Creating opportunities

Wesley Mission Queensland's The ORCA Project
Positive. Inspiring. Innovative.

When Alison Cox's daughter Jasmin was nearing the end of her schooling, there were no opportunities for young adults with different abilities.

Alison has experience in community work and took matters into her own hands. She approached Wesley Mission Queensland with an idea for a project to help people like Jasmin become work-ready and enjoy a purposeful and independent future.

That's how The ORCA Project was born. Alison has captured the imagination of local families, and the program has grown from seven participants to fifty in two years.

ORCA adapts to individual learning needs. The program focuses on people's strengths and finding the best ways to engage them.

The program helps people prepare for work with hands-on training in on-site micro-enterprises, including a car wash, an ethical grocery store and a dog biscuit business.

Alison is determined to break down barriers and stereotypes. She has convinced families and potential employers to see beyond the notion that those with different abilities are able only to complete simple, repetitive tasks.

"We work hard with families and the participants to help them to not just recognise work as an option, but to dream about the kind of work they really want to do," says Alison.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. ORCA will use its grant to expand their micro enterprises to provide more opportunities for the young people.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here