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Volunteer opportunity throws Stephen a lifeline
Geelong local, Stephen Thompson, lost his leg in a motorbike accident in 1986. He’d been trying for a long time to get a permanent job. After taking a different approach to finding a job and giving volunteer work a go, his dream has come true.
But the journey was testing at times. Stephen spent a number of years doing odd jobs and became increasingly despondent at not being able to find anything permanent.
He explained, ‘The biggest problem was that in all the interviews I went for they said, “You’ve got a bit of a limp, what’s wrong?”. I’d be open with them and then I’d get the same responses, “No, we’ll get back to you”, or, “We’ve got nothing available at the moment”. You sort of lose hope after a while but I was determined to keep going at it.’
Stephen was referred to CRS Australia for help to get and keep a job. His employment services consultant, Lynne-Michelle, shared his determination to get a permanent job and played a key role in helping him maintain his focus and get job-ready.
She said, ‘Stephen had lost a lot of confidence when I met him as he’d had so many job knockbacks; he was frustrated. It was important to keep him moving forward and keep him active in his job search.’
CRS Australia helped Stephen with career planning and a resume. It was during this process that Stephen identified an interest in working for an organisation that made a difference.
Ideally he was after a job where he felt he was giving back to the community.
Lynne-Michelle encouraged Stephen to do some volunteer work. This would help him build his confidence and develop his job skills. It would also give him an opportunity to show the employer what he was capable of.
Stephen applied for a volunteer position as a relief truck driver with Lifeline’s Geelong warehouse.
Much of Lifeline’s funding comes from charity shops that sell items donated by the public. The Geelong warehouse sorts and stores donated items and plays a vital role in supporting Lifeline.
Stephen had in interest in working for an organisation that made a difference. He applied for a volunteer position with Lifeline that led to a permanent job.
Stephen discussed his disability with Lifeline’s Business Manager, Carmel Campbell, from the outset. Carmel explained the requirements of the position and confirmed that Stephen could perform the volunteer role without any issues.
CRS Australia supported Stephen during his volunteer placement, regularly liaising with him and Carmel to track his progress. Carmel was so impressed with Stephen’s work that he was offered the position of Warehouse Coordinator.
Stephen has thrived in this position and feels like he and his co-workers are part of a big family.
He said, ‘Before I went to CRS Australia I probably applied for 30 or 40 jobs and got knocked back each time solely because of my disability. Carmel gave me a chance – she was the one who said yes where 30 people before had said no.’