For many Toowoomba women, the journey back to work is more than just finding a job – it’s about regaining confidence, breaking free from the cycles of hardship and violence, and building a better future for their families.

Toowoomba charity Civic Assist has secured $80,700 state government funding to deliver its Care2Career program, supporting 15 disadvantaged women with accredited training and holistic support to re-enter the workforce, particularly in the community services section.

Program coordinator Jenny Alchin said the program, which includes a Certificate II in Community Services, was designed for women caring for vulnerable young people.

“We’re incredibly passionate about this program because we see the intergenerational impact that employment can have,” Mrs Alchin said.

“Many of these women are single mothers who have faced significant challenges, including domestic and family violence,” she said.

“By providing not only training but also wrap-around support—including job readiness workshops, mentoring, and personal development—we aim to build their confidence and help them break the cycle of disadvantage.”

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP praised Civic Assist for delivering a life-changing initiative.

“This is about more than just employment—it’s about empowerment,” Mr Janetzki said.

“By equipping these women with the skills, confidence, and support they need, they’re not just entering the workforce but also strengthening families and our community,” he said.

Mrs Alchin said the program was inspired by stories from local youth.

“We were speaking with a young man disengaged from education, and he told us how inspired he was after his mother completed a course – giving him hope for his own future,” Mrs Alchin said.

“This shows how powerful these programs can be in changing lives, not just for participants but for their families as well.”

She highlighted the unique challenges faced by women in crisis, particularly those fleeing domestic violence.

“For many of these women, their confidence has been stripped away by years of hardship,” Mrs Alchin said.

“Some haven’t worked in years because they’ve been focused on survival—caring for their children, escaping unsafe situations, and simply getting by,” she said.

“This program isn’t just about employment; it’s about rebuilding their sense of self-worth and showing them they are capable and valued.”

The program’s holistic approach includes offering mental health support, financial literacy training, parenting support, and cooking workshops.

The nine-month program, which begins in June, offers flexible learning to accommodate family responsibilities. It is funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program. Planning and recruitment starts in April.