Staff Matters 42

Staff Matters

February 19, 2016 - Issue 42 Week 34

Afford Leaps Into Expo Season

In this Issue Page 1 •Afford Leaps Into Expo Season

Page 2 • Staff Profile • Pita Dishes Up His Dreams

Page 3 • Afford Employment Rated 5 Star Performers •Meet Our New Staff Members

Page 4 Our newly branded and decorated expo table has been the talk of the town recently, catching the eyes of everyone who walks by.

The bright colours and themes have received plenty of positive feedback from on-goers who are mesmorised by the new layout and greeted by our equally as bright coloured staff members.

The eye-catching table above features new banners, table cloths, info books, and some great Afford merchandise giveaways including hats, yo-yo’s and lollies.

Our new branding has been a huge success since officially rolling out in December and has seen a number of changes take place including van rebranding, new signs around our sites and now expo material. Keep an eye out for more great changes coming up in the near future!

T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au

• Chipping Norton’s Day At The Beach • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh

AFFORD Fact In 2014, new Day Programs opened at Lurnea.

New Transition to Work site opened at Riverstone.

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February 19, 2016 - Issue 42

Staff Profile

Pita Dishes Up His Dreams

Kathy Bullock

Team Leader Green Valley Day Program Favourite Song: Any song I can dance to Favourite Movie: The blind side Favourite Hobbies: Collecting and drinking good wine Favourite Foods: Seafood- esp curry crab or fresh lobster If you could be an animal what would you be: A pampered puppy What is your dream holiday destination: Cruising the mediterranean

Pita Aupaau registered with Afford Employment Blacktown in May 2015 with Employment Consultant Joelle Kordahi, to motivate and assist him with ongoing health issues, to take the initial steps to look for work.

If you had the power what would you change about the world: Peoples tolerance for different cultures, religious beliefs, sexuality, ect- acceptance

Pita is very passionate about food. He is a qualified chef wanting to obtain employment within the hospitality industry.

What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: My daughter for allowing me to come and witness the birth of my granddaughter Layla and I got to cut the cord (her partner wimped out)

Pita battled cancer since 2013 and was given the all clear in 2015. After defeating his battle with cancer Pita felt depleted and unable to persue his goal of obtaining a career within the hospitality industry.

Pita worked with his consultant, Joelle, on work preparation activities including building his motivation towards employment, researching potential job opportunities, developing resumes and cover letters that target specific roles, completing effective job applications and developing his job interview skills.

If you had to teach something what would you teach: Acceptance

With ongoing support from his consultant, Joelle, Pita was able to obtain secure employment over the past 3 months as a Sou Chef in a reputable cafĂŠ in Western Sydney, where he not only manages the kitchen but also contributes to redeveloping the menu.

Something no one knows about me: I have dance in the Mardi Gras twice

Pita’s new found determination and motivation is plain to see when he works and now aspires to grow further within the hospitality industry and is particularly interested in moving into events and tourism.

Staff Matters

February 19, 2016 - Issue 42

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Afford Employment Rated 5 Star Performers

Afford Employment continue to produce exceptional employment outcome. The Department of Social Services recently released a star rating evaluation of all Disability Employment providers nationally for the period of December 2015. Afford rated strongly achieving an average star rating of 4.25 out of a possible 5 stars across our 4 sites.

We are delighted to share that our 2 highest performers were Bankstown and Fairfield who achieved a 5 star rating, followed by Liverpool who was rated at 4 stars, closely followed by Blacktown who achieved a 3 star rating. Each of our 4 sites displayed growth and improved on their previous performances.

Working in the DES sector can be rewarding and challenging, each client brings along a unique range of skills as well as personal and employment barriers. Consultants work with clients to address barriers, build a client’s sense of self-worth and confidence whilst assisting clients to improve their vocational skills. Job matching and post placement support are integral to achieving ongoing employment success for our clients.

Congratulations DES team�

Meet Our New Staff Members We would like to give a warm welcome to the following new staff members joining our Afford team: Jodie Napolitano- Casual Lifestyle Assistant, Sunny Jain- Telemarketer Ruby Marriage- Telemarketer Emma Roache- Raffles Administrator Carla McKinnon- Part time Lifestyle Assistant Tracy Lamont- Casual Lifestyle Assistant Nicole Proud- Telemarketer Patrick Rooney- Telemarketer We are very pleased to be welcoming them to Afford and look forward to working with you all!

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February 19, 2016 - Issue 42

Chipping Norton’s Day At The Beach The day began sitting at the table deciding where to explore on this beautiful sunny day for our Adventure Program, someone mentioned the word “beach” and immediately, everyone’s eyes lit up and light bulbs appeared above everyone’s head. CRONULLA it is then, the excitement couldn’t be contained, so everyone rushed to the vans to hit the road.

Chipping Norton Day Program arrived with many stimulating sensory elements to be explored, the fresh air and sea breeze, cooling water on our feet, but above all, the favourite was definitely the warm sand, not only between our clients toes, but all over their legs, arms, and of course all over their hands from building sand castles.

It was a sad moment when the time was noticed to head back to site, although when arriving back, we experienced just as much excitement telling everyone about their adventure day, and course, pre planning their next visit!

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In this Selfie Above: Staff member Tristan Owen with his selfie stick.

Please send in your selfies

Have a laugh