Tag: Redlands

Joel’s Happy Place is in the Garden

There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says “If you want to be happy for a lifetime, be a gardener”. For Myhorizon Employment and Training participant, Joel Speakman, he has found his happy place, working towards a career in horticulture and gardening.

26 year old Joel loves working outdoors, and joined Myhorizon’s Horticulture team doing work experience before gaining paid employment with Shedland Garden Nursery.

Michelle Robertson, owner of the Shedland Garden Nursery, employed Joel for 18 months right up until she closed down her business, and was impressed by his attention to detail and strong work ethic.

“Joel constantly performed well and soon became an integral and valued team member. He made a positive difference to our daily business operations every single day he was employed.” Said Michelle.

“As an employer, I found nothing was ever a problem for Joel. He was flexible and reliable, particularly when asked to do extra hours on a shift. Joel was always respectful and had a very polite nature”. Said Michelle.

Joel’s reliable and flexible work ethic, together with the right opportunity provided by employers such as Michelle, saw Joel recently move into a new paid job with Capalaba Nursery as a Nursery Assistant.

Joel’s Employment Coordinator, Jodie McIntosh, is passionate about matching the right employer with the right candidate, supporting Joel who has now started work with Capalaba Nursery only 2 days after finishing at Shedlands .

“It’s about opening new doors and opportunities to people who have so much to offer. The benefits work both ways, not only providing paid employment and new skills for our candidates, but also providing our local businesses and employers with recruits who bring a new energy, outlook, and work ethic”. Said Jodie.

For more information on Myhorizon’s Horticulture and Employment and Training services, Contact us.

Kerry’s green thumb

Avid gardener and Myhorizon participant Kerry Dodds, has been busy as a bee at our Alexandra Hills Lifestyle Centre, planting and harvesting a range of home-grown vegetables in the Sussex Street gardens.

The gardens were recently filled with good quality soil, where Kerry is now able to tend to her raddish, lettuce and bok choy, watering them daily and keeping the weeding under control.

Growing, picking and then selling these vegetables to the staff and to the Myhorizon Fruitbox initiative has given Kerry a sense of self-pride and independence, where she even purchases more seedlings for replanting.

What an empowering way for Kerry to give back to her community in her own way.

Click here to find out more about our Lifestyle services.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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!

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 20th 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

Traditional crafts supporting kids with disability

Traditional crafts from Rita’s cart at Myhorizon Capalaba are still proving a popular retail item with locals these days, and are funding new resources for kids with disability.

Rita Morris, a long-standing member of Myhorizon, still contributes her time and energy into the not-for-profit organisation where she has set up her own cart at the Community Centre on Runnymede Rd selling her crafty wares all for a good cause.

Rita has raised nearly $2000 just from her craft cart alone which was able to fund a new early childhood motor development program now used by Occupational Therapists at Myhorizon’s Ian McDougall Centre. The new tool allows therapists to provide both an in-depth assessment and training of gross and fine motor skills for children from birth to 5 years of age.

“This new resource not only gives our assessments more credibility for families to receive their NDIS funding, but also allows our therapy team a more consistent way of measuring a child’s developmental milestones and identifying the additional support and skills they may need”, says Ruby Ryan, an Occupational Therapist at Myhorizon.

Rita generously donates all her craft’s profits back to the Myhorizon’s Early Intervention programs to help kids with disability access important programs and resources, giving them more learning opportunities and supports they need to reach their potential.

“In the early days, there weren’t any programs around to support kids with a disability, but now there is more opportunity for children with a disability to get the support they need from services and programs like the ones offered by Myhorizon’s Early Intervention team” says Rita.

Rita speaks gratefully about Myhorizon for the support they have given her son Christopher over the years who has a disability, and wanted to return some of the support and generosity through fundraising from her crafts, kindly donated by herself and other members of the Redlands community.

“I’ll never be able to pay back Myhorizon for what they have done for Christopher over the years. This is my small way to give something back to the organisation”, says Rita.

You can find Rita’s Cart at Myhorizon Community Centre, Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, at the entrance to The Bush Pantry Café, where you can browse her selection of handmade items, novelties, and children’s clothing, open 8.30am till 2pm Monday to Friday. For more information on Myhorizon’s Early Intervention services, click here.