autumn 2014 - St John of God Health Care

AUTUMN 2014
Hospitality | Compassion | Respect | Justice | Excellence
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Message from
Tony Hollamby,
CEO
AUTUMN 2014
In this issue
Message from Tony
Hollamby, CEO
The autumn weather can be a
time to reflect on relationships with
others and here at Accord we are
committed to building relationships.
Recently the Divisional
Management Committee launched
‘Achieving Together’ in February
of this year. So far we have visited
a significant number of sites at
Accord to communicate the
importance of ‘Achieving Together’
and how we utilise four principles
of Catholic Social Teaching.
This was a time for us to inform
employees and acknowledge how
Accord develops and deepens its
relationship with clients, families
and other stakeholders.
The principle of Human Dignity is
at the core of “Achieving Together”
and this process will create a
continuity of approach across the
organisation into how we relate.
Information has been sent to
families regarding our strategy.
We will continue to communicate
“Achieving Together” organisation
wide and support our employees
to utilise the four main principles.
Bowling Fever
Accord is finalising its Service
Delivery Model for 2014/15. The
development of a formalised
Service Delivery model creates
more certainty and accountability
of employees in delivering a quality
level of support.
Also, St John of God Health Care
agreed to fund the development of
a concept brief to design a concept
building for accommodation
suitable for people with an
intellectual disability taking into
account the increasing complexity
of people requiring support and the
aging group of clients.
Learning &
Organisational
Development
Diploma of
Management Program
ACES Western
Sensory Garden
Profile Peter Newsome
Construction at
Greensborough
Being Human
ACES Eastern
Gerard’s Story
On front cover are Marcus Stone and Danielle McLean
Editor
Marie Scholem/Aisling McCabe
Production
Aisling McCabe
Printer
Print Media Group
News from around
Accord
Please email your story to aisling.mccabe@sjog.org.au
with any news you have.
Thank you.
www.sjog.org.au/accord
Reflection
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about
things that matter”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
Page 2
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Bowling Fever
By Aileen Rush and Lynette McDonald, Direct Support Workers
What does bowling mean to Accord? Well a lot, as it happens. For
more than 20 years St John of God Accord clients have taken to
the lanes in the east of Melbourne to catch up with old and new
friends to demonstrate their bowling talents.
L-R: Allen, Gary and Aileen
Aileen Rush, Accord Direct Support Worker has organised the
bowling group for over 18 years. Starting in Mooroolbark, Aileen
has moved with the client group through a series of bowling
venues - to Boronia when Mooroolbark closed and then to
Chirnside. Reflecting on her time with the bowling group, Aileen
said, “watching the clients talk about old times and share stories
was a real privilege, and I have enjoyed reminding them of some
funny experiences we shared”.
Through Aileen’s support and encouragement clients who never played before or wanted to play, eventually put on their bowling
shoes and played with winning confidence, displaying smiles of pride.
Sooner rather than later a competitive streak came to the group and bowlers really demonstrated their bowling skills.
For years Robert Cronin preferred to watch his other housemates play rather than participate. He cheered them on but enjoyed
chatting more than playing. After years of encouragement, one day Robert decided to play. It turned out he is an absolute natural
and won a trophy for the highest scores in four out of five years and he has never looked back. Robert is now the envy of a
couple of other competitive bowlers and affectionately known as the ‘quiet achiever’!
David Mulcahy always came to bowling with his other housemates. Aileen mentions
that over the years David would bowl a ball and then sit out; he wasn’t as keen on
playing as the rest of the group. While this continued for several years, Aileen always
encouraged him and now he plays the full two games and wouldn’t miss it.
Affectionately known as the ‘Dream Team’, there is one team that has remained the
same. James, Ron and Gerard are all fiercely competitive and needed no assistance.
Aileen talks about the sense of community when everyone comes together one
Sunday a month to bowl. “It’s such a fun day and everyone is so co-operative.
To ensure maximum pleasure we keep everything consistent - same lanes; same
bowling teams. This also reduces the stress for everyone.
Presentation Day held annually in November is a very special day in the bowling
calendar. Despite the fact that shelves all over the east groan with so many trophies
from past years, the enthusiasm from clients is very much alive; it’s everyone’s
favourite time!
January is down time for bowling and the group have a picnic or barbeque instead.
All the clients bring along bats and balls and have a great outdoors day.
Simon
On her retirement, Aileen has now handed over the mantle to Lynette McDonald. Aileen reflects on what a joy and blessing it has
been, being part of assisting and organising the bowling over these many years and how it was difficult for her to leave. Aileen’s
journey began officially with St John of God (and later Accord) 25 years ago.
Lynette McDonald is keen to acknowledge Aileen’s contribution to the bowling group and more importantly to each client. Just
recently Lynette and the clients invited Aileen back to join them for one last time to say thank you and present her with a parting
gift. Gary Barkley spoke on behalf of the other clients to acknowledge Aileen’s role in supporting each of them and for keeping
the bowling excursions alive. “He was very active in picking and buying Aileen’s goodbye present, and giving his speech” says
Lynette.
For almost twenty years the group has exercised its independence through social and sporting activities. While there’s a bowling
lane open in the eastern suburbs, the chances are you’ll either hear or see great camaraderie displayed by Lynette and her
bowling teams.
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iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Learning and Organisational
Development
By Marie Scholem, Director, Organisational Development and Workforce
Learning is a key aspect of organisational development and forms a vital part of our ‘people and culture’ plan at Accord.
As we begin the financial year, the training calendar for the next twelve months will be finalised and ready for publishing – an
affirmation that the desire for learning at Accord has become the norm. This coming year’s program focuses on autism, mental
health, cultural diversity, leadership development, performance coaching and customer relationships.
Having a focus on learning and organisational development, means that effectively, Accord is giving our leaders more control
over outcomes and giving our employees more control over how they do their jobs. Learning and development programs
essentially put the minds of all employees to work and enhance the quality and timeliness of decision-making.
Over the last few years we have up-skilled our disability workforce with an emphasis on attainment of certificate and advanced
diploma levels within disability studies. We have established an e-learning platform and a succession planning model which will
be further embedded over this coming year.
Organisational development, in its broader application, is an instrument of cultural change – cultural change that empowers
leaders and individual employees, and also supports thinking in regard to continuous improvement and alignment around
shared goals. Our approach to organisational development supports the growth of personal and professional capability within
our leaders, innovation within our services, a greater focus on outcomes, sound management of costs, as well as job and life
satisfaction.
St John of God HealthCare
Diploma of Management Program
Amanda Starkiss, HR Advisor
As part of our Learning and Development program, a group of
seven employees from St John of God Accord commenced
their leadership learning journey in March 2013 when they
began the SJGHC Diploma of Management program.
Front Row L-R:
Anita Fisher - Team Leader, Jodie Kirkpatrick - Team Leader, Sarah
Matheou - Disability Support Worker, Jodie Hires - Team Leader
Middle Row L-R:
Silvana Gugliandolo - Director of Service Delivery, Amanda
Starkiss - HR Advisor, Marie Scholem - Director of Organisational
Development and Workforce, Denise Leuschner - Accommodation
Manager, Margaret Bishop - Accommodation Manager
The Diploma of Management is designed for new Managers
and Team Leaders with the purpose of contributing to
leadership continuity (succession planning). The structure
of the program includes units such as: show leadership
in the workplace; manage operational plans; ensure team
effectiveness; manage people performance and manage risk.
In addition to the units, participants were required to complete
a workplace project that would benefit their team and enhance
their own knowledge and skills. The program concluded in
November 2013, and a graduation ceremony was held for all
participants on 26 March 2014.
Congratulations to our Diploma of Management graduates:
Adi Liku Veaila; Amanda Starkiss; Anita Fisher; Jodie Hires;
Jodie Kirkpatrick; Kathy Lowe and Sarah Matheou.
Back Row L-R:
Tony Hollamby - CEO, Jim Curtain - Director of Mission, Patricia
Fonay - Learning and Development Coordinator, SJGHC Pathology
Not Present: Adi Liku Veaila - Team Leader
Page 4
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Making Sense of a Sensory Garden
by Aisling McCabe, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Peter Newsome, ACES Western Manager and his leadership team, Karen
Bennett, Melissa Caprioli and Karrah Caton, invited me to spend the day with
them to experience their sensory garden. I of course jumped at the chance and
threw my gumboots in the car - I was in for a treat.
Located on the Melton Highway not far from St Albans, our ACES Western
centre based in Sydenham is an adult training and support service for young
adults with disability.
The garden is situated at the rear of the centre and is a retreat for our clients.
It was decided last year that the garden space be utilised and turned into a
sensory garden and that’s when Michelle Burke, a highly experienced gardener
and disability support worker came on board. She instantly recognised the
importance of a sensory garden and devised a program for the clients to pursue.
Michelle and Chris
I soon discovered that Michelle Burke, as coordinator of the sensory garden project and the team, saw a clear set of desired
outcomes for clients as fundamental. The aim was for clients to feel more connected to the exterior areas of ACES Western and
the community, as well as creating feelings of safety, comfort and lower sensory stimulation in times of stress for clients.
Michelle said, “ it’s important to have a communicative area that promotes wellbeing, peace of mind, relaxation, and selfreflection. It’s also for clients to have freedom to access an area that provides open space supporting the five senses”.
The objective Michelle said “is for clients with higher sensory needs to access a program specifically designed to support passive
interaction of the garden environment. We want each client to have the opportunity to feel, touch, taste, smell and observe the
garden environment.”
With this in mind, Michelle set about establishing a client gardening team,
whereby clients had ownership of the project – maximising outcomes being
a key driver of this approach. After several conversations with the clients,
she established the need for a learning program to enable skill development,
such as planning, building and maintaining the garden. Plus, it was important
that each client takes ownership and has a sense of achievement about their
project. Eventually taking those new skills to the wider community.
L-R: Avnish, Timothy, Lenny, Melissa, Simeon,
Darren, Mustafa, Steven, Chris, Michelle, William
When work started in the sensory garden, the clients got a real sense of
appreciation about their garden and what it provides rather than merely
constructing the garden. “Having the clients tend to the herbs and vegetable
patch whilst also working in conjunction with our Master Chef program added
another dimension and proved to be inspiring” said Michelle.
As an adjunct to the sensory garden, the on-site Master Chef Program provides a ready list of produce needed for cooking.
Knowing that the Sensory Garden will harvest and deliver that produce to the Master Chef program provides a great sense of
achievement.
Despite the cool autumn change in weather, I didn’t get a sense of dampened spirits. It was a cold wet day when I was there,
but the enthusiasm was very uplifting. The rain didn’t put off Darren, an ACES Western client. He took me around the garden and
showed me each plant, the significance of the space created by him and his fellow gardeners and names of each plant. We used
our five senses as we saw, smelt, touched, and felt curry plants, lambs ears and pink dragon flowers, to name a few. The garden
shed is a hive of activity and closely guarded. Michelle explained that Darren is not only responsible for the tools kept in the shed,
but a consistent gardener.
There were lots of trips to the local nurseries to identify plants, flowers and apply how best to use the garden space. “Each
plant, flower, it’s colour and herb were chosen by the clients, and they all contributed to the initial planning and garden design”
said Peter Newsome. The commitment to the project is strong and reviewed weekly by Michelle, the local leadership group
and the clients as part of ongoing planning. While this project will continue for some time at the pace of the clients’ wishes, the
enthusiasm they share radiates and bounces around the centre.
Peter and the leadership team, along with Michelle, acknowledge this excellent work as ‘Achieving Together’. I left ACES Western
with a slip of lamb’s ear in my pocket to remind me of the wonders of nature and humankind.
Michelle and Peter acknowledge the contribution of Bunnings Water Garden, Reece Plumbing Campbellfield and Bowens Taylors
Lakes for their support and excellent follow up service.
Page 5
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Peter Newsome
ACES Western Program Manager
By Aisling McCabe Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Peter Newsome is a committed manager; he never ceases to stop learning,
wondering and asking questions, especially in supporting people with
intellectual disabilities.
Peter has been with St John of God Accord since 2005. Starting in Community
Services, he provided direct support to adolescents and young adults in day
services and accommodation. Moving on to become a Facilitator and Coordinator,
it was here his focus was on Person Centred Planning (PCP) and Personalised
Support Arrangements (PSA). As he continued to concentrate on the planning
and organisational learning he gained extensive experience in the reorientation
of disability service delivery, including service evaluation and design. Peter was
present during the time of legislative changes and whilst working at Accord was
part of the organisation’s realignment towards Individualised Services plus new
areas of support.
Peter Newsome
He was then appointed Regional Manager responsible for developing Individualised Support Services and supervising the team in
providing tailored support. Later, the running of Day Programs for the aged clients was added to his managerial portfolio. As part
of his role Peter is a member of the SJGA Operational Management Committee.
Today, you’ll find Peter at ACES Western in a managing mode. Already he’s highly respected as the Program Manager for
Accord Community Engagement Services (ACES), Western Region. This role involves leading and managing a large team who
provide group services to school leavers 18 years and older. The positive vibes around the centre can be attributed to leadership,
dedication and teamwork. He embraces every challenge as a new learning curve. The sensory garden is a huge project. Whilst
it began prior to Peter’s commencement, he has maintained commitment and further development of the project with long-term
positive outcomes for clients and employees.
Asking Peter what’s important to him he answered, “I have a strong belief in values-based training, role modelling, business
entrepreneurship and strategic planning, which have informed my approach to work”.
While he talks about the future of ACES Western, he always acknowledges his local leadership team, Karen Bennett, Melissa
Caprioli and Karrah Caton. Peter believes that encompassing leadership at a local level to strengthen operations and practice is
the way forward. Through fostering leadership development and learning, effective decision-making that builds capacity will occur
within his team and ensure a better service.
“Having strong engagement with local schools is of the upmost importance”, say Peter. “We’re able to assist with the planning
and transition of school leavers as they prepare to enter the service”. Spending time with family members is something Peter is
very familiar with and his experience will ensure that each young adult will receive the best support options available with positive
outcomes.
After being approached to be a guest lecturer by
RMIT for the Youth Studies course, which has been
part of his formation, Peter quickly acknowledges
that this allows for an opportunity to connect Accord
with a tertiary provider.
He does find time to volunteer his time to worthy
causes and last year visited Peru. But for the
moment his focus clearly is on ACES Western.
Team Leaders (L-R): Karen Bennett, Peter Newsome - Manager,
Melissa Caprioli
Not Present: Karrah Caton (Maternity Leave)
Page 6
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
More than Bricks and
Mortar
By Pieter Brook-Rerecich, Risk Manager
As construction has started at the Greensborough
site, it’s a reminder that the new facility is not all just
bricks and mortar, but in fact a community of people
that work together with common goals.
The new building will only form part of the
environment that the community of Accord will
contribute to. It needs to be a safe retreat to
participate and work in.
To minimise risk to those belonging to the Accord
community there needs to be systems and
structures put in place. These are parameters
that people feel safe to function within. It is
these systems that are being reviewed at
management level to ensure that when the move to
Greensborough occurs, it will be an easy transition
for everyone concerned.
As Accord moves into the NDIS arena, we need
to be adaptable and resilient. Having an integrated
management system that supports the organisation
will ensure productivity and a risk free environment.
It’s through the involvement of workers and
clients in the OHS, Wellbeing, O’Shea and Quality
committees, that these supporting structures and
systems are developed and implemented.
To make a difference in the Accord community and
to continually improve on what we already have in
place you can participate in the different stakeholder
committees by contacting Anthony Sellar (Wellbeing
Coordinator and O’Shea Divisional Champion),
Pieter Brook-Rerecich (OHS) or Natalie Koehler
(Quality).
It’s All Part of Being Human
By Jim Curtin, Director of Mission
What does it mean to be human?
Being human means we can laugh at a joke and cry the same tears.
Laughter draws us together helping us share life and joy with each
other. Here at Accord we have plenty of opportunities for laughter
and sharing, but we also know that we sometimes have to deal
with difficult circumstances that people present - it’s all part of being
human.
All human beings have an innate dignity simply because they are
human. Whatever your abilities, race, beliefs or status, we should all
be treated with respect. Respect is at the centre of how we work,
and how we affirm people’s dignity. Pope Francis recently said: “Every
human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself
is present in their lives. Appearances notwithstanding, every person is
immensely holy and deserves our love”.
Many of you may have heard about our ‘Achieving Together’
program, as we have distributed material relating to it, or even heard
Tony Hollamby CEO and the senior team from Accord talking about it.
The core principles of Achieving Together are four Catholic Social
Teachings - Human Dignity, Common Good, Subsidiarity
and Solidarity.
I have observed as Director of Mission the positive manner in which
Accord employees talk to and about our clients. Over the last few
months I, along with other members of the senior leadership team
have visited a number of our Shared Supported Accommodation
houses and Accord’s Community Engagement Services (ACES) to
talk to about ‘Achieving Together’. When we do so, we hear stories
from employees about how they support clients, and one of the great
features of those stories is the way employee’s refer to clients. Their
language is always respectful, friendly, and compassionate. This tells
us that, when we speak about ‘Human Dignity’ as part of Achieving
Together, we are building on attitudes that are already there.
Yes, the new building at Greensborough is an important part of our
future but the Accord mission is to be more than new buildings. We
continue to affirm human dignity by the way we work and interact with
our clients.
Construction at a Cracking Pace - Greensborough
By Lisa McMahon, Commissioning Project and Planning Coordinator
As we come to the end of another construction week at Greensborough,
the contractors have defied the winter rain and set a cracking pace.
The demolition work is almost finished and now we move into the next
exciting phase of actual construction. What an amazing time to be able to
witness this transformation unfold whilst life at ACES Northern and CHESS
continues - conducting ‘business as usual’.
It has been good to take a moment to reflect what this means for us all.
Being in this project commissioning role, I’ve been fortunate enough to
talk to lots of people such as our neighbours, families, clients, schools and
community groups, and the general consensus is that this development is
great not only for Accord but for the community as a whole.
Lisa McMahon
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iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
ACES Eastern
By Aisling McCabe Marketing and Communications
Coordinator
ACES Eastern - Individualised Support (IS) and
Group Support (GS)
ACES Individualised Support (IS) is designed
around allowing individual clients to self-select
their individual programs and be empowered
by their journey. The support we offer is also
based around the uniqueness of our client’s
dreams and vision for themselves, combined
with assistance from professional experienced
employees. In the same way we approach
ACES IS, our professional employees in Group
Support (GS) allows for each client to benefit
from active community engagement. Accessing
the community through a range of both fun and
meaningful activities ensures positive outcomes.
The building of valued relationships with our
clients, key stakeholders and their community
provides the opportunity for our clients to be
supported to thrive. Another key feature of ACES
IS and GS service begins with the ability to be
flexible with our clients across all life domains
dependent on their needs.
This client driven approach allows for quality of
life and the wellbeing of our clients to increase,
evident in the story shared about Gerard.
Our Community Support Workers
Group Staff:
- David Harley (Team Leader)
- Ann-Marie Freeman
- Chris James
- Karen Clutton
- Kerrie Mackechnie
- Owen Edmonds
- Sam Courtney
- Julie Elliot
- Ilsa Botha
- Casual Pool
Managing ACES Eastern
Individual and Group Support
By Aisling McCabe Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Nicholas Pouki – ACES Eastern Manager
Nick joined St John of God Accord in 2010, and has worked in
Individualised Support at ACES Eastern for over three years. He then
became a Team Leader and now more recently the ACES Eastern Manager.
Having completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human
Development and a Masters of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation,
he brings a new focus to supporting clients. Nick says, “having a healthy
lifestyle is just as important as accessing the community. Diet and
exercise contribute to a better feeling of wellbeing.”
Reflecting on some of the outcomes achieved for clients, Nick talks of
the positive impact when working with twin clients, both 27 years old and
living independently. Both men were overweight with chronic arthritis.
Instead of conducting the traditional support model, Nick decided to take
a new approach and work with them to modify their lifestyle.
He introduced both clients to the importance of diet and successfully
changed their thinking to fresh food and meal preparation. He
incorporated exercise within their support plan and got his clients out
walking daily, shooting hoops along with other activities, and ensured
it became part of their routine. His methods paid off and both men
experienced significant weight loss resulting in decreased arthritis
symptoms. To this day both clients continue their healthy ritual. Nick
ensures now as manager that his team are fully aware of the importance
of diet and exercise.
Given the level of expertise at Accord, Nick is working closely with Emily
Rech our Occupational Therapist on implementing a fall prevention
exercise program for aging clients across the Accord organisation.
Nick says, “Being ACES Eastern Manager, I understand the
importance of empowering clients and supporting their vision and
goals. Acknowledging the strong ACES team around me and under
the direction of Silvana Gugliandolo, Director of Service Delivery, we’re
building a strong future at ACES Eastern, with each client having the
utmost professional support”.
Individualised Staff:
- David Harley (Team Leader)
- Kristy McConachy
- William Thomas
- Harsh Duggal
- Julie Reynolds
- Sarah Graham
- Kris Stevens
- Erin Pinder
- Lana Tresidder
- Carol Conway
- Casual Pool
Nicholas Pouki
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iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Gerard’s Story as told by Julie Reynolds
Born into a large caring family, as a
child Gerard Cogan attended both
mainstream and special development
schools for both his primary and
secondary education. Gerard is autistic
and it was his mother Shelia’s wish that
he have a happy and fulfilling life.
When Gerard finished secondary school,
he went to work in the private sector
and gained full time employment in the
manufacturing field. He was regarded
as a diligent and loyal employee to his
company. When his company moved
their operation to Sydney in 2010,
Gerard chose not to go and therefore
his role became redundant. During this
period of transition Gerard continued
to be supported by the Individualised
Support (IS) Program at St John of God
Accord.
Trying to find another full-time position
proved too difficult for Gerard, so in
2013 he chose to retire. As a client of
St John of God Accord for almost 20
years, he has lived in Shared Supported
Accommodation for most of that time.
In 2011 circumstances necessitated a
move and Gerard and his housemates,
Mark and Fred secured a rental property
through the open rental market.
Wayne, their landlord, told me that he hit
the jackpot by having these three men
as his tenants. Gerard, Mark and Fred
are excellent and responsible tenants.
They employ a gardener and a cleaner
and Gerard is diligent in making sure that
the rent is paid on time and always one
week early, to allow time for the cheque
to clear.
Encouraged by myself, as well as the
rest of the team, Gerard makes all his
own decisions and choices and enjoys
being out and about. Gerard is very
competent in using public transport
and visits different shopping centres
throughout Melbourne. In particular
he enjoys visiting bookstores where
he often purchases non-fiction books.
With an amazing memory, Gerard
can memorize many books cover to
cover, and in particular the Melbourne
Melways. I never get lost driving when
Gerard is with me!
Gerard has a maturity and
understanding that is unique. His wealth
of knowledge, historical facts, figures
and statistics, events in history, sporting
events down to the minutest detail, is
fascinating.
As an autistic person, Gerard used
to stand to one side and observe
people, speak only when spoken to
and would never put himself forward in
communicating with other people. With
my support, Gerard now belongs to a
men’s group that meets once every four
weeks for a day of social fun. Here he
is respected within the group as a man
of knowledge and as a friendly outgoing person. He asks lots of questions
and introduces many interesting topics
of conversation for discussion by the
group. He now puts himself forward as
well as really listening to what people
say.
Every week for over a year now, I had
been inviting Gerard out for a coffee for
social interaction. Then one day, Gerard
asked me out for a coffee. A small thing,
you might say. But it wasn’t. Gerard had
come to understand that this is what
people do. They talk to each other, they
enjoy each other’s company, they share
with each other, and they communicate.
I must admit, I had tears running
down my cheeks that day. A huge
achievement for Gerard and the best
coffee invitation I have ever received.
Gerard is a joy to work with. He has a
great sense of humour, he is talkative
and friendly, and he astounds me with
his knowledge. He can even read upside-down.
Life is such a journey for all of us and
it can be difficult. Some might say that
Gerard, as an autistic person, has a
disability. However, I say, that Gerard is a
gift to all the earth.
The following poem is written by Julie
Reynolds for Gerard.
Gerard,
You are a gift to all Creation,
You are precious beyond compare,
You are joy, love, peace and happiness,
A gift for all the world to share.
You are beauty, you are compassion,
On Eagle wings you choose to fly,
You have amazing gifts to share,
Before it’s your turn to die.
You are power, you are strength,
You are courage to your core,
You are magic, you are laughter,
You are blessings by the score.
You are treasure, you are mystery,
You are worth far more than gold,
You are a man, placed on Earth,
For all the world to behold.
There is a little secret,
That set your treasures free,
You surrendered without fear,
And knew all things are meant to be.
There is a higher purpose,
Known to your heart at birth,
You are a treasure box of treasures,
To share with all who walk this Earth.
All the best Gerard,
By Julie Reynolds and The St. John of
God Accord IS Team.
Gerard Cogan and Julie Reynolds
Page 9
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
Gerard’s Story as told by his sister
Mary Hutchinson
By Mary Hutchinson
Gerard is my older brother and a brother
to seven other siblings. Gerard has
always been around lots of people
but has never really been a part of
what we did, he always stayed to the
background, watching and listening, but
never joining in. My mum’s dream was
that Gerard would be happy, safe and
get to live a fulfilling life and become an
accepted member of our society. She
would be so proud of him today, if she
could see him now.
Thanks to years of support from his
Individualised Support Team at St John
of God Accord, Gerard is now doing
things we never thought he would ever
do. He takes control of his life and
embraces it. When he was a child we
ate roast potatoes six nights a week
because he wouldn’t eat anything else,
now Gerard will eat anything you put
on his plate, but best of all, he actually
cooks his own meals now.
Last month he went to a lawyer by
himself and had his Will made out. Two
weeks before that he took himself off to
a podiatrist because his foot was hurting
- I didn’t even know he knew what a
podiatrist was!
He loves travelling on the trains and
buses and often takes himself off on day
trips - we don’t know where he goes
until he returns. But he does return,
and always with some interesting facts
to share.
Julie Reynolds embraces my brother as
a man with untapped potential, focusing
on his strengths and with a belief that
Gerard is amazing. This helps my
brother to fly and reach his full potential.
Julie’s support is also amazing.
I work in education as a principal of a
school, and I talk to lots of families about
the struggles of having an autistic child.
I then share my brother’s journey and
talk about a future full of possibilities.
Have we worried about his ability to do
these things by himself? Absolutely! Will
he come back safely from his travels?
If we don’t let go and let him try, we will
never ever know what his full potential is.
Gerard is definitely living life to its fullest.
Thank you Julie, St John of God Accord,
and the Individualised Support Team.
Team Leader,
ACES Eastern
Individual and
Group Support
By Aisling McCabe, Marketing and
Communications Coordinator
Dave Harley is Team Leader for
ACES Eastern Individual and Group
Support.
“Working in Individualised and Group
Support is very rewarding” says
Dave. “There’s lots of interaction
between clients and employees
on a daily basis. With community
engagement being at the forefront of
each Community Support Worker’s
(CSW) mind, this ensures active and
fulfilling days for each client.”
As Team Leader, Dave recognises
the benefits associated with active
community engagement. As each
Community Support Worker takes
to the swimming pools with clients,
bowling or engages in cooking and
art classes, other CSW’s hold
monthly birthday parties for
clients to celebrate.
ACES Eastern clients volunteer
their time to Meals on Wheels and
a number of animal shelters. These
clients thoroughly enjoy contributing
their time to the greater community
and are aware of the difference their
contribution makes.
Every morning the St John of God
Accord vans drive to the homes of
our clients in the East, to collect and
take them to fun and meaningful
community activities.
With the dedication and
professionalism of all Accord’s
Community Support Workers, our
clients exposure to community
activities ensures each day is fresh
and worthwhile.
Gerard Cogan
Page 10
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
The CRUNCH-Spelling Bee Fun Night
There’s no
accounting for
brilliance!
By Aisling McCabe, Marketing and
Communications Coordinator
Robert Dobin
Heather Mates and Andrew Drysdale
St John of God Day in March
What team do you play for?
“I play for the Honey Badgers – it’s a
mixed team of women and men. We
play at Bulleen Basketball Stadium. I
currently play three games per week twice with the mixed Honey Badgers
team and once with the Jelly Babies,
a women’s team. “
Jim Curtain
Margaret Gibson
and Tony Hollamby
Elizabeth Harvey manages to balance
the demands of her role as Accord’s
Accountant with her participation in
sporting teams. Having recently won a
Grand Final with her basketball team, I
caught up with her to congratulate and
discuss the big win.
Enjoying the music at the St John of God Day
Wedding bells and
love in the air at Accord
The Honey
Badgers have been
together for three
seasons – the first
two reaching the
preliminary and
grand finals and
finally winning the
grand final this
season with a score
of 38 to 29.
How long you’re playing for?
“I have been playing basketball since
I was 7 years old. I played with the
Bulleen Boomers throughout Primary
School and High School and then in the
senior domestic teams ever since. “
What do you like best about the game?
“The exercise, the people I play with,
the competitiveness – it’s always a thrill
to win close matches, or to beat a team
that we have always struggled against. “
Emily Rech and Jamie Jones who recently got married in New York City
“Also being able to continually improve
my skills - such as consistency with my
shooting! Some days I can hit every
shot, and other days I will miss all my
shots! “
What don’t you like about the game?
Congratulations to Lisa Norman and Andrew Drysdale
on their recent nuptials
Page 11
“Nothing!!…oh except the 10pm
games.”
iAccord ISSUE | AUTUMN 2014
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© June 2014