Mary Marsh, Author at Myhorizon

Trivia night raising funds for disability

Myhorizon wants you to brush up on your general knowledge, show off your Trivia skills and have a fun time with your friends or family at their first ever Great Trivia Night Fundraiser at Myhorizon Event Centre, Capalaba on Saturday, 11th May.

“Whether you are a trivia expert or this is your first time at a Trivia Night, this event is sure to be a great night for all.” Says local Redlands based Trivia Master, Mike Williams, who will be hosting the event.

Mike Williams is Trivia royalty in the Redlands region, having hosted around 3000 Trivia events across his fifteen year career at various venues, before retiring in 2018. He’s back for one more night at Myhorizon’s fundraiser, promising to put your knowledge of sport, entertainment, geography, and history to the test.

All proceeds will go to providing additional supports and resources to individuals with disability through Myhorizon’s services in the community.

“Our goal with this event is to bring together members of the community and show their competitive spirit in a fun and engaging way.” Says Myhorizon CEO, Joe Gamblin.

“This is a chance to match wits with your friends and win lots of great prizes. There will also be games and raffles to participate in so be sure to bring along your gold coins.” Says Joe.

The price of admission is $150 for tables of six people, or $25 for individual tickets. Each table will receive generous share platters of mixed canapes prepared by The Bush Pantry team, and attendees can purchase Sirromet wine and premium beers directly from their cash bar.

Purchase your tickets by Wednesday 8th May via www.trybooking.com/BBKYA or call 3824 7007. Hurry tables are
selling fast!

Learning real skills for the disability sector

Stradbroke Island resident Hayley Layton is beginning her rewarding career in the disability sector, thanks to government funding preparing jobseekers with the right skills and experience for the NDIS workforce.

Myhorizon, are addressing the need for more skilled disability support workers in South East Qld by running regular Training courses for Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at our Capalaba Event Centre.

As a current Myhorizon student, about to graduate and obtain her Cert III, Hayley is excited about starting her new career and getting to work with people from all walks of life.

“I was a little hesitant to sign up for the course because I’d never worked in the disability sector before, but because I’m passionate about people, it made me want to do it.” Said Hayley.

Hayley is a Florist by trade and also previously worked as a resort housekeeper supervisor on Stradbroke Island for many years, but after a workplace accident, she battled a period of unemployment and depression more recently.

After meeting Anne Blakeway who manages Myhorizon’s Dunwich office, Hayley was encouraged to apply for the course and hasn’t looked back.

“I told Anne what my interests and passions were and how I’d previously worked with the indigenous communities on the Island, and she helped me realise my love and passion for all people and how working in disability would be a great fit for me.

“My training course leaders have been so great and supportive, and I’ve learnt so many new and real skills. I’ve loved every minute of it and can’t wait to start working in the sector.” Said Hayley.

Myhorizon Training Manager Nikki Louange has supported dozens of students, having run the Certificate III course in Individual Support (Disability) for several years now thanks to ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ (SQW) funding, granted by the Queensland State Government.

“Our course is designed for participants who have had barriers with finding employment due to a disability, illness or injury. Over the years we’ve had many individuals complete the course and find meaningful jobs in the disability sector which has been life changing and so rewarding for them.

“Quite a few graduates have even gained employment within Myhorizon’s Lifestyle service area as Disability Support Professionals” Says Nikki.

Visit our Employment & Training page for more information, or contact us via our Online Contact Form.

“Fundraising is a community effort”

The team at Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Centre were thrilled to receive a $1500 donation this week, generously gifted from Rita’s Craft Cart proceeds.

Katie Marsden (second from left) of Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Service being presented with a cheque from Bea Waugh (far left), Lyn Vinson (second from right) and Rita Morris (far right).

Recent Redlands Senior Citizen of the Year winner, Rita Morris, runs her craft cart out of Myhorizon Centre in Capalaba, and relies heavily on the craft items donated by locals, to raise funds for children with disability.

“I am very grateful for the beautiful handmade craft items I regularly receive, which are very popular with my customers. Fundraising is a community effort which I couldn’t do without the generous craft donations” Says Rita.

Rita receives a variety of quality handmade items from supporters like Lyn Vinson who has been an avid contributor to Rita’s mission for many years now, even back when Rita was selling crafts from her corner stall on Cleveland’s Bloomfield St.

Bea Waugh from Birkdale, and her daughter Vicki who was born deaf and partially blind, also create and donate a variety of painted pots and tiled homewares, all available for sale through Rita’s Cart.

Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Practice Manager, Katie Marsden is grateful for the ongoing support from the Craft Cart and its regular supporters.

“The funds we’ve received from Rita’s Cart will enable us to provide extra therapies and supports to children with disability in the Redlands community, which many families cannot always afford.” Says Katie.

To donate your craft items, or make a purchase from Rita’s Craft Cart, visit Myhorizon Centre, Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, open 8.30am till 2pm Monday to Friday.

Click here to find our more on Myhorizon’s Early Intervention services, or send us an enquiry using our Contact Form.

NDIS brings additional supports to Matthew

With the NDIS well and truly now rolling out across the Redlands, Logan, Brisbane and Gold Coast regions, it’s wonderful to see participants and their families receiving additional funding for much needed extra supports.

Helen and her son Matthew from the Gold Coast, have been with Myhorizon for over five years now. Matthew participates in the activities run by the Lifestyle team at our Ashmore Centre, and loves going out with the other participants and the Myhorizon team, whether it be to the local Tenpin Bowling Centre, or fishing on the Broadwater.

Matthew has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal but communicates with his eyes and hands. He is like most 23 year olds with a great love of watching sports and going out to meet people.

With Matthew’s extra funding in his NDIS package, Matthew’s mum Helen, can now extend the hours of support that Matthew receives.

“We are really happy with Matthew’s NDIS package because we were running out of funds previously, and had to cut back on some services as we didn’t have the money to pay for it.

“Now with the extra funds under the NDIS, it means Matthew can receive an extra day of support and participate in more activities and enjoy the things he loves to do”, says Helen.

If you would like more information on NDIS, or our range of disability services, send us an enquiry using our Contact Form.

Myhorizon Wynnum Lifestyle Centre officially opens

Myhorizon officially opened their refurbished Lifestyle Centre on Adam street, Wynnum on Wednesday 21 November 2018, with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk performing the cutting of the ribbon and declaring the Centre Open.

The Opening event was a celebration of a community vision to provide an upgraded space for individuals with disability in the Wynnum Manly region.

The event was also attended by Councilor Peter Cumming, members of Wynnum, Manly & Districts Men’s Shed, Darling Point Special School, and many other local supporters of the Centre.

Executive Manager of Myhorizon’s Lifestyle division, Rod Kennedy, thanked those in the community that supported and contributed to the refurbishment project including Brisbane City Council.

“We were so pleased to be able to renovate this facility using funds generously provided by Brisbane City Council, allowing us to provide a fresher, safer and more inclusive space for our participants who access our services through their NDIS funding”. Said Rod.

“This building is not just a collection of walls and windows, but a place for individuals to participate in programs and activities that develop their skills, a place that gives them more opportunities to be empowered, and also a place they can socialise with peers.”

Some may remember the historic site as the old Wynnum Manly Leagues Bowls Club. The facility has since been converted and renovated into a positive space now visited by many individuals with disability who participate in Myhorizon’s day services.

“This is a place where our participants and their families can be a part of a connected community, one where everyone is accepted, valued and respected”, said Rod.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk also spoke to the values shared between Myhorizon and Brisbane City Council and the importance of such projects in the local community.

“It’s wonderful that Myhorizon are providing an opportunity for everybody in the Wynnum and district area to be more engaged in the community. We want to make sure that everybody can live their lives to the fullest, and facilities like this one are providing that opportunity”, said Lord Mayor Quirk.

Myhorizon employs over 200 passionate staff members across 11 different centres (located from Wynnum through to Tweed Heads) who actively work with over 2000 people with disability, from the earliest stages of life through to adulthood.

For more information, send us an enquiry using our Contact Form.

Access Ability Day

During the week of 26 – 30 November 2018, employers are encouraged to take part in Access Ability Day – a new Australian Government initiative developed to connect jobseekers with disability and employers.

There are 2.2 million Australians living with disability who are of working age, but Australians with disability are under-represented in the workforce. In fact, the employment rate for people with disability is almost half compared to those without disability.

Businesses in the local community have an opportunity to open their door to a new pool of talented and capable individuals, who are ready and willing to work.

“With International Disability Day coming up in a few weeks, this is a great way to recognise and support individuals with a disability, and provide more job opportunities for them in our community”. Says Myhorizon’s Employment & Training Assistant Manager, Lima Nawabi.

“So many of our clients are really eager to have a job, and really hard-working. As part of Access Ability Day, employers can host a job seeker with disability for one day, with no further obligation and help promote a more inclusive workplace” says Lima.

To register your interest as an Employer or as a Jobseeker, phone Myhorizon’s Employment and Training Service (a Disability Employment Service Provider) on 1300 MYHORIZON or contact us using our online form.

To find out more about Myhorizon’s Employment and Training Service, click here.

A bright future for Jaxson

It’s often not an easy road finding the right supports or the right support team for a child with a disability.

Meet Jaxson, a happy go lucky five year old boy who loves to jump, run and climb and is happiest amongst his peers at his local mainstream kindergarten. Jaxson was diagnosed with ASD Level 3 (autistic spectrum disorder) when he was 2 years old, and since then has also been found to have sensory processing disorder, is non-verbal, and also has ADHD.

Jaxson’s mother, Sandra, speaks candidly about the roadblocks she and her partner have experienced the last few years with many mainstream services not meeting Jaxson’s needs.

“Being in a mainstream setting is where Jaxson is most happy however he wasn’t getting the support he needed and I felt lost and didn’t know where to turn. I heard about Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Services last year and decided to give them a call. After speaking to the team there, I finally felt like I found someone who could offer some understanding and options for the first time. I ended that call with tears of hope.” Said Sandra.

Myhorizon was able to provide a range of educational resources for Sandra and her family to learn about Jaxson’s diagnosis and possible treatments and therapies available. The Early Intervention team were then able to schedule time to observe Jaxson in his kindergarten environment and give feedback as to what best supports were needed for Jaxson in that setting.

“This was a game-changer for Jaxson and us as a family. It gave us hope and a path forward and options where we were at a point where we felt like we had no options.” Said Sandra.

Myhorizon’s Early Intervention team developed a tailored program for Jaxson which included an integrative support approach. Using a combination of therapies, Sandra quickly saw improvements and progress in Jaxson’s everyday skills.

“Jaxson is completely non-verbal but it doesn’t mean he isn’t vocal. Getting an appropriate communication pathway for Jaxson has been quite difficult, however working with the Therapists at Myhorizon has allowed Jaxson to trial a communication device where he can push buttons on a special device to speak to us, which is usually very expensive and out of reach for a lot of families so we’ve been extremely lucky. It’s been a huge thing for Jaxson as a person and the people trying to communicate with him. We are also currently trying to explore a further trial with an eye-gaze component just to see if that helps him communicate any better.” Said Sandra.

Sandra and her husband Lee, have also benefited from the MyTime Respite sessions held through Myhorizon where they’ve been able to meet and talk to other parents with similar experiences. “It’s so good just to have that support, someone to talk to, someone who knows and understands about your child’s disability. We went through a stage of being very alone and finding it very difficult to self-educate over Jaxson’s diagnosis and difficulties, and getting to meet other families. Not all kids have same disabilities and not all kids have same struggles with the same disabilities, but it’s been great meeting other families and other kids and it’s been great doing it in a supportive setting.”

Sandra has recently worked through the NDIS planning process with Myhorizon’s team and is awaiting Jaxson’s new package like many other participants, so Jaxson’s supports can continue. “I initially found the whole NDIS process confusing and overwhelming but the Early Intervention team at Myhorizon helped us through it all and made sure I had all the right information ready.

“Finding the Myhorizon Early Intervention team has been one of the main positives of our journey with Jaxson. It’s been the most helpful in a therapeutic and personal level too.” Said Sandra.

When asked what Sandra’s ultimate long-term goal is for Jaxson, she wants what any parent wants for their child,

“I’d love for things to be made more accessible in the community for Jaxson and other individuals like him. I want him to experience his educational journey with his peers. That’s where he’s happiest and thrives the most. And long-term, I want him to have the opportunity to live independently and have a job one day, whatever that may be.”

Click here to find out more about Myhorizon’s Early Intervention Services.

Employment proving life-changing for Wayne

Gaining a new job and sense of responsibility has been life changing for Wynnum resident, Wayne Vanderswaag thanks to a positive and flexible workplace in our community.

Wayne, a 33 year old with an intellectual disability, has experienced a hard life of homelessness and long-term unemployment, but recently turned his life around by securing regular employment with Capalaba Central Carvery almost four months ago.

“My life was a mess and all over the shop. Every day I was going to the pub and getting drunk. My life was going around in circles and I knew I needed to get out of that lifestyle and get a job” Says Wayne.

Wayne approached Myhorizon’s Employment and Training Office in Wynnum seeking some support to find a job that suited his abilities and one where he could make a positive contribution to a workplace.

“My Employment Coordinator at Myhorizon supported me to get a job with Capalaba Central Carvery where I do the washing up in the kitchen, and help out where I’m needed. I’m now learning to budget better with my own money and just trying to be strong each day and enjoy life again. One day I’d even love to have my own 24 hour restaurant, cooking good food for people” Says Wayne.

Claire Pruskocki, Wayne’s Employment Coordinator from Myhorizon Wynnum, has seen a significant and positive difference in Wayne’s attitude since starting his job at the Carvery.

“Wayne has become a really reliable employee. He catches a train and a bus every day to his regular shifts and always turns up early. I’ve seen a huge improvement in Wayne’s overall attitude and also his presentation, and he has a much greater sense of self-worth which is so great to see.” Says Claire.

“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 Claire.

“So many of our clients are so eager to have a job, and really hard-working. When we are able to match them up in a job that they enjoy, and are good at, there is no better feeling.”

Myhorizon are proud to be rated a 5 STAR service for our Disability Employment Services by the Australian Government Department of Jobs & Small Business.

Learn more about Myhorizon’s Employment and Training Services.

Pets galore at The Bush Pantry Cafe

Myhorizon, is calling all animal lovers and their pets to their Bush Pantry café at Capalaba on Monday 20 August to help raise funds for RSPCA’s Cupcake Day.

They will be baking loads of cupcakes to support the work of the RSPCA and are inviting the whole community to bring along their beloved pet pooches or pussy cats to their pet-friendly café for this worthy cause.

Myhorizon CEO, Joe Gamblin is excited to host such an event, “We’re very proud to be supporting RSPCA’s Cupcake Day, and we invite the whole community to come down with their pets. We have the perfect pet friendly venue with a large outdoor café area which we would love to see filled with people’s pet dogs (or cats) on the day all for a worthy cause” says Joe.

“We’re huge animal lovers and know that a lot of our customers are as well. It means a lot to be able to help vulnerable animals across Australia.”

All the money raised from their special cupcakes will go directly towards helping the abandoned, neglected and surrendered animals around the country that turn to the RSPCA looking for love, safe shelter and a helping hand.

Join the event on Monday 20^th August at the Bush Pantry Café, at Myhorizon Centre, 1-15A Runnymede Rd, Capalaba anytime between 10am and 2pm for some sweet treats, and help fight animal cruelty.

Can’t make it down to our Cafe? No problem, you can also donate whatever you can by visiting our supporter page. Go to www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au and click on ‘Find a Friend’ and search for ‘Myhorizon’.

For more information, telephone 3824 7007 or email bushpantry@myhorizon.org.au

Local job opportunities for all abilities

Real job opportunities are proving life changing for individuals with a disability thanks to flexible and positive workplaces in our local community.

Southside Toyota Service Department Manager, Brett MacDonald (Mt Gravatt), employee Jason Cooper and Aisha Sellers from Myhorizon Employment & Training

Jason Cooper and Ashley Chase are two great examples of this, both clients of Myhorizon’s Employment and Training service, and both working for Southside Toyota’s Service Departments. Jason has been working with Southside Toyota Mt Gravatt for six months where he eagerly gets in and does any job that’s asked of him including cleaning, organising the work benches, and being an all-round handyman for the entire team.

“Before I got this job, I spent my days not doing too much. I feel like now my life has turned 180 degrees. I’m now very positive and would one day love to be an apprentice mechanic. I would jump at the chance”. Says Jason.

“My manager and the rest of the team here are very accepting of my disability. They don’t treat me any different, they treat me as one of the guys and it makes it easy to come to work.”

Jason’s Manager, Brett MacDonald has also noticed the positive changes in him since he first started working at Southside Toyota.“Jason is now way more confident, he talks to more people, has opened up more, and the rest of the team here really like working with Jason because he puts in 100% effort in everything he does.” Says Brett.

Ashley Chase, a Myhorizon client who is in a similar role at Southside Toyota Woolloongabba also talks fondly about his work environment. “I was very nervous and cautious when I first started. Now it’s easier and familiar and I’m learning new things about cars. I’ve become more confident” says Ashley.

Ashley is also a participant of Myhorizon’s Lifestyle service where he receives assistance from a Disability Support Worker at his home a few days a week. After Ashley expressed a keen interest in working in the automotive industry, Myhorizon was able to work towards a new employment opportunity for Ashley.

Delivering sustainable employment outcomes is at the heart of everything our Employment and Training team do at Myhorizon.

“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 Jean Jensen, Employment & Training Manager at Myhorizon.

“The management of Southside Toyota have always been accommodating of Ashley and Jason. Myhorizon appreciate their support in providing a positive and flexible workplace.” Says Jean.

“So many of our clients are so eager to have a job, and really hard-working. When we are able to match them up in a job that they enjoy, and are good at, there is no better feeling.”

Myhorizon are proud to have recently been awarded 5 STARS for our Disability Employment Services by the Australian Government Department of Jobs & Small Business.

Learn more about Myhorizon’s Employment and Training Services.