New mentoring program to support financial independence for women
WAGEC's new pilot program launching today aims to provide opportunities for women to rebuild their futures after experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence (DV).
The ACCESS program, developed by the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) through the support of Pepper Money, is a mentoring and targeted support program that builds access to employment opportunities, training and education.
Applications are now open for volunteer mentors to apply to be matched with a mentee and support them in creating and implementing personal plans to reach their goals.
The ACCESS mentoring program aims to increase women’s economic opportunities and independence, improve women’s health and wellbeing, and build on women’s strengths to improve their confidence, resilience and capabilities.
WAGEC CEO, Helen Silvia, says the launch of the program coincides with a time of increased engagement by individuals and organisations wanting to support disadvantaged individuals and communities.
“People are increasingly looking for ways to connect with and contribute to their communities”, she said. “We are all devastated by the damage being caused by bushfires across our country, yet we are also encouraged by the compassion and generosity being shown by individuals and organisations across so many areas of need”.
The ACCESS mentoring program provides mentors with an opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on a woman’s life. Mentors receive professional, specialist training and experience to add to their work and volunteer history, an opportunity to improve their coaching, mentoring and leadership skills, and the ability to contribute to creating a positive change in a woman’s life by supporting her to achieve her goals.
The ACCESS program partners with other charities and organisations supporting women, and supports the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022.
The ACCESS mentoring program will commence with a launch event in March and run for six months, with a graduation celebration in October 2020.
To apply, mentors must be over 18 years of age and female.
Click here for frequently asked questions.
Applications close on Thursday 30 January 2020.
