Facing a battle with mental health and struggling with the aftermath of substance abuse, Evelyn Weston felt like finding a job was nearly impossible.
Despite many setbacks, Evelyn found the courage to seek help from VERTO in Bathurst. Today, she is the happiest she’s ever been, having found her feet and successfully re-entered the workforce.
When she first reached out to VERTO, Evelyn says she had little stability in her life.
“I was living in crisis accommodation, didn’t have a license and wasn’t sure where to start to turn my life back around. I knew I couldn’t keep living like that and that finding a job was the key to my financial freedom and independence,” she said.
For Evelyn, access to VERTO’s Employment Services was the beacon she needed to lift herself out of a dark place. With the help of VERTO Team Leader Chris Harrison, Evelyn was signed up to the Australian Government’s jobactive program.
Evelyn had limited experience and training on her resume and needed support transitioning to the workforce before finding the right opportunity.
“When I first approached VERTO, I didn’t have a resume or access to a computer or phone, which made it hard to apply for jobs,” she said.
“Chris encouraged me to do some short courses, like my Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling, plus organised driving lessons, which opened up a world of opportunity for me.
“I then went on to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care), and this has helped me land my dream job at SpiritAbility in Orange,” Evelyn said.
Evelyn wants to share her story with others to encourage them to seek the help they need to achieve their dreams, even when it feels like it’s a big mountain to climb.
“It’s important for people to know that critical support services exist, and they really do care about you - you just need to give them a call,” she said
VERTO’s Team Leader, Chris Harrison, says it’s been a privilege to work with Evelyn on her journey to finding employment.
“People like Evelyn are the reason I get up in the morning. I’m so proud of the progress she has made in a few short years. To see her develop, grow and find her dream job is really rewarding,” he said.
VERTO’s Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, is also inspired by Evelyn’s story and hopes others hear her message.
“Evelyn was able to access the right combination of support to develop confidence and find job she loves. Her story demonstrates the life-changing power of employment, and I urge others in the community to explore the support available to them,” said Mr Maxwell.
VERTO’s Employment Services can be found across the Central West. Whatever your challenges and goals, our consultants are trained to help you find work and access support you need at no cost.
For more information on how VERTO’s Employment Services can help, call 1300 483 786 or email
