10 September 2020
The CommBank Foundation has gifted OC Connections one of 1,000 Centenary Grants valued at $10,000 in recognition of the centre’s work in the field of intellectual disability. A cheque was presented to Board Chair, Peter Willcocks, and volunteer, Alyson in early August.
The grant will contribute to OC Connection’s Achieve Fund to provide specialist training, equipment and supports for our participants to attain the skills they need to gain employment, access activities in the community and enjoy the variety of life experiences that most people take for granted.
This grant is a significant boost to our Achieve Fund, it will provide meaningful supports – that are currently unfunded – to help our participants reach their personal goals and aspirations.
Therese Desmond, CEO
In addition to the financial support, staff from CommBank’s Chadstone Branch will volunteer at OC Connections one day per week over six months to assist in supporting participants in our art studio and healthy cooking classes. OC Connections have already welcomed CommBank’s Chadstone Branch Manager, Anna Tschurtz, and Customer Service Specialist, Krystal Ricardo, to the art studio, where they have worked with participants to produce mosaic masterpieces.
We wanted to show our commitment to bettering the lives of the members of our community, and our appreciation for the amazing work that OC Connection does. This has been an amazing experience, in which we have met the most kind-hearted and giving individuals. Anna Tschurtz.
The CommBank volunteer program aims to assist charity, community groups and social enterprises achieve their goals. Such assistance is very welcome by OC Connections. Volunteers are an essential element to the OC Connections Community: working in our opportunity shop, assisting with our Christmas Tree drive and Golf Day, as well as supporting our clients in a range of activities and programs.
This financial and volunteer support from the Chadstone branch is greatly appreciated and strengthens the community bond between the two organisations.
The Australian Government will soon review the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission, including employment services and opportunities for people living with disability. Around 16,000 people living with disabilities work as Supported Employees across Australia. Working in Supported Employment makes a significant difference in the lives of people with disability – engaging in work helps […]
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The OC Art Space provides a welcoming, encouraging environment for participants to learn creative forms of self-expression. Living with intellectual and developmental disabilities can feel isolating, especially when your natural type of communication isn’t widely understood. That’s why support staff Renate, Rose, Michelle and Val have worked to build a strong foundation at OC Connections […]
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