Meet Georgette Khoury, our amazing Family Mentor at VICSEG New Futures. With extensive experience in social work and community services, Georgette provides tailored support to families from diverse backgrounds. Her expertise and compassion make a real difference in the lives of those she works with.
Tell us how you came to VICSEG NF/Australia?
I was born in Lebanon. When I arrived, I started running my own business, working in roles in management, childcare, and student services. I worked for Hume Council for 8 years. They needed an Arabic support worker.
While my daughter was young, I started to volunteer part time with a maternal health nurse as a language support worker. After COVID I decided to research organisations that support communities, and I came across VICSEG New Futures.
Why did you choose to become a Family Mentor?
My personal experience of migrating to Melbourne led me to seek a career in family mentoring. Although I could speak English, I found it difficult to settle into Melbourne. Once I settled in I wanted to help support other newly arrived migrants and refugees to enrol into kinder, get Medicare, book doctor’s appointments, breastfeeding, toilet training and discipline techniques.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Pretty crazy. It is unpredictable, which I enjoy. Here are some things I do.
- Helping support a mum find a mattress for a cot. The language barrier makes that difficult for some parents.
- Linking services to a family that needs additional help, such as the local food bank.
- Helping parents enrol their children into school.
- Helping with reading newsletters. I once had a parent receive a notice to inform them a playgroup session time had changed for that week; they thought their child had been removed from the program.
- Both my parents were teachers, and I believe education is so important for all kids. It opens up opportunities for them in life, and sets them up well for the future.
What do you love about the job?
I love helping families settle into their new lives in Melbourne, and supporting their kids to transition into schooling.
What do you think is special about VICSEG New Futures?
I love the culture and people here. It is a unique place to work. They have been generous, kind and welcoming. I work alongside talented and experienced women, who have been very helpful while I settle into my role.
Find out more about gaining an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management here or contact us now to enrol.
