By Terry Murphy, Managing Director, Archer Project Enterprises

When Amy joined our supported employment programme over seven years ago, she was navigating immense challenges. A survivor of domestic abuse, she was working hard to rebuild her life and regain confidence while managing the lingering impact of trauma. At the same time, she sought stability and purpose, taking those first steps into regular employment and embarking on a new chapter in her life.

Shortly after joining the programme, Amy became pregnant. This marked a profound turning point, and we supported her throughout her pregnancy and as she adjusted to life as a parent. Over the years, her journey has been defined by resilience, as she has built a stable, loving home for her young son, who has autism and additional needs, while fostering stronger relationships with her older children.

Reflecting on her progress, Amy says, “I don’t often think back to where I was when I started, but I do think about where I could be if I didn’t have Printed by Us, and it’s not positive.” Her words remind us of the critical role support can play in breaking cycles of instability and creating pathways to a better life.

Amy’s journey has not only transformed her personal life but also positioned her as a key member of the leadership team at Printed by Us. With years of experience and deep knowledge of the brand and the values that underpin what we do, she plays an important role in shaping the direction of our work. Her insights and lived experience are invaluable in ensuring that we continue to support individuals with care, understanding, and purpose.

A Journey of Growth, Advocacy, and Flexibility

Amy’s story is one of remarkable perseverance. She has faced significant hurdles over the years, including the end of a long-term relationship, but has always managed these challenges with grace and determination. She has built a nurturing environment where her family can thrive, despite the difficulties life has thrown at her.
Her dedication to her children is extraordinary. Amy is a relentless advocate for her autistic son, ensuring he has access to the care, education, and opportunities he needs to thrive. She passionately fights for his wellbeing, working tirelessly with schools, healthcare providers, and other services to make sure his needs are met. At the same time, she has deepened her bonds with her older children, creating a home where they feel valued and supported.

A crucial factor in Amy’s success has been the ability to work flexibly. The rigid structures of traditional employment would have made it near impossible for her to balance work with caring responsibilities. At Printed by Us, she has been able to adjust her hours when needed, work flexibly across the week, and even step back from paid work altogether at times when other needs have been paramount. This ability to move forward at her own pace, without the pressure of a linear path, has allowed her to build confidence, maintain stability, and continue developing her skills in a way that works for her and her family.

Her journey highlights an essential truth: employment does not need to follow a straight, uninterrupted path for it to be meaningful and transformative. Success is not about hitting predefined milestones at a set pace—it’s about ensuring that progress, in whatever form it takes, is valued and supported.

Measuring Success Differently

Amy’s story highlights why traditional measures of success, such as full-time employment, are often inadequate for individuals facing complex challenges. Success for someone like Amy cannot be reduced to a single metric. Instead, it must be seen in terms of stability, confidence, and personal development.

For Amy, success is about much more than employment. It’s about maintaining stability, building a safe and supportive home, and creating a life filled with advocacy, connection, and purpose. It’s about ensuring her son thrives, fostering meaningful relationships with her older children, and making every step forward count.

Why We Do What We Do

When we talk about success at Archer Project Enterprises, we are talking about stories like Amy’s. We are talking about resilience in the face of adversity, the courage to move forward step by step, and the ability to create a better life for oneself and one’s family.

Our work is about meeting people where they are and providing the support they need to progress in ways that matter most to them. For Amy, part-time work is not a compromise—it is a lifeline that allows her to balance the responsibilities of motherhood with the stability, purpose, and connection that employment brings.

As Amy’s reflection reminds us, the alternative for many facing such challenges is not just unemployment but a return to trauma, instability, or worse. Her journey is a powerful example of why our work matters.
This is why we must continue to rethink how we define success. Employment journeys do not always follow a linear path, and our approach to support must reflect that.

We need to celebrate and measure progress in all its forms, ensuring that every individual—regardless of the barriers they face—has the opportunity to build a future where they can thrive.


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