Kim is a 23-year-old girl from Ballarat. She enjoys her home comforts and prefers this to going out all the time, but she does venture out regularly to go to the gym and this has been a regular fixture in her life for over a decade. Kim was diagnosed at an early age with Autism and since she has found the gym it has become an integral “coping mechanism” helping to stimulate both physical and emotional well-being.

Kim struggled with integrating within the conventional schooling system and “just couldn’t handle it”, she opted for home schooling around the age of 12. At the beginning of this transition Mum contacted an agency for guidance. They sent booklets out periodically which Kim could work on to complete at home. Within the past ten years gradually all her schooling went online. This mode of learning was much more appropriate, and Kim continued her learning journey, studying online the whole way up until 2023.

Kim approached a job agency for help with her resume as she felt she was ready to commit to start looking for a job. Her first experience was very negative, the consultant was a man who wanted to micro-manage every aspect of Kim’s job seeking. This included factors such as choosing which roles he deemed suitable, driving her to interviews and scripting her responses etc.

This approach was counter-productive, it triggered Kim as she felt as though her wings were being clipped and he was not allowing her to use her own capabilities and promote her own individuality. She complained to the agency and they provided a new consultant. This lady really listened! She made her feel at ease and more importantly empowered. She referred her to Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre (BNC) to engage in their short Become Work Ready course.

Kim found BNC to be a really positive influence in her life. There were opportunities for classroom study in an informal setting, this has provided Kim with new job skills and confidence and also helped to dispel those early life negative classroom experiences. There was opportunity to learn and socialise in a non-threatening environment and gently reintegrate into a simulated workplace environment.

Kim recognises Shandelle as being her main mentor since linking with BNC. “She doesn’t treat you like a five-year-old, she treats you like an adult”, Kim expresses although Shandelle has helped steer her in the right direction she has not tried to do things for her. She has been allowed the initiative to learn and grow and after finding her own confidence she actually started assisting Shandelle in the classroom when other students were struggling with the computers or technology etc, something Kim has a real knack for.

Kim was able to secure herself a job trial with a small local café and this has now led to full-time employment. She is presently thriving in the role and just yesterday had a late-night socialising at the staff Christmas party.

Considering the barriers that she has overcome, such as being uncomfortable in public places, trouble maintaining eye contact and the many other intricacies associated with Autism it is remarkable how far she has come.

It’s amazing she has been able to fulfill the goal of entering into the workplace but this is only the start for Kim. Next on the agenda is to move out and live independently and also to get a car on the road. She appreciates the role BNC has taken in helping empower her to fulfil her dreams. She now feels motivated to keep striving higher to keep unlocking her boundless potential.

We know the journey towards a destination is as important as the destination itself. Regardless of how you Connect with us, we will travel this journey with you; sharing your highs and lows, the good and the bad times, and working with you to help you Learn and Participate.

This story was captured by John in December 2023 as a student placement project for his Bachelor of Community and Human Services degree. Names may be changed.