Building confident, capable young people
Damien is one of the young people benefitting from the Social Inclusion Program at The Salvation Army Tom Quinn Centre in Bundaberg, Queensland. (Photo courtesy of Bundaberg News Mail. Zach Hogg)
Like all too many of the young people who take part in The Salvation Army’s Tom Quinn Centre Social Inclusion Program (SIP), Damien arrived lacking confidence and could barely make eye contact.
Born with an intellectual disability, Damien had “a rough start in life,” says Tom Osborne, centre manager for Bundaberg’s Tom Quinn Centre.
With the support of the program, the once-withdrawn young man, who was still attending a local school for children with special needs began to undertake, and excel in, accredited courses at the centre in woodwork/furniture-making, environmental care and horticulture. As his confidence grew, he made friends and also became an enthusiastic volunteer.
This led to paid work opportunities after he finished school, and Tom laughs and says today Damien is “very” chatty, confident and capable.
Tthe Tom Quinn Social Inclusion Program – one of a range of programs at the centre – is helping 36 young people aged 15 to 17 with mild-to-moderate disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, to become confident and work-ready.
Participants spend two days of every school week onsite at the centre.
Program coordinator Moe Turaga believes the service is essential to young people who are seriously threatened with “falling through the gaps.”
“There is real hope for kids who may have disengaged from school and life,” says Mr Turaga.
“We want all our kids here to be equipped before they turn 18, either with accreditation, or with a level of confidence knowing that they can work effectively and be accepted.
“They have high-functioning skills, so they don’t fit normal disability programs, but they still have a disability. These kids struggle at school, then start acting out.”
In mid-2012, all funding to the program was frozen, then permanently cut, due to state government budget measures. The SIP was relaunched for 2013 with funding
from The Salvation Army Individual Lifestyle Support Service (SAILSS) disability support service. The centre, in partnership with SAILLS, is now looking to acquire funding for the 2014 course and is working to become self-sufficient.
In part through the generosity of bequest funding to The Salvation Army, an ‘enterprise centre’ was developed, which includes plant nursery, retail outlet and café. The enterprise centre offers work training, work experience and income for the service.
To help build confidence, work skills and community links, the service has also taken on a number of post-Bundaberg flood volunteer jobs. It has also won tenders to form a partnership with regional housing providers to undertake ongoing flood cleanup and replanting.
Moe says the students love the practical side of the flood cleanup and replanting.
“Many struggle with the theory, but (like Damien) they excel at the practical stuff,” he says.
“The program is very effective, and for many it has led to a much better attendance at school as well. It really does work!”
Comments
Thank you a God for using this program and staff to transform lives.