Local woman finds a renewed sense of purpose

For many, going to work each day is routine, but for Busselton local Christina Sutton, securing employment seemed an impossible dream.

As a single mother facing significant physical challenges, Christina spent 11 years struggling to find work despite her qualifications and determination.

“It was getting really hard, being knocked back all the time,” Christina explained.

“I was doing my best for my kids and myself, but it wasn’t enough.”

Experiencing homelessness and being overwhelmed with family responsibilities, Christina’s health declined as job applications led nowhere.

“I felt like I had nothing left… I’d take three steps forward, then twenty backwards. It was tough on my self-esteem.”

Everything changed when Christina joined APM’s Workforce Australia program in Busselton.

Established in Perth in 1994, APM has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals with disabilities find meaningful work. They combine national resources with local expertise across 400 Australian communities, including team members with firsthand disability experience.

Employment consultant Bee French created a safe space for Christina to share her story and rebuild her life.

Understanding that employment success begins with stability, APM first addressed Christina’s immediate needs.

“Before we could think about job searching, we needed to ensure Christina had safe housing and support systems in place,” Bee explained.

APM helped Christina secure permanent housing while connecting her with mental health support services.

“Bee was incredibly supportive, truly taking time to prioritise my needs,” Christina said.

“Every time I visited her, it made such a difference. Having someone to listen meant the world. It was like having a friend I could rely on.”

With stability established, their focus turned to employment.

“APM works closely with local businesses to understand their hiring needs,” Bee explained.

“We then work with each job seeker to understand their strengths and help overcome any barriers.”

Together, they crafted a resume highlighting Christina’s experience and transferable skills. In August 2023, Bee referred Christina to a Customer Service Attendant position at KFC.

Her persistence and efforts paid off, as she successfully cleared the interview and secured the job.

“I got the job straight away! It was such an incredible feeling,” Christina said.

APM and Bee supported the transition by using the Employment Fund to complete employment checks, providing essential items, including protective equipment and a mobile phone, and offering ongoing support to Christina and her employer.

The impact of securing work reached far beyond a regular paycheck.

“It feels wonderful to be called a great employee,” Christina shared.

“When I asked if my physical issues were a problem, they said never, this has nothing to do with your skills or personality. It felt so good that someone finally saw me and my worth beyond the physical.”

Now approaching her first anniversary with KFC, Christina’s confidence continues to grow. “I feel amazing each day now, with a purpose. My job shines for me; I don’t need anything else to shine for me.”

As Bee notes, such success stories highlight the broader impact of inclusive employment. “People with disability make great employees. It also changes their lives, as being locked out of employment isolates people economically and socially.”

“Assisting individuals with barriers is both rewarding and challenging. We hear many heart-wrenching stories and face numerous obstacles, but everyone at APM genuinely cares and we do everything we can to help. Witnessing Christina’s transformation makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Christina’s message is clear for others facing similar challenges, “It may seem like there is no hope.. but there is! APM helped me more than I can say. Take that first step and walk in the door…”

To learn more about APM, visit www.apm.net.au