FROM A KINDNESS WARRIOR COACHING IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH VALUES AND BELIEF, FEROS CARE’S BOLD APPROACH TO BETTERING LIVES SHONE IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE AGENCY’S (NDIA) LIGHT UP CELEBRATING BRILLIANCE ANNUAL AWARDS.

The awards, the NDIA’s top-tier of recognition and acknowledgement of the exceptional contributions of individuals, groups or teams who demonstrate a clear contribution through living the values and going above and beyond the expectations of their role, saw Feros Care recognised with two awards.

FEROS CARE’S DEDICATION TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND AIMING HIGH REFLECTS ITS COMMITMENT TO NDIS VALUES

Aptly named the “Making the Difference Award”, Feros Care’s dedication and tireless work in finding ways to support participants was reinforced as a company, through Local Area Coordination (LAC) in the ACT.

True to the NDIS value of “We Aim Higher”, Feros Care’s ACT team’s willingness to work beyond their hours to support participants and their families and perform consistently above the region’s forecast didn’t go unnoticed, receiving the highest of praise with the award.

Shining through a strong team culture and a commitment to participant support, Feros Care’s ACT team completed 4,600 planning and implementation activities, which was well above the expected workflow in the last financial year.

Whether it’s sourcing employment options or supporting a participant to reach their short and long-term dreams, Feros Care ACT’s commitment to “making it happen” was captured through the eyes of the nation when participant Elijah Arranz’ journey towards wearing the green and gold of Australia featured on Channel 7’s Sunrise “Road to Recovery” program.

Elijah, who was seriously injured when a 2015 skydiving accident left him with a fractured skull, jaw, face, several breaks to his pelvis and ribs, and a severe traumatic brain injury, has a journey personified by Feros Care’s commitment to making a difference, with the two sharing a special relationship through NDIS partnership.

Helping Elijah to source assistive technology and home modifications on his continual path to living his best life, Feros Care’s award reflects what can be achieved through sheer determination and having the right team.

KINDNESS WARRIORS LIKE KATE ARE A KEY PART OF THE FEROS CARE FAMILY

While Feros Care’s team first approach and culture was recognised on the NDIS’ biggest stage, no team is complete without the tireless effort and boldness of special individuals such as Mackay LAC and kindness warrior, Kate Lemke.

Stepping up when it was needed most, Kate, realising the critical impact on the community when Covid 19 effectively closed the Whitsunday region off, made it her mission to keep 1250 participants safe.

Acting quickly, Kate volunteered her time to negotiate with NDIS providers outside of the region to arrive and assist on the ground or through providing online access for participants.

Not stopping there, Kate’s commitment saw her secure Feros Care laptops for coaching participants in how to access and utilise online services.

Helping to close gaps in services in the most challenging of climates, Kate’s approach was highlighted by assisting a participant with spinal injuries through contacting therapy organisations and combining equipment referrals to ensure they could get the support and equipment needed.

“Fortunately, a state-wide organisation accepted the referrals when I couldn’t get anyone from Mackay and Townsville,” Kate said.

“Tom now has home visits from providers and will soon have the new equipment which he’d been waiting on.”

ACT and Mackay teams are just two of five Feros Care Local Area Coordination teams, with North Adelaide, the Barossa and Townsville also making a big difference in the lives of almost 17,000 participants nationally.

Award winners are to be congratulated through a virtual celebration and Chief Operations Officer – Emerging Portfolios, Jo Field and General Manager – Local Area Coordination, Jo Hayes were both delighted to see Feros Care’s staff recognised, which they believed reflected strongly on the fantastic work being done to make a difference.

“Kate being recognised and rewarded for her efforts in the Whitsundays really highlights her commitment to the challenges and opportunities of working in rural and remote areas,” they said.

“It was also amazing for our whole LAC team in the ACT to be celebrated for their wonderful teamwork, and the way they support each other to achieve positive outcomes for our participants.

“These awards are really appreciated by Feros Care and our staff who continue to grow bold by displaying their passion and commitment in applying Feros values to all of the great work they do,”

While the eight-category awards could not be received in person in 2020, Feros Care was recognised for its securing of two Making A Difference Awards from two nominations nationally through an email from NDIA Chief Executive Officer, Martin Hoffman.

“I would like to congratulate each of the award recipients; recognising a job well done is the foundation of a positive culture,” he said.”

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT OTHER WAYS FEROS CARE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

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