Staff Matters
October 23, 2015 - Issue 27 Week 16
AFFORD Plant Green Thumbs Program
In this Issue Page 1 • AFFORD Plant Green Thumbs Program
Page 2 • Staff Profile • Christmas Poster Compettion
Page 3 • A Berri Good Time At Camp • Shaking It Like Shakira
On Tuesday, 20 October a tree planting ceremony was held at the AFFORD Minchinbury factory to launch our new Green Thumbs Program supported by the SUEZ Community Grant. The garden looks to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits which will then be used as part of the Healthy Lifestyles Cooking Program for clients in our day centres. Customers will also have the opportunity to develop, re-spawn and maintain sustainable composting and overall maintenance of the community garden. Geoff Gerard, SUEZ NSW Infrastructure Sales Manager, is delighted to support a local organisation that both develops environmental awareness and inspires participation in sustainable activities through education, stating that, “AFFORD provides a safe supportive space for those with a disability to learn about environmental sustainability along with basic life skills in the outdoors”. A huge thankyou to SUEZ for their ongoing support with this $4,800 Grant that will provide valuable funds for AFFORD to purchase equipment, seedlings, plants and other garden care products for use by participants of the Green Thumbs initiative.
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Page 4 • Exploring The Great Outdoors • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
AFFORD Fact In 1998, A major initiative was undertaken to implement an Independent Living Skills Program at Cherrywood. Following intensive training the transition was achieved when four Residents moved into a community house purchased by the Foundation at Mt Pleasant.
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October 23, 2015 - Issue 27
Staff Profile
Christmas Poster Competition
Ursula Todd
Lifestyle Assistant Mt Druitt Day Program Favourite Song: The scientist Coldplay Favourite Movie: Just Go With It Favourite Hobbies: Travelling Favourite Foods: Spicy Curries If you could be an animal what would you be: A monkey because, I’m cheeky What is your dream holiday destination: I’ve travelled to a lot of places, but would love to go to China to see the Great Wall If you had the power what would you change about the world: Crime What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: My mother bringing me into the world. haha If you had to teach something what would you teach: Listening skills Something no one knows about me: I gave my flight up for somebody who had to get home and I stranded myself in Greek Rhodes
Pictured above:Artwork from the Winner (Top Left) and Runners Up in order from Second (Top Right) to Fourth (Bottom Right)
AFFORD recently held a Christmas Poster Competition for all our customers across the organisation, with the winner being advertised in our upcoming Customer Christmas Party as well as on the International Day of People with a Disability celebration being held at Penrith Panthers on the 4th of December. Prizes were also given with first place winning a $50 Coles/Myer gift voucher; second, third and fourth place received a $20 Coles/Myer gift voucher. There were a lot of outstanding entries across our Day Programs, ADE’s, TTW’s and the Cherrywood Village leaving a difficult choice for the Christmas party committee to announce the winner. A big congratulations goes to Irene Laha from Chipping Norton Day Program for taking home first place with a reindeer masterpiece, to Imane from Green Valley in second place, Courtney from TTW in third and Amanda from Canley Vale in fourth and also the hard work from everyone who participated in the competition well done guys!
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October 23, 2015 - Issue 27
AFFORD TTW Have A Berri Good Time at Camp Recently AFFORD TTW visited NSW sport and recreational camp at Berri as part of their program to help clients gain confidence and self-esteem with independence and team building exercises. The camp was funded by the TTW Trivia night raising $5,645 meaning our customers could attend the camp without any huge out of pocket expenses. Our clients enjoyed a wide range of activities including canoeing, archery, rock wall climbing, swimming, basketball, cricket, sitting around campfires with marshmallows and eating fantastic food. The clients all loved the activities and confidence they have gained at the camp and are excited to attend the next annual event.
Pictured above: Customers enjoying Themselves at the camp.
A big thankyou goes to all trainees and staff involved in making it something to remember for our clients and again to all those who donated items for the raffle and give aways on the Trivia night which funded the event.
Shaking it Like Shakira at Green Valley Green Valley Day Program recently participated in belly dancing as part of the $4000 Cultural Music and Dance therapy grant provided by Liverpool City Council. Staff members Narissa and Jaspinder led the session, teaching our customers how to belly dance and the twists, circles and slides involved in the routine. Clients at the Green Valley Day Program all had fun learning their new moves and are ecstatic to showcase the dance in next year’s AFFORD’s Got Talent, so keep an eye out next year! This program is one of many great activities Green Valley have been able to provide their clients as part of the Cultural Music and Dance Therapy grant thanks to the continued support from the Liverpool City Council.
Pictured above: Client Melissa (left) and Staff Members Narissa and Jaspinder (right)
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October 23, 2015 - Issue 27
Exploring The Great Outdoors With summer fast approaching Penrith Day Program took advantage of the recent hot weather exploring the great outdoors with a day out to the beach as part of their community engagement program. The new program aims to provide our clients the opportunity to socially interact with their community and experience new places. The clients loved the opportunity to get out amongst the public and even had time to go for a swim before finishing the day treating themselves with fish and chips. As you can see from the smiles in the photo to the right everyone who attended enjoyed their day in the nice spring weather. This is another great example of how AFFORD are devoted to growing our ‘day out’type activites. We look forward to hosting many more upcoming outdoor adventures for our clients in the future.
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In this Selfie Above: Penrith Day Program Team Leader Karen Parker and Lifestyle assistants Joseph Munoz and Suzie Bazika.
Please send in your selfies
Pictured above: Clients enjoying the great weather at the beach.
Have a laugh