Young people with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed. To help change this, Good Sammy created the Explore Work Program.
The program supports the wellbeing of adolescents with disability in WA by providing work experience and certified training for high school students as a pathway to employment.
Kayla worked and trained in one of the Good Sammy op shops, where she gained critical skills and grew her confidence. Credit: Good Sammy
In 2014 Kayla Baker participated in an early iteration of the Good Sammy Explore Work Program. During this time, Kayla worked and trained in one of the Good Sammy op shops, where she gained critical skills and grew her confidence, independence and interpersonal skills. Kayla enjoyed the experience so much that after finishing high school, she gained permanent employment with Good Sammy. Over time, Kayla took on more responsibilities, and she was named Employee of the Year in 2022.
Kayla’s mum, Dawn, is one of Good Sammy’s most passionate volunteers and has nothing but praise for the role Good Sammy has played in Kayla’s employment journey.
“Kayla loves her job. Her confidence has grown out of this world. She’s just a totally different person. She’s always happy and has opportunities coming out of the woodwork,” Dawn said.
Kayla was named Employee of the Year in 2022. Credit: Good Sammy
Good Sammy is committed to providing training and employment pathways to people with disability so that they can access work opportunities which enable financial independence, security, stability and inclusion, with the aim of supporting their mental and physical health.
With Telethon’s support, Good Sammy will introduce a new Explore Work Program which will support 15 high school students with disability to obtain work and enrol in a certified traineeship in one of their social enterprises. This is an incredible step towards building better, brighter futures for WA children and families.