A Life of Achievement
“It’s an achievement,” tells The Salvation Army Aged Care resident, Jill, when asked about her longstanding connection to the Gosford Corps and now a resident of Woodport Retirement Village. “The people, the staff look after us, it’s wonderful,” she says.
Actively involved in her local community, Jill and her NDIS Support Worker, Ayu, have focused on participating in activities that help Jill give back to the local community, including volunteering at a local school canteen, with the students there even referring to Jill as “Aunty Jill.” Ayu notes that the canteen is happy to have Jill onboard. “The canteen ladies love Jill, she helps with cooking, mixing, and making things. Jill also loves supporting local weekend sports – basketball, netball and soccer.”
Jill notes that what she finds most rewarding about volunteering and this sense of giving back is: “laughing and sharing stories,” as well as the sense of friendship these activities foster. “I love making people smile,” she explains. For Jill, some of the proudest moments from her life come because of her volunteering efforts, including being involved in The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal, something she has been involved in for over 20 years.
As for Jill’s support worker, Ayu, she has known Jill since she first started with The Salvation Army Aged Care, about ten years ago. “She’s also one of the very first NDIS clients I supported,” Ayu says.
Over the years, Ayu has supported Jill in achieving a number of goals and being involved in a wide range of community activities, including attending a 50’s plus social event at the Terrigal Leisure Centre and visiting the Japanese gardens at Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Jill’s most recent project? An amazing diamond craft artwork.
As for The Salvation Army Aged Care and working in the NDIS space, Ayu shares that supporting clients is not only deeply rewarding, but there are always opportunities for growth and development within the Aged Care team. She explains, “I work with an amazing team and an incredible manager. Everyone supports each other, which makes it a wonderful environment to be part of.”
When asked the significance of shining a spotlight on Jill’s contributions to the community, Ayu says: “It’s good to notice her achievements and her contributions. It also reminds us that every person deserves respect and access to opportunities.”
As for Jill’s review of her NDIS services she states: “I enjoy it, being with The Salvation Army and the NDIS team. The NDIS people are wonderful and have helped me gain confidence and independence.”
