Every day, many young Australians wake up feeling alone, disconnected from opportunity, from others, from hope. At the same time, thousands of rescue animals wait in shelters, yearning for belonging. At the heart of our local community, Happy Paws Happy Hearts ‘Explore’ Employment Pathways Program brings these two worlds together, forging remarkable connections with life-changing results.
The Explore Journey
Thanks to grant funding, Pine Rivers Community Finance through Community Bank Samford, supported two Explore program cohorts from 2024 to 2025.
Held at RSPCA Dakabin Animal Care Centre, this program offers more than just a skills workshop or spending time with animals. Over 24 weeks, nine individuals who face disability or mental health challenges moved beyond isolation and into a vibrant environment of learning, teamwork, and support, all designed to help with job readiness and creating pathways to employment in the community.
Guided by caring and passionate Happy Paws Happy Hearts Program Trainers, and alongside many four-legged friends, participants:
- Discovered confidence, self-worth and belonging through animal care activities.
- Developed essential skills: from communication and conflict resolution to resume writing and financial basics.
- Mastered life’s small challenges, such as catching public transport, preparing healthy meals, or dressing for success for their first job interview.
- Gave back by helping rescue animals not only with general training and socialisation, but even writing their own adoption resumes, improving participants’ own skills, and the animals’ chances of finding forever homes.
Kristen, a recent Explore graduate, described the program as life-changing. Just a few years ago, life felt like it was standing still for Kristen, each day blurred into the next. Her confidence was at rock bottom, the simplest of tasks felt overwhelming, and connection felt nearly impossible.
“Explore showed me that with effort, I’m capable of achieving bigger things. It focuses on building careers, not just entry-level jobs, and that made it a powerful experience. It also gave me the confidence to believe that life will be okay – and that just showing up can truly make a difference”, Kristen said.
Since completing Explore in December 2024, Kristen has transitioned from a participant with HPHH to a volunteer, and is working towards her dream of becoming a vet nurse.
Thanks to her engagement with HPHH and the opportunity to participate in the Explore program, Kristen has transformed from just surviving to now thriving.
The Explore program genuinely touched rescue animals’ lives with purpose by providing them with love and care. Over 38.5 hours, participants devoted themselves to socialising, training, and nurturing 77 rescue animals, helping to improve their wellbeing and opening the opportunity for them to find their new, happy homes.
Powered by Community: The Difference Local Support Makes
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community. Thanks to support from a Community Bank Samford 2024 grant, participants received vital resources such as hygiene kits, nutrition workshops, travel skills, and even an outfit to wear for their first interviews. A special highlight: a visit to Australia Zoo, where participants learned about conservation, teamwork, and recognised pride in their achievements.
Our representatives didn’t just send a grant transfer; they rolled up their sleeves, visiting the Dakabin site to meet with participants and provide real-world banking tips, demystify career pathways, and remind our young people in the community of the supportive network behind them. Presenting to HPHH participants during the program, our virtual lending specialist, Alex Harwood, covered banking basics like opening accounts, taxes, and savings, also discussing scams and fraud protection. He also shared valuable insights on his own personal career journey, his role at Community Bank Samford, and offered job search tips.
“Community Bank Samford’s support took this program beyond the classroom,” said Jess Odgers, HPHH Regional Team Leader. “Explore graduates are showing up in community spaces with authenticity and pride, contributing perspectives that are often overlooked. They’re helping shift the narrative toward one that empowers, includes, and values every person — exactly as they are.”
Looking Ahead: A Brighter, Connected Tomorrow
Explore graduates have shown vulnerability with great courage, facing personal challenges openly, which as a result has fostered confidence and personal growth.
This confidence is continuing to blossom as the Explore graduates undertake work placements at community organisations like the RSPCA, hospitals, and community supermarkets, adding diversity and authenticity. Two participants have chosen to study Retail Services to further develop their communication and social skills. Another participant plans to enrol in a Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Their courage and active participation is inspiring others, with two participants volunteering and another invited to continue volunteering with Happy Paws Happy Hearts. Each of these positive pathway stories highlight the program’s community benefits. Participants have also improved independence and daily skills, reducing reliance on family and supports, boosting community resilience.
Every young person deserves to feel needed, valued, and part of something bigger. The Explore program lights the path from loneliness to belonging, from hesitation to hope —for both participants and the animals they help. Together, we’re building a community where everyone can thrive.
“Programs like Explore are the heart of community building,” said Community Bank Samford’s Mandy Bell. “We’re proud to partner with Happy Paws Happy Hearts to support young people as they ‘return to life’, confident, capable, and connected.”
Read more participant case studies here: https://www.hphhfoundation.org/meaningful-moments-at-hphh
