Photos from Cam Can's post

Tenille – Growing from strength to strength! I am 33 years old and live in Bridgetown with my Dad, Ralph, who is the local butcher. I am a very happy person who has many friends and I enjoy various activities including arts, crafts, singing, dancing and playing netball. I am quite popular around town, if I do say so myself, as I am social and also volunteer at several places, including the local Op Shop and Costume Magic. While these volunteering positions began with support staff, I am now skilled enough to continue working on my own. I have been concentrating on improving my reading skills, as I also volunteer at Stepping Stones Child Care Centre and I now enjoy reading stories to the kids, as well as helping out in other activities. I have been working hard to strengthen my independent living skills and my family has seen a huge improvement since I joined Cam Can. This began by organising my own birthday party, including sending out invitations, making my own decorations and then choosing games, music and a healthy menu that went along with the Hawaiian theme. The party was a huge success and enjoyed by all, especially me. I am developing a routine for many household tasks to maintain a clean and tidy home and with a little encouragement I am now doing the dishes, sweeping, washing my clothes and keeping the bathroom and toilet clean. I also take care of my vegetable garden, including weeding and planting new vegetables that are in season. I enjoy cooking a wide range of healthy meals that I proudly present to my Dad when he comes home from work. I enjoy demonstrating my enhanced knife skills and can now confidently put a meal together from items I have in the fridge, pantry or from my own vegetable garden. I have demonstrated such an improvement in my independent living skills that my Dad is comfortable to take a two week holiday on his own (I hope he will be ok!). Something my family tells me they are also very proud of is that I have made a huge improvement in connecting with people. I have learnt how to use my new IPad for sending emails (including attaching photos I have taken) and then responding when people email me. I am also much more confident in using my mobile phone and will now call people when I need to, as well as send text messages and reply to messages I receive. I am really looking forward to continuing to grow and achieve my goals!

Service Coordinator Cam Can is currently seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic person to fill the role of Service Coordinator based in Perth. The successful applicant will have strong values, excellent interpersonal, time management skills and be a self-motivated person who enjoys being a valued member of a team, where you will need to have the ability to utilise your initiative and problem solving skills. Service Coordinators have considerable autonomy and are responsible for effective service delivery and quality outcomes for our members. Interested In Applying? Your Application should consist of the following components: • A current CV; • A cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and experience in service coordination, person centred thinking, staff management and quality outcomes. A generous salary will be negotiated dependent on previous experience and displayed competencies. Cam Can offer staff the option of a salary packaging. For queries or to request additional information (including a full job description), please email marlena@camcan.org.au or contact on 0402 324 549 Completed applications should be returned to: marlena@camcan.org.au Or posted to: Marlena Balducci Cam Can PO Box 7108 Applecross WA 6153 Applications close COB 03/11/16

Operations Manager Cam Can is currently seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic person to fill the role of Operations Manager based in Perth. The successful applicant will have strong values, excellent interpersonal, time management skills and be a self-motivated person who enjoys being a valued member of a team, where you will need to have the ability to utilise your initiative and problem solving skills. Operations Managers have considerable autonomy and are responsible for effective service delivery and quality outcomes for members and manage a team of Service Coordinators. Interested In Applying? Your Application should consist of the following components: • A current CV; • A cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and experience in service coordination, person centred thinking, staff management and quality outcomes. A generous salary will be negotiated dependent on previous experience and displayed competencies. Cam Can offer staff the option of a salary packaging. For queries or to request additional information (including a full job description). Please email marlena@camcan.org.au or contact 0402 324 549 Completed applications should be returned to: marlena@camcan.org.au Or posted to: Marlena Balducci Cam Can PO Box 7108 Applecross WA 6153 Applications close COB 3/10/16

Photos from Cam Can's post

Blake's story My name is Blake and I have a passion for animals. I have always had an interest in farming and wildlife. I volunteered at Darling Range for several years prior to gaining a place at Harvey agricultural college. I completed years 11 and 12 at the college and it was a proud moment for me and my family when I graduated. I now have a job where I spend time tending to animals and also building and maintaining farm structures. I have learnt a lot from working and my job also gives me opportunities to pursue my passion of rescuing injured and orphaned wildlife, foremost joeys. I have been involved in this for about 4 years and personally caring for the animals myself for 2 years. To date I have cared for around 12 joeys, as well as 2 bandicoots! I have even created my own not-for-profit business selling marsupial pouches, liners and cuddlers. I make the pouches myself with a sewing machine and send them to other animal carers all over the place, even as far as the USA. To date I have had over 90 orders! Here is the link to my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MarsupialPouchLinersandCuddlers/ In the coming year, my goal is to study veterinary nursing at TAFE. I hope to specialise in Australian wildlife and continue to care for vulnerable animals. Here are some photos of me, my pouches and some of my gorgeous joeys.

Photos from Cam Can's post

Bianca's Craft Bianca has a strong interest in craft work. She has tried her hand at many different interests but machine sewing is a particular passion. She has recently been using her skills and creative flair to make crafts which she sells. This started small with a stall at a local school fete selling Christmas decorations. Bianca has been researching different craft techniques and finding a whole lot of inspiration in recent months. These new ideas have led to her expanding the range of items she is making. Her most recent stall was at the Ballajura Community Fair. This was a great success earning many admiring comments and sales. Most of her profits are reinvested into new materials. Bianca is now exploring new ways she can let people know of her crafts and how they can be purchased. She hopes to continue to build on her personal passion. Possibly a FACEBOOK page could be on its way.

Timeline Photos

Joe at Foodbank Over the last year I have searched for work with assistance from my mentor. I have never been successful in getting a job that suits me and this has made me sad as I like to make a contribution to society. Recently I started looking for volunteer work and was having no luck until I saw a story about Foodbank on the TV. Foodbank provide a great service and help a lot of people so I suggested to my mentor we ask them if they need a couple of strong and hard working volunteers. We have just completed our first day of a 5 week trial. We worked really hard and demonstrated very high productivity. The supervisors were impressed with my work ethic and attitude. I met some lovely people and felt so satisfied that I had been helpful to others. Here is a photo of me on my first day.

Timeline Photos

Hello my name is Tony. I am a 61 year old man with Cerebral Palsy; I have lived and/or worked in human services since I was 18 months old. As a baby I was institutionalised until I was 17, it was like a prison, we had no right, possessions or control. When I finally broke out of the system I went and lived with my parents in Bunbury. Imagine being 17 in a rural town with very little life skills and knowledge of the real work. I had to overcome many obstacles and fight hard to get my high school and university education, but I did it. I was always wanting to do everything myself, I wanted to be independent and be the only person in control of my destiny. After Uni I entered the workforce straight away, where I worked in Rehab, Aged Care and Education for 27 years. I have been married, I have a beautiful daughter and together we lived independently as a family. I think not asking for external support and relying too much on my family was the strain that grew and ultimately led to our break up. But don’t worry we are still very good friends. It was being forced to live independently that pushed me back into the human service land. After being with several agencies that lacked the resource I required, I met Bridget and got involved with Cam Can just over two years ago. It was at a time in my life where I was very fearful that I was going to be institutionalised again. But thankfully I met Bridget who along with her team, took my rather limited funding and used it to keep me afloat. Last year Bridget could see that I was struggling and with sheer determination got enough funding for me to live comfortably and in my own home. Cam Can has all the services I could require and when I look back 40 odd years ago to the way people with disabilities were treated and how now I can live with dignity, rights, and possessions and have control of my future, it’s amazing how much it has all changed. I am a part of the values training session Cam Can conducts for new support workers and I know that Cam Can’s values come from the right place. The CEOs Anthea and Marc have made sure that this organisation has all the realistic and well-meaning goals that their own family would expect from a service provider. I have flexibility with Cam Can, if I have a problem or want to change a support worker; all it takes is a phone call, if I have an issue with anything, all it takes is a phone call. I am no longer looking down the barrel of a nursing home, and with the support of Cam Can I am going to be able to pursue my new goal in finding volunteer or paid work and helping my local community.

Ali’s Artistic Connection with Community In May 2012, my daughter Alison was granted Intensive Family Support funding and we started building supports around her. My plan was to make her days happy and rich, getting out and about enjoying great activities and following her many interests. My decision to transfer Alison to Cam Can was one of the better decisions I’ve made. Alison had been with the centre-based service providers since she left school at 18, so this transition was a huge step to take. I was apprehensive as to how Alison would adjust. She took it all in her stride and has thrived in her new environment. It was slow to start; during the first year we tried a few different activities till we found our current mix. Alison attends Thornlie leisure Complex for swimming and a spa on Mondays and Wednesdays. She also withdraws her weekly budgeting money from the bank and goes for a train ride and does some Op shopping and also some household grocery shopping. Tuesdays Alison attends an Art Class at Bentley and buys a milkshake for morning tea from a café at Belmont Shopping Centre. She also does grocery shopping. Thursdays she attends Mundaring Sharing where she does a Beading or Mosaic class, then she goes to midland to do grocery or Op shopping. Fridays she goes to Men of the Trees as a volunteer. She has lunch at a café of her choice in Kalamunda, then buys flowers from the local florist and has a milkshake at a café in the main street. Saturdays she does her weekly budgeting, beauty care with a manicure and pedicure. Then she goes out to lunch at a café of her choice. Sundays she goes out for morning tea to local cafes. So all in all she has a full schedule. What I like about Cam Can is the flexibility it offers, with weekend and public holidays covered rather than just school hours. One of the spin-offs for Alison is that she has really blossomed now and she has one-on-one support within the community. Ali has made friends with the local florist, and the ladies in her beading group and Art Class. The staff in the local cafes where she buys her milk shakes and lunches look forward to seeing her each week. She also enjoys a rapport with her hairdresser who allowed Alison to put a sign up and sell her hand made bangles from her store. Ali is also getting to know the girls in the chemist where she picks up her medication. Alison has also benefitted from her holidays away from home since starting with Cam Can. She has enjoyed many weekends and weekly stays at Anytime Accommodation at Karnup. During the early days Alison had weekends away with her support workers and she would refuse to put her pyjamas on, so the support worker coerced her with a bribe “if you put your pyjamas on we’ll let you paint a bangle with your nail polish.’ Well that has created a craft in its own right. Alison now paints bangles on a weekly basis and is very clever with her colour choices. She buys bangles at the Op Shops and has had nail polish donated to her from friends in the community. Alison holds a stall each year at the Men of the Trees Festival in the September. She sells the bangles, bracelets and necklaces she has made in her beading class at Mundaring Sharing, plus a few paintings from her Art class. As you can see her community access has had some terrific results. She has been accepted in her community and is now looking forward to moving into her own accommodation, with the Cam Can support, in Carlisle. Cam Can have been unwavering in their support for me, particularly when I found myself in an emergency situation with my son who suffers from Drug and Alcohol addiction. I can’t speak highly enough of the support they have afforded me. I recently had a fall while walking my dog and hurt my shoulder. Cam Can helped out with support workers in the evenings for a week until I recovered enough to care for Alison again. So Ali’s journey continues to go from strength and I’m looking forward to our future in a mother-and-daughter relationship without the responsibility of being a full time carer. Alison is looking forward to celebrating her 40th birthday next March in her own home. I would like to extend a big thank you to Anthea, Marc and staff, and also to all the ‘Beautiful’ support workers from Alison and myself Lena

Some recent Feedback from one of our many valued Members and her Family Hi Lynn and Cam Can team, Sincere thanks to all you dear people for caring for our Corrina and allowing her to feel Safe and Secure. Thank you also for allowing Corrina to be 'Corrina'. Corrina has grown so much in every way since having Cam Can care for her . (9.10.2015) There are no words in any Dictionary to describe our thanks. Corrina is a magnificent Human Being and all in Cam Can Team have recognised this. Corrina's ipad is going to give her opportunities we never imagined. Thank you Lynn for organising this wonderful tool for Corrina. Thanks too to all of Corrina's friends for giving her the opportunity to use it Lynn, Gillian, Gidon, Grace, Leigh, Siew, Rejoice and Eleisha our sincere thanks. Our regards Robert, Karyn, Kenn and Tena , Bruce and Cassie, and Jennifer

Timeline Photos

Helen’s Story My name is Helen. Since the beginning 2011 I met Marc and Anthea. My goals have been a dancing career, singing, modelling and go out with my Carer Michelle. My favourite television show is My Kitchen Rules, The Voice and Dancing with the Stars. I have met my favourite television stars from Home and Away, My Kitchen Rules and House Rules at the Telethon weekends at the Watertown. I also met some stars at the Crab Festival in Mandurah. My other goals which I have achieved are sewing, mini golf, barista course, horse riding and many other events. My volunteer work is amazing at the Fremantle Salvo store my responsibility is the jewellery needs to tidy, organise and put more stock on the display and I have made many new friends while I’m working there. I hope I can make my own story it could change my life forever.

Photos from Cam Can's post

Joe’s Story I have been a valued member of the Cam Can family for more than 1 year. During this time Cam Can has matched me with passionate people who support my interests in live music, motor sports, cooking and keeping fit. I’ve managed to lose a few kilos over the last year . In the summer I like to walk in the pool and then relax in the spa and sauna at my local community gym. As it gets colder I prefer to keep warm by doing weights, always followed by a coffee of course! My favourite place to go for coffee is the Fig Café in Scarborough. It’s great to look out to the ocean and watch people swimming and surfing. In the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to see Pink, Cold Chisel, Queen, Cirque du Soleil and Robbie Williams. It’s been great to explore the big entertainment venues in Perth and meet new people in the crowd. Through the assistance of Cam Can I am able to enjoy holidays with my mentor in Bali each year. It is well worth saving for and has become a tradition that is the highlight of my social calendar! My favourite activity would have to be relaxing in the pool whilst chatting with the other guests. Some of the people I have met in Bali have become my friends. We connect on Facebook and meet up regularly here in Perth. Last month we went for breakfast at Nicholson’s Bar and Grill. This month we had dinner and dancing at the Maltese club in Bassendean. We call ourselves the ‘Bali Bunch’ and plan to holiday together in Bali next year. I also have friends in Melbourne that I met in Bali. Last year we were invited to visit them in Melbourne. We went to a footy game at the MCG with them and they showed us around their beautiful city. My long-term goal is to live independently in my own house with the support of Cam Can. My mentor and support workers are helping me gain the skills I will need to achieve this goal. We have a lot of fun too and I look forward to every day.

Timeline Photos

Sonia – A Bright Future Sonia is a cheerful young woman who lives in the Lower South West with her family. Sonia is nearing the completion of her Certificate of General Education at the local Tafe and likes to spend time with her family and friends and in her spare time enjoys craft and keeping fit by working out at the local recreation centre. Prior to commencing support with Cam Can in March 2015 Sonia and her family had some concerns surrounding previous support arrangements and elected to transfer to Cam Can. Sonia and her family felt that they were not being listened to and that the supporting agency was directing supports in a way that was not aligned with the family’s values or the stated goals of the plan. When first meeting with Cam Can developing a partnership was really important and the ability to be involved in the planning and setting of goals alongside their coordinator, along with good communication were essential elements in selecting the right supports for Sonia. Sonia and her family immigrated to Australia approximately 10 years ago from Singapore and the family have high expectations for Sonia. Sonia is clear that she wants to work like other young women her age, have a career and save for and enjoy the good things in life. In this regard Sonia and her family wanted Sonia’s plan to be focussed on meaningful employment outcomes that would allow Sonia to develop as an individual and provide her with opportunities to learn and develop new skills, friendships and responsibilities. Upon sitting down with Sonia and her parents to find out where Sonia’s strengths were and what areas of employment Sonia would like to focus upon we found out that Sonia had gained some skills and knowledge around administration and business. After chatting with the lecturer and Sonia further it was identified that Sonia’s skills in administration were reasonable well-honed but Sonia lacked some confidence in dealing with unpredictable situations and customer service. An approach to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Shire was made by the coordinator seeking further voluntary work experiences and after attending an interview, Sonia was accepted to work in the planning department and also as part of the Executive team. Sonia’s role include scanning documents into the computer and attaching them to planning submissions, classifying photos, data entry including working with MYOB and general office tasks. After some initial obstacles were overcome, Sonia has got down to work and has now developed great working relationships with other members of the team. Sonia is very enthusiastic about her work and feels a great sense of pride dressing in her office clothes and going off to work. Sonia also enjoys the prestige of working within the Executive team including the Personal Assistant to the Mayor. Sonia’s goals for the future are to continue to develop new skills in the workplace by gaining further work opportunities in Margaret River. Ideally Sonia would like to build up enough skills so that she can then begin to market her abilities to businesses in Margaret River that require set administration tasks to be completed. The aim is to create a micro-business where Sonia can provide very specific administrative services to business in the Margaret River area and the next steps include writing a business plan and marketing plan for her business. Sonia has made a great start towards achieving her goals and certainly has a bright future ahead of her.