Second Shot celebrates super opening in Toowoomba
SHANNON Ward joined the Second Shot program to set an example for her daughter Adaline-Rose – but she ended up finding a new family as well.
The Toowoomba woman, one of the newest graduates from the Base Services’ latest program, was at the opening of the Second Shot Cafe in the CBD yesterday.
A large crowd gathered to celebrate the opening of the cafe on Ruthven St, which will now train participants involved in a Cert III hospitality diploma.
The program focuses on people with disadvantages like homelessness, drug use and mental illness to give them “opportunity over charity”.
Ms Ward said being part of Second Shot had already improved her life.
“I’ve just wanted to be a good example for my daughter and do more for her, rather than just being a stay-at-home mum,” she said.
“Since completing it, I’ve gotten a job as a teacher aide and that’s been incredible.
“It’s obviously different from hospitality, but I don’t think I could’ve done it if I hadn’t done this.
“It feels like a family (in the program); we had our squabbles along the way, but we got there in the end.”
Base Services coordinator and program co-founder Tiff Spary said the program had already trained 28 people since it was launched as a coffee truck last year.
Second Shot is next to Cotton On.