Author: Mary Marsh

Myhorizon gifted $4000 from local Freemasons

A generous donation of $4000 was recently gifted to Myhorizon from local Freemasons Redlands Lodge 252 and their charitable arm, Hand Heart Pocket.

Photo Left to Right: WD Ken Rose – Secretary Redlands Lodge 252; Tim Walton – Social Enterprises Manager; Bush Pantry Café staff members Thomas Gregory and Michelle Menzel; and WD Russell Tedds – Chaplain Redlands Lodge 252

The funds were used to purchase a much needed commercial microwave oven for The Bush Pantry Café, Myhorizon’s award-winning Social Enterprise on Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, which employs many individuals with disability.

“Having reliable commercial grade equipment means that we can continue to provide high quality food and service that our customers know us for, so we are very grateful to the Freemason Redlands Lodge for this generous gift.” Said Tim Walton, Social Enterprises Manager at Myhorizon.

“The continued success of our Cafe means that individuals with disability continue to have meaningful employment, empowering them to gain a variety of news skills and experience, both in the Café, Myhorizon Event Centre and commercial kitchen, and so community donations are therefore always very appreciated.” Said Tim.

The donation from Freemasons Redlands Lodge 252 and Hand Heart Pocket was also used to purchase much needed new wardrobes for Myhorizon’s Accommodation service, where several of the Bush Pantry staff reside nearby in Capalaba.

Many local charities and schools have benefited over the years from the benevolence of Redlands Lodge, and as an independent charity founded by the Freemasons of Queensland, Hand Heart Pocket also collaborate with Masonic Lodges all across Queensland, helping in areas of statewide and local need that have limited access to other funding.

For more information about Hand Heart Pocket, visit www.handheartpocket.org.au or for more about the Freemasons in Queensland, go to www.uglq.org.au

Visit The Bush Pantry Café at Myhorizon, 1-15A Runnymede Rd, Capalaba – Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm.

Book your Speech Therapy appointment with Myhorizon

Since the introduction of the NDIS, various Allied Health services have been life changing for many participants, and in high demand both in the Redlands and great South East Qld region.

For participants based in the Redlands and looking for current vacancies with a trusted Allied Health service provider, Myhorizon offer Speech Therapy services to both children and adults, with a strong family and client centered approach, delivering a caring service that is of the highest quality and transparency.

Speech therapy can benefit both children and adults with support in areas of conversation skills, voice, speech or stuttering, reading and writing, eating and drinking, and using and understanding language.

Myhorizon resident Speech Pathologist, Caitlyn Leese is passionate about improving quality of life for her clients.
“I want to give my clients the ability to communicate by delivering programs and supports that are encouraging and fun.” Says Caitlyn.

To make an appointment with Caitlyn, contact us today.

And the WINNER is… The Bush Pantry Cafe

The Bush Pantry Café are thrilled to have been chosen as a WINNER in the recent Redlands Business and Retail Awards 2019. These awards have grown to become the largest event of its type on the Redland City calendar and recognise and celebrate business excellence in the local region.

The Bush Pantry Café, owned and operated by Myhorizon, were up against some stiff competition within the Café and Casual Dining Category, but came out on top, tying as the category winner with Chillers Café at Point Lookout, Nth Stradbroke Island.

Tim Walton, Social Enterprises Manager at Myhorizon said this was a great achievement, recognising the hard work and passion of his Bush Pantry team, and also attributes the café’s success to strong local community support.

“We are very grateful to the local community who have supported our social enterprise café from the beginning. It’s because of our loyal customers that has enabled us to grow and continue supporting the employment of people with disability, while delivering a great café experience to all who visit.” Said Tim.

The Bush Pantry Café is open Monday to Friday 7.30am-2pm and offers a great menu selection for breakfast, morning tea, and lunch. They also have a range of affordable high teas, are fully licenced, and are child and pet friendly.  Click here to follow them on Facebook.

Adrian is Brisbane Bullets’ biggest fan!

Adrian Addicott from Myhorizon’s very own Social Enterprises team is the biggest Brisbane Bullets fan by a mile, and regularly volunteers his time at their games and training sessions.

We are always inspired by Adrian’s passion for volunteering and his support for the community. Watch this video and be inspired too.

 

Local business giving back to local community

Myhorizon was grateful to receive over $2000 donated recently from the generous team at Downtown Toyota.

As Myhorizon’s fleet vehicle partner, the Downtown Toyota team have given back by donating a portion of their recent sales to Myhorizon.

“We are always so grateful to organisations who contribute to the work we do at Myhorizon, and support our mission of uplifting individual lives by creating connected communities”. Said Joe.

The team from Downtown Toyota presented Myhorizon’s CEO, Joe Gamblin, with a cheque for the funds they raised over the past six months which will go towards Myhorizon’s various services and events. Some of the funding will also be used towards merchandise and supplies for Myhorizon’s upcoming RUOK Day community event.

“We want to help raise awareness of the important issue of suicide prevention, and encourage everyone in our local community to come along to our Giant Morning Tea on 12th September.” Said Joe.

“It’s a great way to raise money for a worthy cause, but also connect with people in the community and show support. A big thank you to Downtown Toyota for helping us make this event possible”.

For more details of their RUOK event, go to www.bit.ly/MHRUOK

 

 

 

Giant morning tea to promote positive mental health

Taking the time to ask someone if they are OK can make all the difference, and that’s why the team at Myhorizon and The Bush Pantry Cafe will be hosting a Giant Morning Tea fundraiser for RUOK Day on Thursday 12th September.

The event organized by Myhorizon CEO, Joe Gamblin is all about inspiring everyone to ask that simple but important question “Are you OK?” and start a conversation that could change a life.

“Our reason for hosting this event is a personal one, where we tragically lost one of our staff members to suicide one year ago. We want to help raise awareness of the important issue of suicide prevention, and encourage everyone in our local community to connect with the people around them and support anyone struggling”. Says Joe.

Myhorizon are passionate about helping people to feel supported and connected in the community, and invite all members of the Redlands community and beyond to come along for this special event.

“Come down to our Bush Pantry Café, dress in yellow and enjoy a morning tea, giveaways, and a good old friendly chat.” Says Joe.

“We are asking for gold coin donations and we’ll also donate our café profits on the day to this worthy cause.”

Myhorizon’s RUOK Day – 12th September 10am, 1-15A Runnymede Rd, Capalaba.

To RSVP to this event, go to www.bit.ly/MHRUOK

NDIS funds speech therapy for Jemma

Many people may not know just how life changing speech therapy can be for someone with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Regular speech therapy can improve both verbal and non‐verbal communication, as well as social interaction skills – some of the things many people may take for granted.

For 13 year old Jemma Sims from Capalaba, holding a two way conversation with someone can be a daily challenge, and an area that she has been working on regularly with Speech Pathologist Caityln Leese from Myhorizon.

“I’ve been working with Jemma since the start of 2019 helping her to ‘connect the wires’ and join together elements of her communication and language. Many people may not realise that speech therapy covers more than just speech. It also involves communication, language, swallowing, fluency and many other aspects.” Says Caitlyn.

Jemma’s mother Coral‐Lee, has also seen a positive difference in such a short time. “She has been picking things up really quickly. Caitlyn seems to be filling in the blanks for Jemma. All of a sudden, stuff is making sense.” Says Coral‐Lee.

As a Speech Pathologist, Caitlyn’s philosophy is to make therapy fun and play based to engage with her clients. Thanks to the NDIS, more people can now access these allied health therapies as part of their individualised funding packages to support their goals.

“Before NDIS I couldn’t afford any therapy services. Jemma hasn’t had speech therapy for years, so the NDIS has been a blessing.” Says Coral‐Lee.

Click here to find out more about Myhorizon’s allied health therapies available to both children and adults, or connect with us via our online Contact Form.

Government Secretaries visit Myhorizon

What a pleasure it was to host a number of departmental secretaries, who requested a visit this week to Myhorizon’s Main Centre at Capalaba.

We were humbled to be able to take them through some of our wonderful facilities, such as our Cafe, Event Centre, and Packaging Room showcasing the hard work our supported employees do each day.

It was also a great opportunity to discuss NDIS related opportunities and challenges with Kathryn Campbell (the Secretary of the Department of Social Services), Renee Leon (Secretary of Department of Human Services), Kerri Hartland (Secretary of Department of Jobs and Small Business), and also visiting members of the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development.

The secretaries came together as part of the regular bilateral Australia-New Zealand Chief Executive Meeting (ANZCEM) this week.

 

 

Olivia on the path to greater independence

Gaining employment has been an empowering experience for local Cleveland resident, Olivia O’Donnell, who hasn’t let her intellectual disability stand in her way.

Thanks to flexible employers like Phaedra White who owns and runs Enhancers of Cleveland Hair Salon, 18 year old Olivia works regular weekly shifts where she helps keep the salon tidy and prepares some of the equipment needed by the stylists.

Since starting at the salon six weeks ago, Olivia now walks to work where she earns her own pay cheque each week, and is on the path to greater independence.

“I like working at the salon because I get to earn my own money and I can go to the shops and buy my own food or beanie boos’” says Olivia.

Olivia’s employer, Phaedra, initially approached Myhorizon’s Employment and Training Office in Cleveland, seeking someone to support her in her salon a few hours per week, and Olivia was quickly matched up as a perfect candidate.

“Olivia is very polite, friendly and caring, and we all love having her around” Says Phaedra. “I’ve also noticed positive changes in her confidence level, and her knowledge and skillset around the salon are also improving”.

Prue Saint, Olivia’s Employment Coordinator from Myhorizon Cleveland, has also seen a significant and positive difference in Olivia since starting her job at the salon.

“Olivia is becoming more confident with leaving home by herself now, and also improving in her communication with other people and being able to follow a list of jobs to be done. All those things are getting better each day.” Says Prue.

“It’s about placing people in the right jobs with the right employers and providing them with ongoing on-the job support and training so they have the best chance for success” says Prue.

As a local Redlands business owner, Phaedra also advocates for more local businesses to open their doors and minds to employing individuals with a disability.

“It has been so rewarding and fulfilling to have Olivia join our team, and we really appreciate her different perspective on things.” Says Phaedra. “I urge more businesses to consider employing someone with a disability as it’s a great contribution to the community as well”.

Click here for more information on Myhorizon’s Employment and Training services or connect with us via our online Contact Form.

Paul retires after 35 years with Myhorizon

After thirty-five years with local disability services provider, Myhorizon, Paul Ballard is officially retiring, and is excited about taking time out to enjoy the things he loves.

 

Paul joined Myhorizon as a service user back in 1984 when it went by the name of H.A.R.D and provided an activity therapy centre in Capalaba for local residents with disability.

 

“I remember back in the mid 1980’s when Myhorizon grew to include more service areas like Independent Living and Social Enterprises, which opened up supported employment opportunities for me.” Says Paul.

 

Paul talks fondly about his accomplishments within Myhorizon’s previous ‘Wire and Wood’ enterprise, where he contributed to product design, and was also the Social club’s Treasurer for a period of time.

 

Paul’s career at the organisation has more recently also included working for The Bush Pantry Café, The Event Centre at Myhorizon, as well as Myhorizon’s packaging and collating service.

 

“I’ve learnt lots of new skills over the years at Myhorizon, but I’ve also made many great friends who I’ll miss dearly. The people I’ve worked with are like a family, but I won’t be out of touch because I’ll still see them at Rec Club and Sunday bowling and some of my friends on the weekend. I’ve even agreed to help organise the Secret Santa like I have past couple of years.” Says Paul.

 

Paul says he has enjoyed his work life, but he is also very excited about now catching up on his TV and video games, and going for more walks and exercising at the gym.

 

Current Production Supervisor at Myhorizon, Troy Morton who has worked with Paul since early 2018 and supervised his daily work, describes Paul as a capable and helpful member of the team.

 

“Paul would often help others when he could, and he also had some great nicknames for members of the team such as ‘Happy Helen’, ‘Cheryl from the Navy’, and ‘Super Kev’. We will all miss his unique energy, but wish him all the best in his retirement.” Says Troy.