Kylie and APM Employment Services

Kylie’s life was once defined by hardship. 

Facing homelessness and struggling with chronic illness, she found herself in a place where even getting through the day felt like a battle.  

“I was struggling mentally and physically,” she recalls. “I didn’t know where I was at most days.” 

At her lowest point, Kylie finally found the direction she needed, and a supportive person to guide her.  

She connected with APM through Workforce Australia - a government initiative designed to help long-term unemployed people find meaningful work.  

And that’s where she met Lee. 

“Lee was really, really supportive and very patient with me,” Kylie says.  

“Just that one visit, one every fortnight going in to see Lee was a bit of a boost in my confidence and she made me feel so welcomed and very supported.” 

Lee saw something in Kylie that Kylie couldn’t yet see in herself.  

“She was going through some serious life issues and really looking for a new direction,” Lee explains.  

With Lee’s encouragement, Kylie began volunteering. It was a small step, but it opened the door to something bigger.  

That volunteer role led to a part-time position, and eventually, a permanent job at Community House - a place that would become not just her workplace, but her community. 

“When I found out I had secured the job with Community House, I was actually overwhelmed,” Kylie says. “I honestly didn’t think I would succeed.” 

But succeed she did.  

Linda, one of Kylie’s colleagues, remembers how naturally she took to the role.  

“Kylie settled into this role like a fish to water. She’s become a really strong part of our team,” Linda said. 

“She is very much into the team building and bringing people together. She likes to make people laugh. She likes to make people feel welcome.” 

Kylie’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.  

“My life has changed for the better in so many different ways,” she says.  

“I’m more socially active. I go to the gym now. My confidence has grown tremendously. I feel stronger than I’ve ever been. I feel like I can take on the world now.” 

And she’s not just changing her own life, she’s helping others do the same.  

“The best part of my job is seeing the changes in people when they come to us,” Kylie says.  

“They’re down and out, and very low in life. Then when they’re leaving us, we see a smile on their face. There’s hope and a chance in their life again.” 

Linda beams with pride when she talks about Kylie.  

“She’s my rock star. I would love to hand over my position as manager to someone like her - someone I can trust, who has the same passion for the community that I do.” 

Kylie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people are given the right support at the right time. 

It also shows how important a good job is for a person’s wellbeing. 

“Employment brings so many things to people’s lives,” Lee says.  

“It brings them a sense of purpose, direction, meaning, and stability. Particularly if they can identify meaningful work that is great for them and really meets their needs as well.” 

For Kylie, that meaning is clear.  

“I feel happier and more confident than I’ve ever been,” she says.