Support to make positive change
Bonnie’s lived experiences have shaped her career path.
The support she has received through APM Employment Services and the ParentsNext program has motivated her to help other Indigenous parents and families.
ParentsNext is a flexible program to support parents who have a child under six years old, and who haven’t been in paid work in the last six months.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all service for people looking for work. It’s a program that understands the various challenges of being a parent and providing them support to be successful in life.
APM Employment Services delivers ParentsNext in parts of Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria.
Bonnie previously struggled with substance use disorder and experienced some challenging and life-changing events.
“That’s what inspired me to do this course, because I want to help Aboriginal families keep their children” Bonnie said.
“Because I was a client with Aboriginal family support services, I just thought, I can do this.”
Thriving on a new path
APM Parent and Family Pathway Planner Tash has seen and supported Tash along her journey from the beginning.
“She has changed not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well, she is more emotionally mature.”
Through ParentsNext, Tash assisted Bonnie to access counselling and any extra support she needed as she navigated a challenging period in her life.
Bonnie expresses her gratitude for the support she has received on her journey so far.
“These girls have an amazing job for supporting me” Bonnie said.
She cites the honesty and empathy she received helped her navigate her issues and help her progress with her sobriety and her studies.
Tash helped Bonnie enrol in her Certificate III in Community Services course, and Bonnie’s hard work has resulted in an offer of employment.
“She’s done absolutely amazing” Tash said.