The cost-of-living crisis is well documented, with skyrocketing utilities, rent, and food costs, but an under-reported struggle is finding employment. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Among those struggling to find work are migrants, who do not have the necessary domestic qualifications and are navigating society using their second language.
Church Grounds, a Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE), is an online coffee supplier with an office based out of the former church in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Tempe, part of Our Lady of the Southern Cross parish.
The volunteer-run organisation offers employment and upskilling to people facing barriers to employment and prepares them for paid work.
Cengiz Yener, originally from Turkey, heard about the Church Grounds program and volunteered, gaining experience in corporate office work.
Trained as an accountant in his home country but lacking Australian certification, Mr Yener said he went to the volunteer organisation to “get local experience.”
He said Church Grounds helped him to improve his English language skills and boosted his confidence.
“That gave me confidence because in that time, I was afraid to go to interviews, to talk to other people,” he said.
“Working and talking with local people in Church Grounds, that increased my confidence to talk with other people, to help them, to understand what they need.”
Church Grounds Head of Operations, Lia Subrata, says the organisation is dedicated to “creating meaningful employment opportunities through coffee and community.”
“We combine high-quality, ethically sourced coffee with a social mission – helping individuals facing barriers to employment build skills, confidence, and sustainable career paths,” Ms Subrata said.
The revenue from coffee bean sales on the Church Grounds website is used to provide free training in corporate employment while also creating a community with a shared goal.
“Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world work experience, our WISE program equips participants with essential skills in office administration, sales, marketing, human resources, web development and many more.”
Ms Subrata said the program facilitates getting participants connections and “transition into long-term employment”.
FULL STORY
Coffee-based social enterprise helps people into employment (By Tara Kennedy, The Catholic Weekly)
