Many people with criminal records re-offend because they can’t find work. WISE’s Straight4Work program is designed to break the cycle. The first program of its kind in NSW, it provides support for adults leading up to and after their release from prison, by preparing them for employment and helping them to access essential support services. Depending on our clients needs, we can link them to other services that will help them to get back on track:

An innovative feature of the Straight4Work program is that it also provides participants with personal support through mentorship. In this way the program not only addresses barriers to vocational and/or educational progress, but also offers individual support at a personal level through a positive and beneficial relationship with a volunteer mentor.

Straight4Work Case manager, Diane Montoya said that mentors are the key ingredient of this program.

“Each participant will be paired with a volunteer ‘community’ mentor, who will assist them to feel a sense of support and normality as they start to rebuild their lives and get back into the community.”

“Their mentor is a person they can talk to, meet for a coffee and go to the football with – someone to talk to when there is no one else. This can play a critical part in helping someone to get that job and keep it.”

For more information, please contact WISE Employment Penrith on 02 4721 8100.

“This project was funded by the National Community Crime Prevention Programme.”