The cost-of-living crisis at this point is well documented, utilities, rent, food costs have all skyrocketed but an understated struggle in Australia is finding employment.
Among those struggling to find work are migrants, who do not have necessary domestic qualifications and are navigating society using their second language.
Church Grounds, a Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE), is an online coffee supplier with an office based out of the former church in Tempe, part of Our Lady of the Southern Cross parish.
The organisation is an entirely volunteer-run organisation, offering employment and upskilling to individuals facing barriers to employment and get them ready for paid work.
Cengiz Yener, originally from Turkey, heard about the Church Grounds program and volunteered with them, gaining experience in corporate office work.
Trained as an accountant in his home country but lacking the Australian certification, Yener said he went to the volunteer organisation to “get local experience.”
He said Church Grounds helped him to improve his English language skills and boosted his confidence.
“That gave me confidence because in that time, I was afraid to go to interviews, to talk to other people,” he told The Catholic Weekly.
“Working and talking with local people in Church Grounds, that increased my confidence to talk with other people, to help them, to understand what they need.”
Yener, who now works in logistical operations, said he was looking for work for eight months and during that time he volunteered once a week with Church Grounds.
“For eight months, I looked non-stop for a job because my wife, she’s from here, but she cannot do anything to help me find a job,” he said.
“She couldn’t help me about this issue because of the language barrier, also local experience and education-wise.”
Church Grounds Head of Operations, Lia Subrata says the organisation is dedicated to “creating meaningful employment opportunities through coffee and community.”
“We combine high-quality, ethically sourced coffee with a social mission—helping individuals facing barriers to employment build skills, confidence, and sustainable career paths,” she said.
The sale revenue of coffee beans purchased from Church Grounds website is used to provide free training in corporate employment, and at the same time, creating a community with a common goal.
“Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world work experience, our WISE program equips participants with essential skills in office administration, sales, marketing, human resources, web development and many more.”
She said the program facilitates getting participants connections and “transition into long-term employment”, something Yener said helped him.
He said the program helped him as a migrant as it gave him Australian work experience.
“If you come from overseas, you need to show yourself even if you have international experience,” he said.
“It was difficult in that time but now it’s all good.”