Member Story
The Community Inclusion (ATE) program is is an individualised, one-to-one support program in which we work with individuals, their family and other supports to develop and implement a tailored individual plan that will seek to expand networks, get people actively involved in their community and create lifelong opportunities.
Kristy Macnamara, the Community Inclusion Program Manager shares a story about Kate:
We met with Kate and her family in a series of planning sessions. In these, Kate shared with us that she is a country girl who moved to the city and loves animals. From these identifed interests, we started to research opportunities for volunteer roles in animals shelters.
We found that Kaarakin, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre, had volunteering opportunities. We had conversations with Kaarakin General Manager Chris who met with Kate and her Community Inclusion Officer to identify potential roles that Kate could be involved in.
When Kate started her volunteer role at Kaarakin, she worked closely with another employee. He was able to support Kate to learn her new role, teaching and encouraging her to do things that were both new and familiar to her.
Kate was able to build her confidence and learned to drive the off road vehicle to carry the animal feed around the Centre.
Kate was also given the opportunity to take part in assisting Kaarakin to identify which Kangaroos were going to be released back into the bush after rehabilitation.
During her time with Kaarakin, Kate developed important skills in learning from others and meeting and connecting with people who share her passion. It has lead to Kate wanting to seek employment working in other areas with animals, and we think she has a bright future ahead of her.
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