Baptist Care SA News

Smart social enterprise helps people build a better future.

Smart social enterprise helps people build a better future.

 

Baptist Care SA’s Adult Community Education (ACE) program is offering opportunity and hope for people battling to improve their lives in competitive job seeking environments. Overall, unemployment remains high in the City of Onkaparinga[1], while nearly a dozen suburbs in the City of Marion record unemployment levels between 7% to a staggering 17.7%[2].

 

The lives of ACE participants in the region have been hard, including experiences of mental ill health, social isolation, disability, single parenthood, and/or domestic violence. Despite their best job seeking efforts, many have endured prolonged financial stress and countless rejections.

 

The course includes hands-on learning in menu planning, meal preparation, stock control, administration and customer service at the Little Cove Coffee Hut. Under the tuition of a qualified chef and dietitian, participants gain critical workplace skills, form relationships and re-build confidence.

 

“It’s a safe learning environment for participants to hone their skills and reconnect with their communities,” explains Coordinator Jessica Jarrett.

 

Leroy* had struggled to find work. His disability and low literacy compounded the difficulties. A quiet achiever with an amazing work ethic, Leroy’s confidence flourished when he completed the course. He has since gained work in his chosen field!

 

For Leroy – and 53% of program participants who have already reengaged with study or paid work – the future is looking much brighter.

 

Little Cove Coffee Hut is open Tuesdays 11-1:30pm at the Hallett Cove Baptist Church, 1 Ramrod Avenue Hallett Cove.

 

For more information contact Baptist Care SA on (08) 8387 3787.

 

Many thanks to Pastor David Chalmers and the congregation at Hallett Cove Baptist Church for their support.

 

*Not his real name

 

[1] 8.17% cf 5.7% State average. Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business website,
Small Area Labour Markets – June quarter 2018
[2] City of Marion Community Profile website

Baptist Care SA, lives, works and walks on Kaurna, Peramangk and Boandik lands. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the state’s first peoples, recognise their traditional ownership, and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs, deep connection and continued guardianship of land and waters. We value the contributions of Elders past and present, and are committed to learning from those emerging.