PAYCE Foundation announces support for House of Welcome program

The PAYCE Foundation funding will assist more refugees and asylum seekers to complete structured, short-term, paid work placements, equipping them with the skills to find long-term paid employment.

Under the program, organisations, including some of Australia’s leading Catholic schools, provide funding for job placements via a workplace giving model.

The program also assists clients:

• Create pathways to financial independence,
• Build confidence and self-esteem,
• Make connections and develop networks,
• Gain valuable experience in a supportive work environment,
• Find and transition to ongoing employment.Since 2010, more than 80 per cent of program participants have gained employment or are on track to complete further training or study.

Many new arrivals come to Australia with valuable qualifications, skills and experience, yet struggle to find employment as they lack a local work history and may have limited English.

Work & Welcome helps them overcome these barriers and is an important step towards re-establishing a sense of hope, dignity and belonging as they prepare for long term employment success.

Most of the funding for the program comes from private donations.

PAYCE Foundation Director James Boyd said House of Welcome had an outstanding record of assisting some of our communities most vulnerable.

“Refugees and people seeking asylum have the odds stacked against them and this is a great program that deals with the circuit breaker that is required within the community,” Mr Boyd said.

“The PAYCE Foundation believes that everyone should have the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.

“The Work & Welcome program provides refugees and people seeking asylum with the opportunity to settle into life in a new country and get the support and assistance they need to find long-term employment.’’

House of Welcome Executive Manager Miriam Pellicano said: “Work & Welcome provides a rich and meaningful opportunity for both clients and hosts alike. It is a mutually beneficial experience offering an exchange of skills, knowledge and human connection. Our partnership with the PAYCE Foundation will allow this program to grow and flourish.”

House of Welcome Employment Services Manager Leonie Dyer said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the PAYCE Foundation to grow the Work & Welcome program. The long term benefits these placements bring to host organisations and our clients cannot be underestimated.”