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Lauren's story
Lauren hasn’t had many opportunities in life. She was placed in foster care at age nine by the Department of Human Services, and was eventually housed in one of Melbourne Citymission’s residential units. She is now eighteen.
But for the first time Lauren has been given an opportunity to achieve a dream, and through hard work and dedication she is shining.
Lauren has been awarded a scholarship worth $15,000 through a partnership between Melbourne Citymission’s Education, Employment and Training Program and the Francapelli Academy.
Through the hairdressing course, which runs for 15 months, Lauren will be a fully qualified hairdresser, with plenty of work experience under her belt.
The course not only teaches the essential skills of hairdressing, but also the skills needed to keep a job, like personal grooming, a solid work ethic and punctuality.
‘It’s not just hairdressing; I’ve learnt to look after myself and get to places on time,’ she says.
Lauren says that it’s ‘better than an apprenticeship’ because Melbourne Citymission supports her to overcome obstacles and the Francapelli staff offer mentoring and professional advice.
‘If I did an apprenticeship there is no way I would get through it,’ she says.
Lauren is over half way through the course and can see light at the end of the tunnel, recently qualifying to be able to cut client’s hair.
As she says, this is an opportunity ‘to be whoever I want to be’.
Lauren is one of over four thousand people that Melbourne Citymission assists every week to find their own pathway to independence and sustainable outcomes.
Please click here to donate today and ensure Melbourne Citymission can continue to provide programs and services that change lives every single day.
Lauren is one of over four thousand people that Melbourne Citymission assists every week to find their own pathway to independence and sustainable outcomes.
Please click here to donate today and ensure Melbourne Citymission can continue to provide programs and services that change lives every single day.
