APAC Insider- Australian Enterprise Awards 2024 | 102 Located in the eastern suburb of Pakenham, Grow 2 Be Pty Ltd excels in providing support to young people with cognitive and physical disabilities, empowering them to achieve their goals while simultaneously changing attitudes so that attendees are encouraged to have autonomy over their futures. Experts in promoting community inclusion by encouraging and nurturing participants to hone their social and recreational skills, the team run programmes based around the interests, abilities, and goals of those who attend the service, with the young people themselves being encouraged to contribute to the development of the programme. Heidi Faber shares more. Most Trusted Disability Support Service 2024 - Victoria Working in close collaboration with the service’s participants, Grow 2 Be is comprised of a team of experts who tailor a variety of programmes to the strengths of participants, their interests, their emerging skills, and working hand in hand to meet their NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) goals, with the sessions being run on both a groupwide and individual level, equipping young people with additional needs with the confidence and skills necessary to live a happy, independent, and fulfilling life. Heidi tells us, “Unlike other support services who have a programme that a participant slots in to, our participants are involved in the development of a programme that they can take ownership of and look forward to participating in on a daily basis.” The industry-wide shift towards tailored programmes more focused on the unique goals of those participating stems from a recent shift in NDIS legislation, but since Grow 2 Be has an established track record in this area, having provided such initiatives for more than three years now since its inception back in January 2021, it is in a different league than many of its contemporaries. Further distinguishing the company in this field is its staff, with each of its team members having to possess a minimum a Certificate IV in Disability and have completed their 120 hours of work placement experience at Grow 2 Be prior to them commencing a paid position, ensuring their compatibility with participants and staff. Aside from just experience, what is really cherished in team members is the power of the human connection, with a good disability support service provider having to possess this connection with others so as to contribute to the power of collective, enabling people to get the most out of the supportive environment that is created as a result of this teamwork. Expanding further on the qualities looked for from prospective staff, Heidi states, “As is the nature of our service, we look for fun, compassionate, and outgoing staff; with some coming [and] popping in even when they aren’t rostered on”, solidifying the positive culture that Grow 2 Be is famed for. As an example of some of the wonderful things that Grow 2 Be does throughout the year, the team and some of t heir participants went on a cruise last month and are currently in the midst of planning yet more getaways as the year continues. These breaks are fantastic opportunities for the young people who attend to see different parts of the country, engage with new communities, and visit exciting new places. With some of these young people never having left their home state of Victoria, they are afforded an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, something that everyone is encouraged to do through the daily activities they participate in. Moreover, the service has recently established a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House charity, which provides participants with a new, empathy-filled view of the world around them as they volunteer to prepare meals for those who are experiencing hard times. By showing these young people what to do and how to support others in times of need, Grow 2 Be is succeeding in crafting well-rounded individuals who can actively give back to their community and understand the importance of helping others. From volunteering to take care of animals, through to gym sessions, charity work, pottery and woodwork, and even going out and about every Friday, Grow 2 Be is much more than a one-dimensional centrebased organisation that has its participants inside doing craft all day. Grow 2 Be’s programme for 2024 includes such opportunities as water aerobics, work experience at a pizza takeaway, a Men’s Shed café and a Bakehouse, cooking at our Lakeside Pakenham location, tenpin bowling, volunteering, qualifications in Animal Care and short courses which include digital literacy, working with money, creating a microbusiness and improving employability skills. With such a wide range of activities on offer all delivered by an exemplary staff team, we are proud to champion Grow 2 Be Pty Ltd as the Most Trusted Disability Support Service 2024 – Victoria. Contact Details Contact: Heidi Faber Company: Grow 2 Be Pty Ltd Web Address: www.grow2be.com.au Tel: 0407 544 755 Jan24089
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