Archived News Item
Supporting the achievement of career goals
June 7, 2021
Having a job and feeling valued for our workplace contribution is something most of us take for granted, yet for Dawn Bennett, it makes a world of difference.
For over 12 months, Dawn has been employed by KFC Lavington and said that she “likes cleaning the little area I need to clean in the three hours that I work” and “giving people a clean area to eat in”. Supported by Mercy Connect and The Personnel Group, Dawn is part of a Supported Wage program which enables people with a disability the opportunity to gain employment aligned to their strengths and goals.
Dawn was originally employed in 2019 by Mercy Connect and assisted cleaning the corporate office. This experience helped to build her confidence, develop communication skills, and improve the quality of her work. When Dawn identified that she would like to gain employment in the community, Mercy Connect staff supported her to learn what was involved in accessing community services, from reading timetables, to planning her time and travelling on the bus independently.
The Personnel Group connected Dawn with KFC Lavington and she successfully completed a trial with them before gaining ongoing employment. The Supported Wage program has helped Dawn, and others in similar circumstances, to manage her money, set goals, gain independence, and improve her quality of life; “Over the last year I have had the chance to be able to walk home when I finish work, and this makes me feel independent” Dawn said.
Dawn’s story is an example of how local not-for-profit organisations have worked together to provide a meaningful outcome for their clients.
Messages to: rosie.busuttil@mercyconnect.org.au