Kate’s Journey of Resilience and New Beginnings
Kate’s story is one of remarkable resilience and determination. After a severe vehicle accident left her with nerve damage, Kate faced the daunting reality of being unable to feel her legs. The accident forced her to leave her home in the Warwick region and move back to Dalby with her family, where she needed intense one-on-one support during her recovery. The process was isolating, as Kate struggled with a lack of social connections and friends.
With the support of AimBig Employment and her dedicated job coach, Tanya Mudie, Kate began a long and challenging recovery process. Through intense physiotherapy and medical intervention, she slowly regained her strength and, with time, was able to walk unassisted, albeit with a limp. Despite this, Kate’s physical limitations meant she could only be on her feet for shorter periods, making it impossible to return to her previous career in the rural agronomic sector.
Recognising her potential and determination, AimBig Employment accompanied Kate to meetings with educational institutions and potential employers. In May, Kate began a Certificate 3 in Business with the CEA program, marking a significant step toward a new career path. By June, she had accepted a casual role at Coles, starting with one short shift a week. Today, Kate is completing her benchmark hours, spread out over the week, and is thriving in her role as a night packer.
Kate’s new position at Coles has been more than just a job; it has been a lifeline. She enjoys making new friends and engaging with customers, which has helped rebuild her confidence, motivation, and self-esteem. Her supervisor, Mandy, has been supportive and notes that Kate is “coming along really well.”
In addition to her work, Kate has made significant progress in her personal life. She recently gained the confidence to apply for a house, marking a major milestone in her journey toward independence. The friendships she has formed through the CEA program have provided her with a much-needed social network, offering support and companionship outside of her studies.
AimBig Employment’s role in Kate’s journey has been pivotal. From providing one-on-one support throughout her education and employment journey to assisting with house hunting and real estate forms, the team has been by her side every step of the way.
Looking ahead, Kate has aspirations of finding her new dream job in Heavy Vehicle Administration. With the progress she has made so far, there is no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things.
If you’d like to hear from one of our friendly team on how we can help you to achieve your dreams, get in touch with us today.
