Heather, a dedicated parent of two young children, was initially referred to the ParentsNext program when it was mandatory. Like many, she had reservations due to its association with Centrelink and potential financial implications. Her primary focus was on caring for her children, and she wasn’t ready to dive into job searching. However, her first appointment at ParentsNext was a pleasant surprise, with a welcoming and understanding atmosphere.
At her own pace
ParentsNext allowed Heather to engage with the program at her own pace, without immediate pressure to pursue employment. This flexibility was crucial as she navigated significant life challenges, including the end of her relationship. Throughout these difficult times, Heather received unwavering support from her ParentsNext facilitator during routine check-ins.

Finding employment
When Heather realised it was time to find employment, she turned to her facilitator for guidance. Despite uncertainties about her career direction and skills, she received invaluable assistance, including job leads, resume help, and mock interviews. This support led her to a fulfilling role as a disability support worker. Although health issues eventually forced her to leave that position, Heather persevered. She independently secured a retail job but remained determined to achieve more.
Heather continued her job search and found an administrative role within the ParentsNext program with SSI. With her facilitator’s guidance, she successfully navigated the application process and transitioned to full-time employment. For over 12 months now, Heather has been an Admin Intake Officer, managing intake processes, coordinating appointments, and supporting clients accessing services.
Overcoming barriers
Heather has overcome numerous barriers, including a lack of work experience, financial strain, stigma fears, single parenthood, and health issues. Her current role has boosted her financial stability and confidence and allowed her to connect with other parents, offering them hope and support.
Building a bright future
Heather loves connecting with clients and empathising with their journeys. She encourages those doubting themselves, saying, “I was you and have been in your position. You can do anything.”
Heather aims to become a facilitator and continue building her career. She also achieved a personal goal of buying her dad a car, highlighting how her career has positively impacted her family’s life.
Heather’s story exemplifies the resilience and capabilities of parents in the ParentsNext program. Her journey is a testament to the program’s commitment to supporting parents through their unique challenges and toward their future goals.
Virginia Willie has been supported by ParentsNext to prepare for employment.
ParentsNext is an Australian government initiative delivered by SSI and Metro Assist to help parents prepare for employment by the time their youngest child reaches school age. Aware that many parents take time out of the paid workforce to raise their children, ParentsNext staff work with them to identify goals, develop skills and overcome any barriers, so that they can enter the workforce again or for the first time.
Ms Willie, a mother-of-two, said at first she did not fully understand why she was referred by Centrelink to SSI ParentsNext and neither did she have very high expectations of what she would get out of it.
“The day of my first appointment, my anxiety was so bad I couldn’t even take the lift to go up to the ParentsNext offices, so I had to walk up the emergency stairs with my daughter,” Ms Willie said. “I actually had an attack during the meeting, as well, because I couldn’t stand to be out of home in unfamiliar environments.”
Ms Willie remembers how friendly and welcoming the staff were and how they helped her calm down and go ahead with the meeting. They talked about Ms Willie’s past experience, her goals and dreams, and they set up a date for the second appointment.
“The first impression I had was good, but due to previous experiences with other job network service providers, I didn’t think there was going to be much follow-up after that,” she said.
“Imagine my surprise when I attended the second meeting and they had a plan tailored and ready for me, which actually included the things I had mentioned in the first meeting I was interested in.”
The feeling of being listened to and taken into account had an immediate effect on Ms Willie, who slowly started rebuilding her self-esteem and believing in herself again.
“Seeing that someone believed in me encouraged me to continue and keep attending the sessions and courses that ParentsNext suggested for me,” Ms Willie said.
As part of her participation plan, Ms Willie completed a Certificate 4 in Community Services at TAFE that she hopes it will lead her to a job where she’ll be able to support women who have experienced domestic violence. This year, Ms Willie will continue to study a Diploma in Community Services also at TAFE.
“ParentsNext has had a great impact on my life, even my family and friends have noticed how much I’ve changed and they’ve even asked me how they can access the service,” said Ms Willie.
“The program has helped me overcome my anxiety and now I can take the lift everywhere I go, and even eat in and enjoy public places, which was impossible before. I’m really happy and ready to take on many new challenges from now on.”