|
| Romiga
|
Micah Projects Inc administers the individual support packages for three women who made the transition from institutional care to living in the community with the assistance of lifestyle support packages of funding provided by Disability Services Queensland.
The word “Romiga’ derives from the names of three women supported within their homes and their community.
The women have continued to enjoy their home and thrive on the increased informal and formal relationships which are part of their daily routine. After 30 years of institutional care each new year has seen the women develop new skills, show increased enjoyment, delight and affection towards those involved in their support and significant others in their life. The constancy of their family, friends and advocates continue to provide the foundations for the quality of their life. This is complimented by the paid staff who have contributed to consistency in their care, and who are committed through ongoing reflection and skill development to learn new ways of maintaining and enhancing their relationships and care with the women and their familles, friends and advocates.
Since the re-location of the women, the past twelve months has necessitated the continued advocacy and negotiations for the resources and materials necessary so as to be responsive to the needs of each of the women. One of the most significant negotiations with Disability Services Queensland resulted in recruiting an external consultant to provide therapy support to these women. We are excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year.
|
|
| Supporting People |
Micah Projects Inc administers the packages of support with nine individuals who have a disability.These individuals reside in a range of housing options including private rental, community housing and privately owned supported accommodation facilities. People have been supported to engage in voluntary work, community activities, sustain their tenancy, engage in employment, manage their limited budget, learn new ways of approaching life, and enhance their informal and formal support networks.
Micah Projects Inc recognises the barriers that exist for people who have a disability and or have a mental illness which impacts on their day to day life. Workers are expected to develop positive and mutually respectful relationships, involve people in gaining the information they need to make decisions, to advocate with them in making linkages in the community that are responsive to their needs and expectations. Workers have engaged with people in new environments and have worked hard to gain new insights and understandings which will enhance the opportunities for people to participate in community life, to communication with others, and to maintain regular contact with family and friends.
|
|
| Organisational Development |
The last year has indicated new funding arrangements and expectations for organisations to undertake external quality assurance. Micah Projects has begun this process and looks forward to learning and enhancing the ability of the organisation to continue to create a culture for continuous improvement in how we partner people to achieve their goals and potential as individuals and in community life.
The management committee of Micah Projects Inc and key staff are committed to quality service provision and the inclusion of people who access the organisation for support, services and resources to be involved in how we plan, deliver and review what we do together.
|
|
| Acknowledgments |
Reference Group
Mike Duggan, Ann Tierney, Elsie Burke, Trish Murdoch, Carol Holt, Mark Reimers, Kathy Gates, Neville Grace, Margaret Evans, Brenda Williams
Neville Grace
David Gonsalves
Disability Services Queensland
Dianne Henderson & Sylvia Coxhead
Judith Grieve
|
|
|
