‑changing. “It’s made me enter the workplace in Australia, because I didn’t have work experience in Australia,” she shares. “But from House of Welcome’s work program, I had a job in the office. That wouldn’t happen – a job in the office. Even many people asked me, ‘how did you get that job?’”

Like many people seeking asylum, Beth knew it was common to end up in manual labour roles. “Most people like me – migrant or asylum seekers – get manual labour jobs, jobs that use your hands, not office jobs. It’s made my CV and employment be more lucky to have another job.”

Her placement at one of our partner high schools was a pivotal moment. “I felt like I won because I was working in an office with all the people and the kids, it made such a big difference in myself and my future work search. In my CV it says I worked at the girls’ school, and it’s one of the famous schools. It has really helped my CV. And thanks for that, I now have a permanent position.”

Beth also points to the support she received in preparing for interviews as another turning point. “Because I was prepared here by one of your volunteers, and he told me everything – how to react, express myself, gestures, how you have to look at people, your eyes facing them, what you have to say. Everything we prepared with the volunteer, and it was the best thing ever. Because when I went for the interview, I used my skills but also applied the advice and guidance he told me to use. Since now, even if I go for an interview, I am pretty sure I will succeed, because I did the preparation here at House of Welcome, and did the practice at the school.”

The combination of hands‑on experience and training has given her new confidence. “I now have a very very clear idea of what to expect in an interview, especially if it is about administration or computer work. Now I could face a large amount of people in opposite countries in a language that is not mine, because I got to speak to everyone surrounding me – teachers, staff and kids. The communication was great, and I learnt a lot from them.”

Beyond career growth, employment has transformed Beth’s sense of stability and wellbeing. “But when I got this job with a regular payment, I could pay my priority bills, and that has had a positive impact on my mental health. Because when you are worrying, anxious, stressed because you don’t know how you are going to pay rent, support kids, and transport, it stresses you out and makes you anxious and impacts your mental wellbeing. But knowing that I had some pay is the most important situation to be in.”

“But when you work, you integrate into a big community with so many people, and you feel important and loved and that you can do anything. It makes you feel important when people come and ask you for help or ask you for things. All of that has such a positive impact because you feel worth somewhere, and feel valued. It was the best thing I’ve done – for my skills, mental stability, and income. You feel joyful because you are in such a big team with people from different backgrounds, high level of studies, life standards – you work with them and you fit in, in a high society that you wouldn’t have expected.”

Beth’s journey shows the transformative impact of tailored employment pathways, practical preparation, and holistic support. Beth holds a Law degree from her home country and has founded her own NGO supporting women and LGBTQIA+ communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With the right opportunity, she has not only built her skills and career, but also found stability, belonging, and hope for her future.

*Person name and image de-identified to protect privacy