Illawarra local Charley and jobs coach Zoe Matthews are a decade apart in age but connected over a shared love of good coffee after meeting in January through the Strive for Success youth employment program.

Eight months, one barista course and a Dress for Success styling session later, 23-year-old Charley has found a job and is feeling confident about her future.

"Thanks to Zoe and the team at Strive for Success I’ve been able to obtain various certifications and attain a job in a local newsagency," she said. "I’ve also been fortunate enough to receive a styling session for work and interview outfits."

Zoe has learned something too: she credits Charley with showing her where to find "the best coffee ever". Bonding over their careers-focused coffee catch-ups and building a long-term relationship has been a success not only for Zoe and Charley – 89% of participants who found work through Strive for Success have kept it.

National not-for-profit Community Resources runs the program, which is delivered locally by Homebase Youth Services and aims to help young people overcome complex barriers to work. 

Charley, who spent three years in recovery after an episode of psychosis, says she immediately liked Zoe. "I saw her tattoos and thought I can see myself getting along really well with her – lo and behold we got on like a house on fire."

Zoe says her first impression was that Charley was "really easy to build rapport" with. "I may be over 10 years her senior, but we were able to talk like adults, show respect, and make lots of progress together," she says.

"I was Charley’s age once and know how difficult it is to navigate early adulthood. I was available when Charley needed and nothing was ever forced or expected."

Their one-on-one intensive job coaching sessions have built a relationship based on mutual respect, and a bit of fun.

"Zoe and I both enjoy a nice cup of coffee and the occasional rock/pop song here and there," Charley says. "Although Zoe is a bit older we still get along like mates and always manage to have a laugh or a deep and meaningful about things I’ve got going on."

Zoe adds: "We were able to accomplish many things together such as Charley attending a barista course, receiving a styling session and beautiful outfit from Dress for Success in Warrawong and a first aid certificate."

Zoe also helped Charley gain a Work and Development Order (WDO) – a NSW government support scheme that helps participants reduce fines by doing unpaid work, courses, counselling, mentoring or treatment programs.

This will help Charley obtain her licence down the track, Zoe says.

With youth unemployment at 8.2% in NSW, Strive for Success leaders have found most of the program's young people face at least one barrier to employment, and mental health is the most common one.

After her first-hand experience of personal, professional mentoring, Charley would recommend it to anyone.

"I am looking forward to working with Zoe again when assistance may be needed and would highly recommend her and Strive for Success to anyone struggling with mental health and looking for a career."

For more information, visit the Community Resources website.