2010

Community Connections Christmas Party 2010

"Talking with a client's mother recently, she informed me that she really appreciated the support that we were giving her daughter and that she was happy with the service provided."
Tanya – staff member, Community Connections

"Cool support especially after having my bracelet removed for good behavior – thanks to the staff for that. It's good that I'm back living with my nan and helping her out. I'm now getting support to find a flat in Wainuiomata, which is cool so I can be near my whanau."
Khan – client, Community Connections

"I like Community Connections for Kharn and he likes Ala his support worker. He's looking for a flat at the moment, but can still stay with me until he does. Kharn gets plenty of support and I feel reassured that I'm able to talk with Paparina, given that she understands things 'Taha Maori' which is helpful."
Susan (Khan's nan) – Community Connections

"I'm glad Community Connections supported me to get out of Timata Hou and it's cool where I’m living now.  My flat's cool. I need a few things, still but I'll get there!"

Chester – client, Community Connestions

"I like Community Connections because the people are nice and are supportive when I’ve got issues. Since I've been with Community Connections, they've been awesome and helpful in getting me on track with my life. I'm glad I'm with them."
Rebecca – client, Community Connestions

"I've been with Community Connections for eight years. My support staff have helped me to learn to live in my flat by teaching me how to cook and to keep my flat nice, and to do my own budget. I've made a special friend from one of my support staff – she left to study, but keeps in contact with me."
Eve – client, Community Connections

Elaine has stated since she's been receiving support from our organisation, she has a more positive outlook of what she can do independently in everyday living. This is what she has to say:

"I’ve grown more self-esteem, confidence and motivation in everything I do. My social network has increased 100-fold out in the community. I feel I'm valued and accepted for who I am.

"I'm extremely happy with my lifestyle – I’ve gained life skills that I never dreamt of having independently. I'm more out-and-about in the community, learning, doing activities or volunteering – which I enjoy very much. I also think the Hawkes Bay staff are fantastic."
Elaine – client, Community Connections

"My name is Mark. I'm 53 years old and live in Napier. I've been working for Community Connections since September 2009. From the outset, I was impressed by the warm, friendly and relaxed manner of the Service Manager and the Co-ordinators for whom I would be working.

"As I started building up a client base, I was supported in every way to ease the path to becoming an efficient and effective Support Worker. Help is always at hand when required for whatever reason, and mutual trust and respect abounds here.

"I'm very busy supporting nine clients, now so don't get to the office very often but, when I do, there's always a cheery welcome and attentive ear. It is indeed a pleasure working for such a professional organisation as Community Connections."
Mark – staff member – Hawkes Bay, Community Connections

"I have had the privilege to work for Community Connections for the past eight years. Community Connections provides an inclusive style of support that embraces not only the people we support, but also their families, friends and community networks.

"From a staff point-of-view, we're well supported. There's always one of the management team around to offer advice or just to listen when you’ve had 'one of those days'. We're encouraged to work as a team, to share ideas and to be innovative in our approach to support.

"We're continually provided with training opportunities and are encouraged to identify and apply to management for training opportunities that we may feel is relevant.

"The most rewarding part of my role is watching the people we support increase in independence and confidence."
Linda – staff member – Hawkes Bay, Community Connections

"I have been working for Community Connections for seven years. During this time, I've gone off and done other things, but have always maintained a connection with the service.

"I'm back working for Community Connections again now and am prompted by opportunities to work alongside and empower people. Clients and I develop pathways together which move them towards independently interacting in their own environments. It is exciting to see the changes which occur in people as they move forward."
Rhonda – staff member – Hawkes Bay, Community Connections

"I'm a support worker for Community Connections in Hastings. I started as a reliever and then, after some time, I became a Key Support Worker. I didn’t have any experience in this field of work and have learnt so much since starting.

"I've worked for a number of organisations, both national and international, but this has been the best. It’s so rewarding to see the difference support makes to a person's quality of life and wellbeing.

"I am person with a sense of humour and smiles, and all the clients I’ve supported have stated that they love that in me. I like to sit down with the clients and hear how their week or day has been – that seems important to them.

"I feel that I can be honest and open within the staffing team. There is such great support for the workers. 
This is a great journey for me. I look at people with disability differently than I did before. My eyes have been open to see such great talents it just amazes me.
Wendy – staff member – Hawkes Bay, Community Connections

Jenna attended the No One Alone conference in Auckland in 2010. Jenna spoke at the conference about her experience of supported living and shared her journey of moving out of home and going flatting.

Jenna's mum, Michelle, and support worker, Whitney, were part of the presentation Jenna made.

Jenna  says talking at the conference was great and one of the most important things was "learning to speak in front of everyone and telling people about supported living."
Jenna – client – Community Connections