Inspired by his own experiences, Cohen sought to build a social enterprise that could provide essential support for individuals from backgrounds similar to his, offering them the opportunity to build stable lives. "Worthy Cause started as an idea to use food as a way to support and help vulnerable people... helping them move toward stable, self-sufficient lives," he reflects.
The Melbourne-based social enterprise offers employment training in hospitality to individuals facing barriers to stable employment. In March 2024, Worthy Cause pitched at The Funding Network’s (TFN) Thriving Young People event, where Cohen shared his story and appealed for funding. The result? $50,000 to expand Worthy Cause’s kitchen program, enabling 15 participants to engage in on-the-job training that could transform their lives. This funding covered participant wages, allowing Cohen to onboard people more quickly than he otherwise could. “Without that funding, we wouldn’t have had the resources to keep supporting them. They may have slipped through the cracks,” he says. Instead, the program provided a safe environment and invaluable resources, empowering participants to succeed.
Since the pitch, Worthy Cause has reached its participant capacity, with seven new trainees completing the program. Six have already moved into employment, a testament to the initiative’s effectiveness. “It’s rewarding to see someone who wasn’t capable of maintaining a job at first, now succeed and grow,” Cohen notes, recalling one participant whose journey had been particularly challenging. This young man, who joined the program with significant personal struggles and a history of instability, would have struggled to retain a conventional job. “There were times when we considered removing him from the program early on because it didn’t seem like he was committed,” Cohen admits. However, the funding support received at the Thriving Young People event allowed Worthy Cause to stay the course with him. Today, this participant is employed, responsibly supporting his family, and on a stable path forward.
Beyond the funding, Cohen emphasises the unique impact of TFN’s event model, where bringing funders and non-profits face-to-face, allows direct and meaningful engagement. “What I really like about TFN's approach to fundraising is that it connects community members and allows them to directly support a cause through a personal story,” he explains. This format allows funders to create an emotional connection to the cause. “For donors, being able to look someone in the eye, make a promise, and then come back and say, ‘Thanks to your help, this is what we’ve achieved,’ is a powerful feeling.”
The impact of Worthy Cause extends beyond immediate employment; it transforms lives. As Cohen and his team continue to expand their reach, they are reminded of the strength that comes from community-backed support, and the life-changing impact it can have for those who need it most.