THE launch of a day service will create new opportunities for Melton residents with a disability. The Mambourin service, at The Gap in Graham Street, opened yesterday.
It promotes independent living by offering employment, education and training services to adults with a disability through cooking and leadership classes, and working on social skills.
Disability instructor Jasna Cvitkovic says the new day service will benefit residents aged over 18 with highly individualised assistance.
“They choose what they want to do,” she says. “We’re teaching them skills to make them more independent and improve their lives.
“We help them create a personal centred plan and they decide which direction their lives will go.”
Ms Cvitkovic, who has worked with people with a disability for more than a decade, says she enjoys helping them achieve their goals.
“A person we support, their goal was to work four days a week. When he did, it was so good for him. It’s most rewarding to see people reaching what they’ve set out to achieve.
“To see them so happy, to see their independence build when they know their rights is awesome.”
Ms Cvitkovic says for some people, goals can include using public transport effectively or working towards finding suitable employment.
She said some Mambourin people had an acquired brain injury or had suffered illnesses such as meningitis, while others had a disability at birth.
The Gap’s co-founder, Val Turner, said the day service added to the foundations of existing youth services by reaching even more people in need.
The day service is open five days from 9am-3pm with respite provided on Saturdays.
“We are delighted to partner with The Gap to make use of their facilities during the day supporting adults with disability in the Melton area,” Mambourin chief executive Rohan Braddy said. “Melton is growing rapidly and there’s huge demand for community services so we are pleased to do our part.”
Mambourin also has sites in Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine, Braybrook, Deer Park and Altona. Details: mambourin.org
