From the Grow 2 Be Team …
We’ve started this year with a bang! Our program is so busy, with so many new and exciting experiences. Grow 2 Be is shaking things up this year by running a fortnightly program instead of the usual weekly program, offering more opportunities for growth. Thank you to everyone who continues to support Grow 2 Be—families and support staff alike.
We are dedicated to offer further work experience opportunities, and we are partnering with Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed where our participants can learn café skills, incorporating cooking, baking and service, as well as Ronald McDonald House Charity.
There are so many new and exciting opportunities on offer to our participants. We strive to ensure that everyone has a personalised program suited to their goals which focus on their emerging skills, abilities and interests.
Work Experience …
Our work experience opportunity at Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed started this term, where participant’s will be assisting Chef Keith in preparing and serving lunch to local residents. It’s been such a fruitful experience, and we can’t wait to extend our work experience opportunity at the Men’s Shed throughout the year.
Amber has been doing work experience at Officer Bakehouse since the end of last year, supporting the bakery by refilling bottles and fridges, cleaning dishes, packing away dishes and learning how to make coffees. She’s been having a blast and learning so much about the hospitality industry.
Meagan, Nik, Ben, Patrick, Paul and Shania have started work experience at Johnny Boys Pizza in Keysborough, and we have many more participants excited to continue work experience here! They have spent their days preparing dough by mixing the ingredients together, weighing and forming balls and stretching them onto trays, folding the boxes, grating cheese using the industrial grater. And even better—they get to make their own yummy pizza for lunch!
Ronald McDonald House Charity Volunteering …
We’ve recently entered into a partnership at Ronald McDonald House Charity, where our volunteering has started by making chocolate chip cookies to be stored and kept at the venue for the families of patients staying at the adjacent Monash Hospital. We are excited to further grow our cooking skills, as we foster our empathy and compassion. It is so important for everyone to remain mindful of those that have fallen on hard times, and we can sometimes lose sight of how fortunate we are. At Grow 2 Be we want to ensure that our participants are mindful of others and compassionate to their situation.
Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House affords our participants the opportunity to think about others and support those who are in desperate need. It is such an amazing opportunity and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.
Cruise to Kangaroo Island …
It’s always such a pleasure to see everyone and step outside their comfort zone and embrace experiences and build their social, problem solving and independence skills.
DAY 1—Embarkation
Once boarded on the P&O Pacific Explorer, we were off having a swim in the pool and exploring the boat.
Day 2—At Sea
Due to the weather, a couple of people were not having the best day, but we made the most out of it! We spent the day doing archery, trivia, game shows, braving the spa and enjoying some sketching. It was Gatsby Dress Up Night, and we had dinner at the Italian restaurant on board.
Day 3—Kangaroo Island
We had three different groups today as we all chose to participate in different activities on the island.
Two were off on the Kangaroo Island Tasting and Tempting Tour, where they took a tour bus around the island, visiting the Emu Ridge, the Emu Cape Lavender Farm, the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Company and Kingscote.
Another group were on another tour that went to Pelican Lagoon, Flinders Chase National Park, Cape du Casuarina Lighthouse, the Seal Bay and the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery.
Our last group were off on a Marine Seal Tour, where they learnt all about the seals and the Cove.
After they all returned to the boat, they enjoyed activities such as the flying fox, swimming and the water slide. Paul entered a bean bag throwing competition, winning a 1st place medal! Dinner was had before enjoying rock climbing and other activities around the boat.
Day 4—At Sea
Friday was slow and easy since everyone had a big day at Kangaroo Island the day before. After a late breakfast, they enjoyed trivia, laser tag, game shows, pool adventures, sketching, and the flying fox. The day ended with Karaoke as Paul became famous on the boat for his singing skills.
Day 5—Disembarkation
And so all good things come to an end… We took our last few photos before heading off the boat.
Learner’s License …
We’ve taken some time to learn more about road safety for those who aim to get their learner’s licence. We practice the test online and always look for a reason to talk about road safety, even if we’re just out and about.
Everyone is learning so much, including lifelong skills, boosting confidence, and becoming more aware of road safety – both as a pedestrian and as a future driver.
Building and Construction …
We’ve started a Building and Construction Level One class at Dandenong Community & Learning Centre.
This course will broaden the participants knowledge in relation to tools, safety signs, and other work health and safety concepts. We’ve also learnt about centimetres, millimetres, metres and how to convert between the three. Our last lesson was all about house plans and how to interpret bird’s eye view layouts, as well as how to calculate area and perimeter.
These classes have been so beneficial to improving our math skills as well as working towards our practical knowledge for woodwork. We have been having so much fun, but it’s definitely hard work! It’s so amazing seeing our participants grow their knowledge and start to really understand the finer details of the work they have been doing with Tim and Ian over the past two years. We are so proud of everyone for their determination!
Cert II in Animal Care …
Students who enrolled in Term 3 of 2023 are on track to complete their studies by the middle of this year, and we’re working hard to keep smashing through units.
As highlighted in our newsletter later on, a substantial part of our weekly schedule is dedicated to volunteering at various animal care facilities. This not only contributes to student’s placement hours but also enables us to apply their acquired skills in practical scenarios, reinforcing the hands-on application of our learning model.
Creative Workshops …
At Emerald Community House we have been participating in creative workshops, including pottery, and glass art classes this term. In pottery, we have made bowls, monster cups and egg cups, and in glass art we learnt how to cut glass and make jewellery.
At Brand New Day we’ve participated in a flower arranging class, where we made beautiful Easter wreaths and our toy making class also at Brand New Day is making a pirate ship.
These activities have proven to be not only enjoyable but also exceptionally creative, providing participants with the opportunity to problem solve while unleashing their inner artistic side. Witnessing these masterpieces come to life each week has been a source of joy for all of us. We eagerly anticipate continuing our creative workshops, where we aim to further refine and showcase our creative talents.
Equine Therapy …
Our participants continue in the transformative experience with Equine Therapy at Jabulani Sanctuary. The distinctive program revolves around interacting with horses to develop emotional awareness, establishing a link between the learnt concepts and skills and their practical application in daily life.
Throughout the sessions of this term, our emphasis has been on crucial elements, including conducting comprehensive health assessments, refining communication strategies, mastering the art of releasing emotional burdens, embracing forgiveness, and cultivating active listening skills. These acquired skills not only prove advantageous in the company of horses but also extend their positive influence across diverse aspects of personal development.
Gembrook Wildlife Shelter …
Each week at Gembrook Wildlife Shelter, we cherish the opportunity to care for some of Australia’s most enchanting wildlife, from wombats and kangaroos to joeys and koalas, not forgetting our beloved Evie the Emu. Immersed in their habitat, we provide vital support and nurture.
Volunteering here develops our responsibility, fosters compassion, and deepens our bond with nature. By lending aid to animals in need, we play a crucial role in their welfare.
With tenderness and care, we tend to fragile infants, ensuring their well-being and growth. Moreover, we prioritise cleanliness for health and safety, creating a supportive environment for the recovery of sick and injured wildlife.
Jabulani Volunteering …
At Jabulani Sanctuary Counselling, as well as participating in equine therapy, we also volunteer to support the care of the facility and the animals on site.
Our participants feed the horses, tidy up the hen house, collect the chicken eggs, clean the stables and many other jobs around the property.
There are very specific instructions to follow, especially in regards to feeding and ensuring the horses’ wellbeing—so it is a great opportunity to develop our critical thinking and problem solving and following of instructions.
Volunteering in general allows us to make a difference in the lives of others while also gaining valuable experience and skills.
Cooking at Lakeside …
Throughout the course of this year, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed preparing a diverse array of dishes from various cuisines! Our culinary adventure typically kicks off with researching a recipe chosen the previous week, checking ingredient prices on the Coles website for budget planning. Participants are responsible for the shopping of ingredients, after which we assess whether we stayed within budget before diving into the cooking process. We’ve learnt how to be safe while using certain utensils and appliances, such as knives and graters, and also how to be safe while using a frying pan, air fryer and pressure cooker.
As everyone returns from their morning of volunteering, they are greeted with a delicious and warm lunch prepared by our talented chefs of the day.
Wellness Mondays …
During our Wellness Mondays, we are focused on the holistic development of our participants. Our day starts with a trip to the gym to elevate our physical fitness, adopting a well-rounded approach to well-being.
Our fitness routine this term has changed dramatically, as we are attending YMCA Casey Arc in Narre Warren where we have been loving all the facilities on offer.
We are also able to have sessions with personal trainers who have developed a personalised fitness program to suit each participant’s specific fitness goals. All our participants have been loving the energetic start to their week.
Out and About Fridays …
Each Friday we get out and about in our community, going to movies, museums or participating in other experiences and excursions. We have spent time discussing where we want to go throughout the term, and have already begun planning some of our activities for 2024. Over this term we’ve had some super fun excursions, including going to the: movies, Twisted Science, and Dinos Alive to name but a few.
Ultimately, the most important thing about out and about Fridays is that our participants choose and plan what we do.
Having our Friday’s dedicated to getting out and about means that we have the opportunity to research, price and discuss all the options out there, improving our communication, digital literacy through research and critical thinking skills. There is such a place in our lives for recreation, exploring and learning new things, and being able to get out into the community is crucial for us to live fulfilling lives. In planning what we want to do ahead of time, we have the opportunity to research activities we would enjoy, while also keeping in mind everyone else’s interests.
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