The STEPS Work Mates program is partnering with the Rotary Club of Howrah to provide work experience for NDIS participants in Hobart.
The Rotary Club’s pre-loved bookshop in the Shoreline Plaza Shopping Centre is a fundraising initiative to fund community activities and sponsorships.
STEPS Regional Manager Anita Herbert spoke to the Rotary Club at their recent meeting, discussing the work STEPS does to facilitate employment opportunities for people living with disability and autism.
“I had the opportunity to share the STEPS Work Mates story and how important these opportunities are for our participants,” Ms Herbert said.
“The support we provide – helping them identify their goals, prepare for their job search, complete work experience, gain and maintain paid employment – allows our participants to live with more independence, purpose and joy.”
Numan Rasul, a STEPS Trainer and member of the Rotary Club of Howrah, suggested that the Rotary Club provides work experience to STEPS Work Mates participants in their bookshop.
“This kind of work experience is invaluable for our participants,” Mr Rasul said.
“They’ll get support from our STEPS Work Mates Trainers and the Rotary Club in a safe environment that contributes to community initiatives and causes. Like the Rotary Club, STEPS is a non-profit organisation which empowers individuals and communities, so I know our participants are excited to work hard and give back.”
For STEPS Work Mates participant Jack Cartwright, the bookstore is a dream come true. Mr Cartwright has expressed his interest in working with books since he began the Program and is incredibly enthusiastic about this opportunity.
The Rotary Club’s bookstore also sparked interest for fellow Work Mates participant, Matilda Maynard.
“Matilda has struggled to connect with any other work experience roles in the past,” Ms Herbert said.
“She’s found it difficult to come out of her shell and feel empowered to work, but this bookstore has almost completely shifted her point of view. Matilda has told the Work Mates team how excited she is to participate and take on these work experience shifts, which is a huge step for her. We couldn’t be prouder of Matilda and more grateful to the Rotary Club of Howrah for this opportunity.”
The Rotary Club of Howrah’s book shop is located in the Shoreline Plaza Shopping Centre. Customers can purchase pre-loved books from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
The store hosts a large range of fiction and non-fiction books in good condition, the vast majority of which are available for less than $5 each, and donations are welcomed.
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About STEPS Work Mates Program
The STEPS Work Mates program supports NDIS clients to build foundational employability skills and become work ready, and provides ongoing support to enable continued employment outcomes.
About STEPS
STEPS is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing training, employment, and community services. With a focus on creating inclusive and supportive communities, STEPS empowers individuals to achieve their full potential through a diverse range of innovative and accessible programs.
Contact details:
Colleen McMillan
Marketing & Communications Manager
colleenmc@stepsgroup.com.au
0487 095 674
