Success Works Partners, a DGR-registered charity and innovative new social enterprise supporting women with a criminal record into employment has been successful in gaining the NSW Government’s support through a Payment-by-Results contract. The initiative delivered in partnership with the Department of Education and Office of Social Impact Investment (OSII) in NSW Treasury under the Social Impact Outcomes Fund, will advance the social and economic wellbeing of women facing barriers to employment.
Office of Social Impact Investment Director Aleksandra Simic said, “Investing in women’s economic wellbeing has long-term benefits for not only the women supported but for their families and communities, leading to better intergenerational outcomes.”
After an open and competitive selection process, Success Works Partners is one of five social enterprises to have been selected to deliver this initiative. Over 100 women who have been impacted by the criminal justice system in NSW are set to benefit from the scheme via Success Works, which will enable them to receive employment pathway support and sustained employment.
Megan Etheridge AM, Board Chair of Success Works Partners, said partnering with the NSW Government is a wonderful step for Success Works Partners: “Through this contract with the NSW Government, Success Works Partners will be able to provide opportunities for women with a criminal record to access sustainable employment, rebuild their lives, and not re-offend. As 60% of incarcerated women are mothers, gaining employment can enable these women to provide for their children and to be great role models.”
In the past 6 months alone, Success Works Partners has placed 44 women into employment. 44% of the women that Success Works Partners supports into employment are victim-survivors of domestic violence, 40% have experienced homelessness and 43% have experienced mental health issues, including drug and alcohol abuse, and gambling addiction.
The model includes one-to-one support, a mentoring program, job readiness workshops, and introductions to Success Works Partners’ supportive network of fair-go employers. The cost of supporting a woman in the Success Works Partners program is less than $10,000 per woman; this pales in comparison to the cost of incarceration which is an estimated $110,000 per person per annum.
“Research has shown a lack of access to employment results in an individual having a significantly higher propensity to re-offend (recidivism),” explains Megan, “Gaining employment can be life-changing for women, many of whom are victim-survivors of domestic violence. We thank and acknowledge the NSW Government for recognising that employment helps keep families together and reduces patterns of intergenerational disadvantage and trauma.”
For more information, interviews, and images, contact:
Nicola Norris, Board Member Nicola.norris.nn@gmail.com 0423 174 597
Megan Etheridge, OAM, Board Chair Megan@tectonex.com.au 0408 708 717
If you are a potential Employer, contact us to discuss the role you might play in helping a woman with a criminal record gain employment.
We are currently looking for new Employers. Could you change a woman’s life?
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