Staff Matters – Issue 124

Staff matters October 13, 2017 - Issue 124 Week 14

Crazy Hair Fundraiser

In This Issue 1 Crazy Hair Fundraiser

2 Staff Profile MJ Determined to Achieve White Card Lisa’s Confidence Shines Through

3 Afford Programs Get Personal

In support of the Afford clients who will be competing in the Special Olympics Bowling Nationals in Adelaide, TTW Groups from Ingleburn and Minchinbury organised a fundraising BBQ and Crazy Hair Day to raise money.

TTW Trainees, Conner Butt and Graeme Donnelly, and Minchinbury supported employee, Guy Lawrence, are part of the Special Olympics Macarthur Bowling Team that have advanced to nationals after winning their state bowling competition in July.

Fundraising events were held at both Ingleburn and Minchinbury. Afford staff and clients were encouraged to wear a crazy hat or have their hair temporarily coloured by friendly staff and TTW trainees. Funds were raised with all participants donating gold coins to participate in a BBQ and have their hair coloured. Both events were a great success with delicious food, a fun hair colouring booth, and a very generous and enthusiastic crowd.

Overall the events raised $378 to help support Afford’s talented Bowlers as they take on their next competition in Adelaide and bowl over the competition!

An added bonus was that TTW trainees also gained a great deal of experience and knowledge while helping to organise the fundraising events. Trainees used their money management skills to exercise budgeting when helping to plan and purchase supplies for the event; and they used their hospitality skills in preparing the food and serving the members of the factory and staff.

Trainees also helped in the planning of the event, deciding on the theme, helping to make posters, and helping with the hair colour fundraising.

In addition to supporting Afford’s rising bowling stars, the events also provided valuable learning experiences for trainees.

Let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au

Scott’s Community Access Rocks!

4 Afford Rewarding Service Superstars!

Selfie Of the Week Have a Laugh

Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients’ achievements, good news stories and photos to CELEBRATE@afford.com.au

Staff matters

2

October 13, 2017 - Issue 124

Staff Profile

Albert Shlemon

NDIS Internal Support Co-Ordinator Minchinbury Favourite Song: If Tomorrow Never Comes.

Favourite Movie: The Green Mile

MJ Determined to Achieve White Card MJ is a client from Belmore Lifestyle Centre who has chosen to use his one hour of 1:1 support to work towards achieving his goal of getting his white card.

A white card (or general construction induction card) is required for workers who want to carry out construction work. For a long time, MJ has wanted to work with his father on a construction site, so obtaining a white card is essential in making this personal dream a reality.

Every Monday afternoon MJ revises the policies and procedures that have been printed out for him to be able to work towards getting his white card.

Afford staff support MJ in reading and the understanding of each module.

If you could be an animal what would you be: An Eagle, because it’s majestic, respected and feared.

Afford staff provide person-centred supports that help clients achieve their personal life and work goals. We are so pleased to be able to support MJ in his journey to achieve his goal of obtaining his white card and, in turn, facilitating a bond between family members.

What is your dream holiday destination: The Space Station

Great effort MJ! Continue working hard and let your abilities soar!

If you had the power what would you change about the world: Dictatorships

Lisa’s Confidence Shines Through

Favourite Hobbies: Sky diving Favourite Foods: Homemade Middle Eastern food.

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: When God gave me my daughter.

If you had to teach something what would you teach? Be kind to one another.

Something no one knows about me: I am a Veteran – Special Forces.

Lisa joined the Afford community two years ago with personal goals of become more confidence and positive about getting out of the house and into the wider community.

Working with an Afford Lifestyle Assistant, Lisa slowly worked towards her goals - taking short walks to the shops and to local mall but never wanted to get out of the Blacktown vicinity.

Over the past year, Lisa’s confidence has grown immensely. With the support of her Afford Lifestyle Assistant, she is taking part in counselling services and recently travelled all the way to Campbelltown to get a haircut to celebrate her growth in becoming a strong and confident woman that is now independent and happy to take on new life challenges.

Well done Lisa!

let your abilities soar

www.afford.com.au

Staff matters

3

a

October 13, 2017 - Issue 124

Afford Programs Get Personal At Afford, we strive to deliver programs and supports that are tailored to the individual needs and interests of clients. That’s why our clients continue to choose our services and our whole-of-life approach to supports sets Afford apart from other disability service providers.

A range of new programs have been established across our 17 Lifestyle Centres across Sydney. Some of these include a beauty program that provides ladies with the opportunity to be pampered with nail painting, make-up and hair styling; sports days, walking programs and Zumba sessions which are always popular for those wanting to get up and active for a healthy lifestyle; and baking and cooking programs for clients interested in becoming the next ‘Masterchef’ or simply wanting to learn more about preparing nutritional meals.

Each of these programs has been established to support clients to learn new skills or enhance existing skills and build confidence in their own abilities.

Programs are designed to be fun and present opportunities for clients to socialise and extend their friendship circles, all while enjoying activities that bring them happiness.

Scott’s Community Access Rocks!

Scott Fairall is a client of Afford Campbelltown Lifestyle Centre who receives 1:1 support for community access. Working with Afford staff, Scott’s personal goal is to become more active and participate in a variety of activities.

Afford staff member, Kim Stephenson, has formed a good relationship with Scott and is continuously working with Scott to consider visiting new places.

Recently, Scott and Kim visited Cataract Dam and Scott walked half way across the dam wall! This is a significant milestone for Scott who is working towards becoming more healthy and active to achieve a more manageable weight.

Well done Scott! We can’t wait to hear about some of your new adventures!

let your abilities soar

www.afford.com.au

Staff matters

4

October 13, 2017 - Issue 124

P EM

Afford Rewarding Service Superstars!

OF

The Afford Customer Service Awards recognise the dedication and effort of Afford staff throughout the year.

Congratulations to all the very deserving winners for August 2017. We are pleased to see that many “quiet achievers” are being recognised and their talents are being showcased.

1st Place Winner– Antoinette Caruana (Human Resources Team) 2nd Place Winners (split 3 ways) - Chandni Patel (Human Resources Team) - Sarah Vandermeer (Payroll Manager) - Roseanna Barletta (Executive Manager – NDIS/Allied Health Team) As there was a three way split for second, there is no third place for the month of August 2017.

Congratulations to all the winners and those who were nominated. Afford is a real community with talented and inspiring staff that truly make our whole-of-life supports for clients and our organisational camaraderie admired across the industry.

fl iweeek

Have a laugh

Sef the o

In the Selfie Above: Staff Member Ken Qian, celebrates the birth of his first baby, a beautiful little girl!

Please send in your selfies

let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au

LOYER

CHOICE