Reaching goals is all in a day’s work for Mikayla

15 December 2020

Young woman restocking shelves at supermarket

LIKE THE SUPERMARKET SHELVES SHE REPLENISHES AS PART OF HER ENGAGING AND REWARDING JOB, FEROS CARE PARTICIPANT MIKAYLA IS STOCKING UP ON PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL HAPPINESS.

After six months biding time at home with the current climate and limiting opportunities, the North Adelaide participant has now found her happy place by re-entering the workforce with a well-known supermarket chain.

Loving the chance to make her supermarket’s shelves shine, look sublime and full, Mikayla, 22, said she was also glowing with pride with the opportunity.

MIKAYLA IS STOCKING UP ON PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL HAPPINESS

“After being unemployed for six months, Feros Care helped me with employment services and I found Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc.,” Mikayla said.

“As soon as I joined CBS Inc., they had an opportunity for me to trial at a supermarket facing stock on the shelves, and I have been lucky enough to get the job.”

One of two Feros Care participants have gained fulfilling employment through the support of CBS Inc. in recent times. Mikayla, who lives with an intellectual disability has taken to her role with commitment and excitement, completing nine hours of work per week as part of her ongoing employment.

Equally as excited about Mikayla’s future prospects after she gained fulfillment through employment pathways, CBS Inc. Jobnet Coordinator TeeJay said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant had proven a perfect fit.

“Mikayla had administration experience in the retail sector, and was wanting to do the same kind of (supermarket) work, so we checked her eligibility and linked her up,” she said. “She now has ongoing employment for as long as she wants it, and we’ll provide support for as long as she needs it.”

This is one of many examples of CBS Inc. working with people with disability, injury, or illness to help find meaningful employment. CBS Inc. said they believe in supporting people to find suitable and on-going work to help clients achieve their goals, aspirations, and independence.

“People with disability are reliable, are proven to have less time off, they maintain work, and are always willing to gain different skills in jobs that some people might not be able to do,” Teejay said.  

“It’s about working together like we do with Feros Care to reach the best outcomes, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to better bridge the gap for people living with a disability.”

HOW THE NDIS IS HELPING PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR EMPLOYMENT GOALS

Another key focus for CBS Inc. is through their successful NDIS Supports and offering of a transition from school to work program, called Beyond. Making it Happen! This program is targeted at school leavers and NDIS participants who are looking to find employment opportunities through wrap around services.

The next step is a potential project between CBS Inc. and Feros Care moving forward.

“It would be a specific project to promote disability awareness and inclusion within the community and local businesses” Teejay said.

Whatever the future may hold, Mikayla can’t wipe the smile off her face while embracing the opportunity to jump out of bed and wear her work shirt with pride.

Going from strength to strength, she said she was pinching herself at being able to show her skills and commitment to the world in a job she loves.

“With a (CBS Inc.) support worker by my side helping me, I’m improving every day,” Mikayla said.

“I am loving being at work again and can’t thank CBS Inc. and Feros Care enough.”

Having the opportunity to see participants reach their goals, Feros Care Community Development Coordinator Carly Hennessy said Mikayla was representative of success being achieved.

“Feros Care employs any chance to work alongside and collaborate with organisations and services to support our participants in reaching their goals,” she said.

“This has been a brilliant outcome for Mikayla, and we wish her all the best in her new employment endeavours.”

For further information about CBS Inc. services, visit, communitybridgingservices.org.au.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW SOME OF OUR OTHER PARTICIPANTS ARE REACHING THEIR EMPLOYMENT GOALS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FEROS CARE AND THE NDIS CAN ASSIST IN ACHIEVING EMPLOYMENT, CLICK HERE.