Carlene finds her calling working in the community 

Carlene is a testament that great things take time, and that with hard work and patience, you can achieve your goals. With local support from Bamara, Carlene was able to overcome adversity, gain stability, and achieve her dream job.  

Through the ParentsNext program delivered by Bamara, Carlene first connected team in Palmerston in August 2019. Since that initial meeting, she and her Support Mentor, Edith, have worked tirelessly together to reach her goal of finding a rewarding job working in the community. 

At the time, Carlene was a single mother of four children. She grappled with getting her kids to and from school and having the time to search for and prepare for a job, with little access to the resources she needed, not only to find employment, but to have stability in her own life.  

Edith assisted her with accessing secure accommodation and finding assistance with daycare and getting her children to school, establishing a stable foundation for her to work towards her goals.  

As a proud Arrernte and Anmatjere woman herself, she was passionate about working with her community and helping Indigenous people. It was clear from the beginning that this was the goal that Carlene was working towards.  

“It has always been working in the community and helping my Indigenous people,” Carlene said. 

Over the years, Carlene’s journey had many ups and downs. She had her fifth child in late 2019, experienced ongoing family loss, and dealt with mental health struggles as she battled with anxiety and depression.  

Edith learned to recognise Carlene’s down days, and was there to provide support, keep her motivated, and helped her access the local services she needed. 

“If I’m a bit mixed up in my head, or I can’t understand something, Edith was here to help,” Carlene said.  

Despite everything, Carlene remained determined. She was provided with a laptop for her studies, a mobile phone, work clothes, work shoes, and engagement vouchers, as well as assistance with updating her resume, acquiring a Working with Children’s check, and a police check.  

After years of diligent work and all the ups and downs, in July 2024, Carlene earned a traineeship in a role where she could pursue her passion for working in the community.    

“I was so thrilled for her. It gave me Goosebumps with happiness when she gave me the news,” Edith said. 

“It’s so good to succeed after all this time. It all came through perfect,” Carlene said.  

Carlene has since commenced employment and she couldn’t be more excited. While it was her hard work and dedication that propelled her this far, she’s thankful to Edith for her support and assistance over the years.  

“Edith was with me right through. I couldn’t have done it without her. Everything I have is because of Edith.” 

Connect with our ParentsNext team   

Our ParentsNext service helps you identify your goals – whether they’re family-focused or career-driven – and provides you with or helps you access the resources you need to work towards, and ultimately achieve, those goals.   

We listen to what matters most to you and your family. Our dedicated team of experienced Support mentors will provide individualised support to help you achieve your goals.   

Contact us today to get started.