Happy World Down Syndrome Day
For over 35 years we have proudly been supporting people with disability to secure and maintain fulfilling employment. In honour of World Down Syndrome Day we are thinking about every Job Seeker and Worker with Down Syndrome we have supported on their journey to experience the power of employment. One individual who stands out is Jack Reeve, a terrific young man, who has maintained fulfilling and meaningful employment with The City of Bayswater for over 9 months.
We first met Jack when he participated in Edge’s Passport 2 Employment program, and he’s been putting smiles on our faces ever since. After Jack completed the Passport 2 Employment program he was determined to secure employment and registered with Edge as an eligible school leaver seeking paid employment. With Edge’s involvement and their own commitment to diversity, the City of Bayswater employed Jack as a Customer Service Trainee at Bayswater Waves. He assists patrons to use the gym and keeps the facilities equipment clean and tidy. More recently Jack has begun learning how to use the point-of-sale system.
Jack says “the best thing about working is the freedom and independence it gives me. Now that I’m working, I can see myself buying a house, getting married and being a Dad.”
Jack says the best thing about working at Bayswater Waves are the people; his supervisor Chris is ‘like a big brother to me’ and it’s ‘nice’ to have such a supportive employer. When asked what Jack would say to other people in a similar situation, he said “don’t be afraid to ask for help to find a job. I would recommend Edge because of their support; they’re nice people and they encourage you.”
We asked Chris what he would say to other employers thinking of taking on an employee with a disability and Chris passionately stated, “don’t hesitate.” We then asked about how the community and other employees have responded to Jack’s employment and Chris reported: “only just last week I saw three or four patrons chatting to Jack while he was working in the circuit room and two came up to me afterwards to give me feedback that Jack is doing a fantastic job and it’s great that the City of Bayswater has taken Jack on.”
It makes all of us at Edge so happy to see Jack thriving at Bayswater Waves!
If you too want to experience or help others experience the power of employment please don’t hesitate to contact us!