Staff matters May 25, 2018 - Issue 154 Week 47
Explosion Of Colour!
In This Issue 1 Explosion Of Colour!
2 Staff Profile Lights Shine Bright at Oran Park
3 Mary’s story The refresh and re-energising of Afford’s Ashfield Day Program continues with an explosion of colour in the backyard area. The backyard has already been renovated and improved with a new deck, but staff and clients agreed, that there was just something that seemed to be missing. They soon realised, that the something that they needed was a new mural on the wall! The old mural was cracked, fading and peeling away and didn’t really convey the fun and friendly environment of Ashfield Day Program. So, clients, under the guidance and direction of local artist Diamando Koutsellis, got to work to create an amazing piece of art to reflect the wonderful and inviting environment of the Centre. Diamando runs fortnightly Art and Craft programs at Ashfield Day Program, so she already knows the clients and staff very well. Slowly but surely and with great patience and perseverance from clients, the project came together bit by bit and is now complete! Today, Ashfield Day Program’s backyard is brighter and happier than ever and truly brings a smile to the faces of clients every time they spend time in the area. Amazing effort, Ashfield team!
Let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au
We Sense a Great Mood at Condell Park A Sad Farewell To Narelle
4 Navigating our IT Upgrades
Upcoming Events Selfie Of the Week Have a Laugh
Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients’ achievements, good news stories and photos to Marketing@afford.com.au
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May 25, 2018 - Issue 154
Staff Profile
Symone Marjanovic
Customer Care Manager Supported Employment & Vocational Services Favourite Song: We Belong together – Mariah Carey Favourite Movie: The Notebook Favourite Hobbies: Fishing and Camping. Favourite Foods: Mediterranean If you could be an animal what would you be: A dolphin What is your dream holiday destination: The Maldives If you had the power what would you change about the world: If I had the power to change something about the world, I would remove Ignorance. Many problems in the world would be solved if ignorance was removed. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you? Too many nice things have happened to me just to mention I have been blessed.
Lights Shine Bright at Oran Park Clients at the Afford Oran Park Day Program have cause to celebrate! Their new entertainment area is now complete thanks to the efforts of two amazing Afford staff who recently participated in a ‘Flying Fundraiser’ to raise money to fund the entertainment area transformation. The Centre staged a ‘Flying Fundraiser’ on 7 April 2018 in Wollongong, where two of the Centre’s bravest Lifestyle Assistants, Teresa and Lin, did what many wouldn’t dream of doing - they jumped out of a plane! The event was supported by many local businesses with various in-kin and cash donations. The event raised over $2,000! With the money raised from the fundraiser, the Centre’s garage has been completely transformed into a gaming and dancing room of fun! The funds were used to install lights in the garage, an air conditioner and for decorations. Staff and clients had a wonderful time decorating their new entertainment area with a TV generously donated by the parents of Afford Oran Park Day Program client, Jessica, and a Wii generously donated by Afford Lifestyle Assistant, Lucinda.
If you had to teach something what would you teach: I love fishing and I would love to teach how to catch, fillet and cook a great meal from the sea.
Clients were so excited to start playing the Wii, as it is something that they have wanted for some time. They can now enjoy fun, movement based games that encourage exercise, such as tennis and Zumba and they can also watch movies in the warmth of the new air-conditioning.
Something no one knows about me: Some things are meant to be kept secret.
The new bright and inviting space is already a hit with clients and we can’t wait to hear more of the good times had at Oran Park Day Program!
let your abilities soar
www.afford.com.au
Staff matters
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May 25, 2018 - Issue 154
Mary’s story Mary first joined Afford Canley Vale Day Program March 2018. When she first started attending the Centre, she was fragile and defensive. With high vulnerability, Mary had a few setbacks due to the change in her routine and structure, as well as being presented with an unknown environment. Mary, who originally refused to exit the bus, allowed Afford team members to provide personal care, however declined to participate in any activity. But over the past month, Mary has formed a strong relationship and great friendship in Mai, with whom she has developed an increasingly great rapport. Mary is now more than willing to increase her social participation and community skills. She engages well with all hub members and is a bundle of joy; radiating smiles and laughter throughout the Centre. It is a true reflection on all Canley Vale Day Program staff, who continuously go above and beyond to ensure all clients are treated equally and have their own identity. The Canley Vale team put in great effort to ensure that Mary, and all clients, have their individual needs attended to and staff show an ever-growing resilience and passion to making clients happy day in and day out. Welcome Mary! We hope you continue to enjoy your time at Canley Vale Day Program and keep growing and building on friendships throughout the year.
We Sense a Great Mood at Condell Park The team at Afford Condell Park Day Program have recently upgraded their sensory room to include some amazing new features to provide further engagement and entertainment for clients, in addition to presenting opportunities for clients to interact with each other. The new additions of sensory toys, pillows, educational books made from wood that also have lighting and colour features, as well as colours and lighting in the room itself, have really drawn the interest of client. “We decided to upgrade our room and add more sensory features because we wanted to provide a safe and interactive space for all clients could go in to relax as well as a learning opportunities with the inclusion of books and toys,” said Stephanie, Team Leader at Condell Park Day Program. Clients are now socialising together more and working together to boost their moods and their behaviour towards one another. Exciting stuff Condell Park! Well done for enhancing the client experience!
A Sad Farewell To Narelle It is with great sadness that we farewell a much loved Kings Park client Narelle Ryan. Sadly Narelle passed away peacefully in hospital on Friday night. Narelle joined Kings Park Day Program in 2014 and was always chirpy with a great sense of humour. She loved her pub lunches and socialising with her friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Narelle’s family and friends.
let your abilities soar
www.afford.com.au
Staff matters
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May 25, 2018 - Issue 154
Navigating our IT Upgrades An online approvals system has now been set up under NAV. Once you make a purchase order, the notification will be automatically sent to the relevant manager. If the manager has the approvals to approve that limit, it will go through. Otherwise, once they approve it, it will then go to the next manager who has authority to approve that level of purchase. Training was provided to all relevant staff members two weeks ago.
UPCOMING EVENTS Date: 25-26 May 27 May 20 May 29 May 30 May 3 June 5 June 8 June 11 - 17 June 15 June 17 - 23 June 21 June 30 June
Event: Sydney Disability Expo - Homebush National Reconciliation Week Macular Degeneration Awareness Week National Wreath Day (Suicide Awareness) World MS Day Mabo Day World Environment Day World Oceans Day International Men’s Health Week National Buddy Day Refugee Week Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Global Day Red Nose Day
fieweek l e
Have a laugh
S the of
In the Selfie Above: Congratulations Anjuli Chami and welcome baby Taj to the Afford family.
let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au
Please send in your selfies or laughs