Grow 2 Be is a disability support day service making a difference.
Participants at the Pakenham-based service are offered a range of hands-on activities like art lessons, woodwork classes, and outings into the community on any given day.
They also have an opportunity to volunteer at a bunny refuge, a native-wildlife shelter and equine therapy, and are offered courses including a Certificate II in Animal Care, CPR, first aid, and everyday life skills courses.
“We offer days out, where we encourage our participants to choose and research places they want to go,” director Heidi Faber said.
“We are different in that we cater every part of our program to what our participants want to do, and what their specific interests are.
“They are in control of what happens, and we are teaching them life skills in the process.”
Among the highlights of Grow 2 Be’s achievements are some participants gaining employment through organised work placements.
“We love seeing our participants having the opportunity to live their best lives and achieve their goals,” Heidi says.
“We want to support them to have fun while learning and enriching their lives.
“Seeing our participants so excited and thriving drives us to continue our work. The smiles on their faces and the positive feedback from participants and their parents demonstrate how important our work is.”
The main goal for Grow 2 Be is to set up participants for a “bright and independent future”.
“This speaks to the heart of everything we do.”
Grow 2 Be is open 9am-3pm at 50 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham. Contact: heidi@grow2be.com.au