There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a win.
For Jess, a long-term supported employee at Afford’s Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), that feeling came courtesy of a State bowling competition win – and she couldn’t be more proud.
With a big smile, plenty of enthusiasm and her friends cheering her on, Jess, 33, celebrated her achievement with her co-workers – the people who have become an especially important part of her life.
“I feel good,” says Jess, who has been working at an Afford ADE since 2011.
“I can’t tell you why I love bowling so much. I just do,” she says. “My fiancée Clayton got me into it.”
One medal well worth showing off. Here, Jess does exactly that with the help of her fiancée Clayton.
Jess’ friends and co-workers are delighted for her also – which is more important than it might appear at first glance.
Acting employment support officer Cassandra Douglas was thrilled for Jess.
“Listening to Jess share her success and talk about her love of bowling was incredibly heartwarming and wholesome,” says Cassandra.
“Jess was so proud and happy … it was lovely to see and really made my day. When discussing who Jess would like to share photos with, Jess had so many friends come to mind. That really highlights how much our workplace is more than just work.
“It’s a community that brings people together for all the right reasons”.
Because while a job provides regular income, the truth is the friendships that grow in and around a workplace can be just as valuable.
The surprise ‘other’ benefits of work
For many people working at our ADE, having a regular job means a wage, a routine and a reason to get up and head to work each day. It means taking pride in doing a job well, contributing to a team and knowing that your work matters. Over time, that can build confidence, independence and a genuine sense of achievement.
But there’s another part of working life that matters enormously: belonging.
A smashing win and one Jess was incredibly proud of. Friend and teammate Tammie was thrilled too.
Our ADE community is a close one. And the people who work there get to know one another, look out for one another, celebrate each other’s successes and, importantly, become friends.
Those friendships don’t necessarily stop when the working day does. Many of our supported employees spend time together socially, share hobbies and activities, and some even share their homes. Our workplaces become places where friendships begin – and sometimes those friendships become an important part of everyday life.
For Jess, her bowling win was a personal achievement worth celebrating. Seeing her surrounded by friends, proudly showing off her success, is a lovely reminder that the benefits of having a job can extend well beyond the workplace.
It was certainly a win worth sharing. And Jess, we’re so glad you did.
