‘Reach Ability’ New name for Wexford’s premier empowering organisation for those with an intellectual disability

In a major move, CWCW (County Wexford Community Workshop) has changed its name to ‘Reach Ability’. County Wexford Community Workshop Enniscorthy is in existence since 1975 and for almost half a century has helped thousands of people with disabilities to live independent, fulfilling lives.

The organisation has always been pioneering, innovative and forward-thinking – traits also ingrained in the founder of the organisation, Fr. Tony Scallan.

To remain progressive and in listening to feedback from service users, County Wexford Community Workshop has undergone a change of name and rebrand and is now known as Reach Ability.

The mission of the organisation is to enable and empower people with disabilities to live the life of their choice to their utmost potential. No longer just a place where people go to work, it was felt that a new, dynamic name was needed to accurately reflect the activity of the organisation’s whole community. Developing the new name was a collaborative process with key stakeholders of the organisation. Trevor Jacob, CEO, commented, “Helping people to be as independent as possible is what our organisation is all about. That journey is different for everyone and not just achieved through work. Independence can be reached by gaining employment but also by attending vocational training or finding new social groups or learning simple everyday life skills. It was felt that ‘community workshop’ was underselling the offering of our organisation and the vast personal achievements that those who use our services reach every day. Reach Ability portrays these individual journeys and the sense of achievement and joy of attaining personal fulfilment in that person’s life, whatever shape that may take.”

In 1975, a team of volunteers led by Fr. Tony Scallan formed County Wexford Community Workshop. His aim was to develop a work programme for adults with disabilities. The service came into being in the old band room of St. Patrick’s Boys Club in Enniscorthy under the helm of Maureen O’Dwyer, offering services to six adults.

As the years passed, more services were introduced, such as Government assisted employment schemes and Intuition vocational training programmes. The mission evolved from being purely employment focused, to one of empowering each person to live the life of their choice and achieve personal fulfilment. This journey is unique for every- one and can involve everything from learning life skills and providing social outlets; to providing educational and career opportunities. The final destination, however, is common to everybody –reaching full potential and a sense of fulfilment.

Reach Ability is now one of the southeast’s largest providers of services to children and adults with an intellectual disability and their families. The service now provides a range of supports to over 230 people, from early childhood to older age. 240 staff are employed and there is also a team of dedicated volunteers. Day, Residential, Respite, Vocational Training and Childcare Services are now provided in 15 locations around County Wexford, from Bunclody to Castlebridge, and Bree to Monageer, with a large concentration in Enniscorthy town itself. These are all valuable services meeting the needs of individuals in their own communities.

Reach Ability has three social enterprises that support the organisation, Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant, Astro Active Centre and Bellefield Design picture framing and gift shop. The names of these enterprises remain unchanged but they also have a fresh new look. “Our social enterprises are integral to the success of what we offer,” says Trevor.

“While they provide vital resources for employment, training and work experience for people who use our services, they are also commercial ventures in their own right, serving the wider community. Kilcannon Garden Centre, on the outskirts of Enniscorthy, is the closest garden centre to the town and is very busy as a result. It has a very busy restaurant that is very popular and well supported by the local community. Bellefield Design has gained a strong reputation for picture framing and recently has added a range of complementary gift ideas. It also showcases the work of local artists. The Astro Active Centre is now a vast sports complex with a vibrant gym membership, full sized basketball arena and café facilities. Outside, there is a public looped walk, outdoor gym equipment, and clubs and groups travel from across the province to use the full size AstroTurf pitch and facilities.”

A new website has been launched as part of the rebrand strategy. Comprehensive information on each of the social enterprises, along with their online shops is also available. Visit www reachability.ie

And on Facebook, search:

‘Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant’, ‘Bellefield Design’ and ‘Astro M Active’ n