A Hunter work-based day program has officially opened at Warabrook, opening up an avenue for real social and economic inclusion for people with a disability.
Avenue is a disability day program where people of all abilities are supported to complete work tasks, socialise and develop their skills, regardless of their support needs.
The program opens prospects for people with disabilities to find tailored work-based opportunities in profit-sharing microbusiness teams.
Co-founder and CEO Laura O’Reilly joined one of the centre’s first participants, Julie Clifton, and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair, Jennifer Leslie, to cut the ribbon at the February 23 opening.
O’Reilly said team members kept the income they earned, which she said was an opportunity that many people with profound disabilities were otherwise denied.
“Avenue flips the traditional models of work on their heads by redesigning traditional workflows to meet people’s abilities and support needs,” O’Reilly said.
“Work should be accessible to all, and Avenue sets a new standard for social and economic inclusion for people with a disability.
“People are embracing our approach including support workers, community groups, parents and carers of people with a disability, and funding partners such as Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.”
She said the microbusinesses served individual and business clients with skill-building work activities, including letterbox distributions, fulfilling online orders for retailers, animal care and gardening.
Bringing Avenue to Newcastle and the Hunter has been a priority for O’Reilly, as it is one of Australia’s highest-need areas for quality disability support services.
According to the City of Newcastle, 7 per cent of its residents receive disability support benefits compared to 5 per cent across NSW.
Program participant Julie Clifton said there had been nothing like Avenue in her area.
The East Maitland resident joined in October and is a key member of the order fulfilment team.
She has also studied peer mentoring and has started her Certificate II in Auslan at TAFE to broaden her skills.
“Avenue helps give me purpose and is building my self-confidence, social skills and work skills,” Clifton said.
“I love earning my own money, but I am most proud of meeting new people and socialising at Avenue.”
Clifton said she was determined to use her lived experience of intellectual disability to help others reach their goals and live their dreams.
“Leaving each day, I feel confident and happy from having achieved the goals of the day. Never give up on the job until you have finished the tasks set on the day,” Clifton said.
“I have courage and am determined to never give up on anything in life.”
A $160,000 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grant helped create the purpose-built space.
Charitable Foundation Chair Jennifer Leslie said the foundation was pleased to help bring much-needed support to the region.
“Purposeful work and recognition are vital for everyone,” Leslie said.
“Avenue’s approach delivers real-world work skills as well as supporting participants to socialise with teammates and develop their individual skills.
“With the goal to attract around 80 team members in its first year, we know it will make a significant positive impact on our local community.”
Avenue is a social enterprise that is part of not for profit organisation Fighting Chance, which O’Reilly and her brother Jordan founded in 2009.
The pair were inspired by the experience of their brother, Shane, whom they said was let down by a society defining him by his disability.
Avenue now supports more than 400 people with disability across five coworking spaces, with the other four centres in Sydney.
Newcastle centre has quiet spaces, sensory rooms, fully accessible bathrooms, and a range of other features to facilitate full participation in various tasks, engagement and learning.
Avenue is taking registrations for participants in its work and social programs and seeking expressions of interest for partnerships from the community.
For more information, visit Avenue’s website.
Hayley McMahon