November 2004

Projects work for residents of Odyssey House

Odyssey House Victoria division Odyssey Institute has developed an innovative employment and training initiative.

Odyssey@work includes a training in administration program, a community projects team and the construction of independent living units for families.

This year’s training in administration program saw participants gain a wide range of office skills and a 75 per cent success rate.

‘It’s wonderful to see how participants have literally turned their lives around,’ said program coordinator Teresa Allen.

‘Odyssey@work sets and maintains high standards including individual follow-up support for clients for up to two years.

‘We are very proud to find that our people remain in employment long after completing training.’

Odyssey@work’s community projects team has recently refurbished five sporting and recreational clubs throughout the City of Moreland.

It has also begun construction of a unique earth-building community project that will provide independent living units for families and their children in residence at the therapeutic community at Lower Plenty.

Shane Kenny, Manager of Odyssey@work and building supervisor for the family units project, said the first of these family units was expected to be completed early in 2005.

Odyssey@work also undertakes community projects that employ and train clients—as well as assist community organisations—in property maintenance and repairs.

Odyssey@work now employs its first apprentice carpenter in partnership with the Housing Industry Association.

The first Odyssey House opened in New York in 1966 as a residential rehabilitation program for people with a drug and alcohol addiction.

• For more information about Odyssey@work employment services and community projects contact Shane or Teresa on 9412 7900.