Long term hand up from short term crisis centre
Nora Hyde (left), pictured with hospitality graduates and Pindari manager Anne Wilson (right). (Photographs courtesy Pindari Services)
Sometimes the people who need our help the most are the hardest people to help, but I believe that every small gain is worth the effort. Initially I thought if only one person finished the course and got a job, that would be a 100 per cent success; but of the first 10 residents (and we are now currently training another 20) eight out of 10 graduated and five got a job!
- Nora Hyde, Catering Supervisor / Trainer, The Salvation Army Pindari Services
When Nora Hyde saw her first eight hospitality graduates impeccably dressed, having presented and served a beautiful meal, she was stunned. Only months earlier, a number had genuinely not known how to tie on an apron.
Many clients of Pindari Services, one of Queensland’s largest homelessness services, face a number of serious challenges in their lives. These may include fleeing from domestic violence, struggling with a physical disability or some form of mental illness and possibly drug, alcohol and gambling addictions.
The service offers 100 clients short-term crisis accommodation for up to three months, with limited medium-term accommodation also available. In the short time available, staff work to help clients gain stability. A doctor, psychiatrist, mental health team, Centrelink and legal representative regularly visit the centre. A range of outings – Positive Lifestyle Program, pastoral care and Bible studies – are also held.
Staff also work to move clients from situations of homelessness into stable sustainable, independent living, wherever possible.
For Nora Hyde, after a career teaching hospitality to international and domestic students, plus working in top-end restaurants and running her own catering service, an interstate move to Queensland was about “semi-retirement” from the industry.
She thought that taking the job as catering supervisor at Pindari would enable her to do something meaningful with her life, offer clients nutritious meals and allow her to step back a little from the frenetic pace of the hospitality industry. But then an idea began to form. Why not offer Pindari residents professional hospitality training?
Facing daunting odds but with the full backing of Pindari manager Anne Wilson, Nora began to call on her contacts throughout the industry. The kitchen was significantly upgraded; a partnership with a training organisation (Quality Training and Hospitality College) formed and the first group of 10 underwent their Certificate 3 training.
Other clients not undertaking the formal training were still able to gain practical food preparation and budgeting skills at the same time.
Nora says the transformation and sense of pride in the graduates is inspiring. She says: “We are seeing so many people who have never had the opportunity or support before in their lives achieve something significant. They are taught how to set the table in a 5-star hotel and how to talk to customers and dress up professionally. It is absolutely stunning to see the transformation.”
Nora adds: “My own past struggles and experience has shown me how important it can be if someone offers a lifeline at the exact right time. It wasn’t a surprise to me at the start to meet residents who just seemed to be almost ‘shells’ of people through alcohol and substance abuse, broken relationships, having no money, nowhere to live. I saw how just taking an interest, treating them courteously, and offering hope, began a transformation as they blossomed in self-confidence.
“Many presented as people with no skills, with poor attitudes and nothing to do all day and have ended up at the other end of the (very intense) process with a qualification, plus energy, motivation confidence and for a good number, the self-esteem that comes from employment in the workforce.”
Comments
Well done Nora, we are proud of you!
Keep up the good work.
Geerald