The Women's Subscription Enterprise

 

 

For 44 year-old Clarissa, a fractured and unstable family life has only strengthened her resolve, self belief and hope for a brighter future.

After a severe family breakdown, Clarissa was forced out of her family home. Aged just 17 and with a learning disability, Clarissa was homeless, living a lonely and transient lifestyle, moving from boarding houses to hostels, caravans to shelters, never staying in one spot too long.

“For about 15 years I’ve moved around from place to place. You name it, I’ve lived there: women’s hostels, shelters, group homes, caravan parks – I’ve never had permanent accommodation,” she says.

Clarissa bears no ill-will towards her parents, preferring instead to focus on building a better life for herself. “I have forgiven my parents, especially my mother, for what happened all those years ago. We’re on good terms now and I keep in regular contact with them,” she adds.

Although her learning disability means she doesn’t have to work, Clarissa has always been an enthusiastic employee and says working forms a key part of her self esteem and identity.

“I receive a disability pension, so I don’t actually have to work; I want to. I really enjoy working. In the past I’ve had all kinds of jobs. I’ve worked as a cleaner, in an op shop, as a kitchen hand and in a mail house. For me it’s about keeping busy, getting out in the world and feeling needed. When I feel like I’m doing something constructive and I’m part of something, I feel good about myself,” Clarissa says.

“One of the most appealing things about the Women’s Subscription Enterprise is that I will have the opportunity to work in a safe, secure environment, where I won’t be judged or discriminated against because of my disability,” she says.

“More than anything, the opportunity to work in a safe environment would make me feel equal with other women, like I can contribute. And hopefully, it will lead to bigger and better things,” she says.

Despite enduring tough times, Clarissa does not let the challenges in her past diminish her positive attitude and hope for the future. Clarissa explains, “I know I can push myself. I know I can contribute more. And no matter what, I will never stop believing in myself.”

But what is it that Clarissa looks forward to the most about working? She pauses, thoughtfully.

“I just want to be able to buy myself some nice things. Furniture! I’d like some furniture; and maybe a holiday, like other people I suppose!”

 

Sheynell, a petite, softly spoken Indigenous woman, can be seen around the streets of Sydney, where she has lived for 15 years. It’s hard to imagine she’s been in prison, but a combination of sexual abuse, drug and alcohol addiction and a lack of support lead her to make some poor choices.

 

After experiencing sexual abuse as a child, Sheynell left home at just 14, thinking that life on the streets would be preferable to the devastating reality of her home life. But ‘sleeping rough’, in parks and ‘couch surfing’ presented its own set of problems. Feeling threatened by men due to her history of abuse, Sheynell turned to drugs and alcohol to help her cope. Soon, her life spiraled out of control and she got in trouble with the law. “When I was on drugs and drinking, I got into fights and got charged with assault. That wasn’t me though; I don’t drink or take drugs anymore and I don’t fight. I’m trying really hard to put my life back together,” Sheynell says.

 

But, she says her criminal record means excludes her from lots of job opportunities.

 

“It’s hard for me to find work because of my jail time. Potential employers discriminate against me, which makes it really hard to have a fresh start,” she explains.

 

“I have really tried to find a job but no one will give me a go because of my past. If you’ve got a criminal record, people judge you. They don’t care if you’ve changed or if you’ve learnt from your mistakes. They just don’t want to know.”

 

Sheynell goes on.

 

“Getting a job through the Women’s Subscription Enterprise would mean everything to me. It would change my life. I wouldn’t be seen as a criminal, but a normal person with a job,” she says.

 

“It would be great to be able to work and learn in a safe environment. It would give me stability and security, two things in my life that I have always wanted. Now, all I can do is take life one day at a time. I don’t plan for the future. But if I had a job, I’d be able to plan. I’d have something to look forward to,” she says.