Testimonials
Employment
David & Jennifer
Australia Post HR Managers
“We were very impressed with John, so much so we offered him a permanent position. Employing John worked out very well; his work performance is at a level we are happy with, and he certainly fits in with our work culture. He is very committed to the job and sometimes comes in early to get himself prepared for the day. He also has a wonderful rapport with the drivers. John’s responsibilities are centred on streaming the mail into where it needs to go and identifying if there is express post items included that shouldn’t be there. He is an integral part of the process and it is important for us to get this part of the job right.
The support Open Minds has offered has been good. We have been able to seek advice from them and the result has been a very collaborative approach to supporting John. John has also been able to communicate his concerns through the right channels, making sure that no one party was left out. This is very important to us.”
Recelia
Dollars & Sense Manager
‘‘When a manager of a business usually thinks about employing someone with a disability they usually think about how challenging it might be to train that person. I have been employing clients of Open Minds for two years now and am very happy with the services they provide to my employees. With the support Open Minds has given me as an employer, we have now employed three of their clients and it has been made quite easy thanks to the passionate Employment Consultants there. If ever there was any issue we were having, we could always call on the Employment Consultant and they would help immediately. It has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”
Residential Support Services
Barry
26/12/62 – 1/4/2010
Open Minds Residential Service was privileged to have supported Barry for seven months before he sadly passed away in early 2010. Barry has Down syndrome and had lived with his parents in their family home all his life until transitioning into one of Open Minds co-tenanted homes in Doolandella. Barry’s sister, Jeanine describes Barry’s time with Open Minds.
‘‘When Mum got very sick and went to hospital and then a nursing home we were suddenly in a family crisis and it was particularly traumatic for Barry. We received emergency care at home for Barry through Disability Services. Then after considering some options we were fortunate to be introduced to Open Minds.
At first I worried that Barry would have difficulty in making the transition but it was empowering for him. He said to me, “I have my own house and my own stuff ’. He paid rent and had a telephone bill for the first time in his life. I was impressed with how Open Minds handled Barry’s transition into a house with two older men, who also required high-level support and care, right from the outset.
I introduced my own children to the people in Barry’s house which had some nice surprises. My 11 year old son loved to visit Barry and sometimes mowed their lawn and the fellows would all thank him and have a cup of tea together. It was a steep learning curve for us all, but I was so proud of how Barry managed the transition.
Open Minds helped Barry stay connected with his mother, supporting him to call her every night and visit her in the nursing home three times a week. I am so pleased we landed where we did. Without Open Minds supports, life would have been very difficult.
Your family member is someone you love and value, and knowing Barry was well cared for and happy was very reassuring and I was able to sleep at night.”