Karen found a job that changed everything with Inclusive Employment Australia

For years, Karen felt like she was taking one step forward and two steps back.

Living with anxiety and depression while trying to re-enter the workforce after a long absence is not a small thing, and Karen knew it better than anyone.

When she joined APM Dubbo through the Inclusive Employment Australia program, she had been out of work since 2019 and wasn't quite sure where to begin.

Engaging with the program felt difficult at first.

Her Employment Consultant Jessi recognised that quickly, and instead of pushing forward, she slowed down and made space.

Regular face-to-face appointments became the foundation of their work together, giving Karen somewhere consistent and safe to talk about her goals and why they mattered to her.

Jessi helped Karen navigate medical appointments and specialist referrals to make sure she was getting the right support for her health alongside her job search.

Together they updated her resume, drafted tailored cover letters, and practised mock interviews until they felt natural.

Jessi even took Karen shopping for work clothes so she could walk into interviews feeling ready.

"We focused on celebrating the small wins until Karen felt confident in herself," Jessi said.

Those small wins added up.

In October 2025, Karen secured a role as a kitchenhand at UPA, a leading aged care provider in NSW.

She is now steadily increasing her hours, building her skills, and finding real fulfilment in a role that puts her alongside people who need support.

It turns out that is exactly where Karen wants to be.

Having navigated her own challenges, she has developed a deep desire to help others, with her sights set on a leadership or management role in a care-focused setting.

"I feel like I have become a stronger person and would like to thank my consultant Jessi for being there to provide the comfort, support and guidance to help me plan my future employment progression," Karen said.

Jessi is proud of every bit of it.

"Karen went from not wanting to work and believing she can't, to experiencing different fields of employment and finding her niche with helping others," she said.

If you are ready to take your next step, APM is ready to take it with you.

Visit Inclusive Employment Australia to find out more, or share Karen's story with someone who needs to hear that progress is possible, even when it feels slow.