HeartWorks
an initiative of Rosies – Friends on the Street
HeartWorks – Creating Pathways to Purpose
Since 1987, Rosies – Friends on the Street has provided comfort, connection and friendship to those experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and loneliness.
Our street outreach has a long and proud history of meeting people where they are and offering what they need most: friendship, dignity, and unconditional acceptance. This mission sits at the heart of everything we do.
Guided by the Oblate spirit of Daring, we are always seeking new and meaningful ways to reach out with an open heart. Whether it’s a warm cuppa or simply a friendly chat, our 1,650 volunteers create safe and welcoming spaces where people can belong.
In 2024, we extended this mission through HeartWorks.
HeartWorks is an employment pathway program designed to support people in genuine need to secure and sustain meaningful work. It’s an initiative focused on breaking the cycle of loneliness and homelessness by creating real opportunities for stability, dignity and purpose.
The name HeartWorks reflects the Rosies belief that the heart is the doorway to connection and that connection is the foundation for positive, purposeful outcomes, including the dignity of employment.
Starting a new job can be daunting — even more so for someone experiencing homelessness.
HeartWorks walks alongside participants every step of the way, offering personalised, practical support to help them succeed.
This includes:
- Partnering with compassionate employers
- Preparing candidates for interviews and workplaces
- Building confidence, resilience and routine
- Supporting transport and daily logistics
- Connecting participants with housing, health and training services
- Helping set goals, manage finances and plan for the future
Through HeartWorks, participants gain more than employment — they build identity, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
We are already seeing powerful results from the program.
“Some days I’ve had to pinch myself to think if it’s real or not — but I know it is, so it’s good.”
John, HeartWorks participant
Meet John
Meet Scott
HeartWorks may look different from Rosies’ much-loved street outreach, but it serves many of the same people, and for the very same reason.
It is about connection: connecting people to opportunity, employers to purpose, and individuals to a future they can believe in.
By bringing the Rosies name to HeartWorks, we continue our commitment to treating every person with respect, dignity and compassion and to walking alongside them as they build a better future.
