Afford CEO Jo Toohey has taken to LinkedIn to thank the disability community for its staunch support since the organisation announced closures in early April. The closures, of Afford’s community centres and Australian Disability Enterprise-supported factory in Minchinbury, New South Wales, were difficult for many, which Ms Toohey acknowledged in a heartfelt thank you.

“Even though we knew it was the right decision, and we’ve been incredibly moved by the support from people across the disability sector and the Afford community, it was still emotional. There were tears. And that’s okay,” said Ms Toohey.

But there were also positives to the experience.

“Every single community client impacted by the closures has now moved to a new service, either with Afford or another provider. All impacted community services employees have also been supported to begin the next stage of their journeys,” she said.

Ms Toohey went on to say that many of the employees from Minchinbury chose to move across to our Ingleburn site, where they continued to do important, meaningful work. Others had taken on new roles elsewhere, facilitated by Afford team members.

Afford Community activity program Explore

Explore is a sector-leading community program where clients get to design their own programs.

Exciting new program

The post also noted Afford’s sector-leading program Explore.

“I’m excited about the number of community clients and support workers who have joined our new community-based program called Explore,” said Ms Toohey.

“It is a big part of Afford’s future.”

Ms Toohey explained that Afford leaders were also working on new types of support to help people at every stage of life, not just those with NDIS funding.

“We want to be here for the long haul,” she said.

“Afford has been part of communities for almost 75 years. That legacy matters. And it is our people, including clients, employees, carers, families and partners, who make it possible.”

Deep thanks and gratitude

She then shared a heartfelt thank you to staff members, clients, carers and supporters who ‘walked this road with us’.

“Your strength and care have meant everything,” shared Ms Toohey.

“I also want to thank the many colleagues and leaders across the sector who reached out over the past two months. Your kind words and encouragement have been deeply appreciated. Together, we have made a difficult change as smooth and successful as it could possibly be. Thank you.”

LinkedIn responses to post by CEO Jo Toohey's

Afford CEO Jo Toohey’s LinkedIn post sparked a flurry of comments.

The community responds

The post quickly attracted attention and garnered 74 reactions plus a raft of comments, all of them positive.

“It’s never easy making decisions that impact people and communities, but the care, and follow-through shown here is a testament to strong, values-driven leadership,” wrote Cheryl Barrett, CEO at community services sector Kanda group.

“Wishing you and the team all the best as you continue building on Afford’s legacy through Explore and beyond. It’s encouraging to see innovation and compassion so clearly at the heart of your work.”

Wesley Mission Queensland General Manager Health and Wellbeing Belinda Sutherland congratulated Ms Toohey and the broader organisation for treating clients with respect and kindness.

“Well done Afford on treating customers with respect and choice. It is nice to see this approach when a closure is necessary,” she wrote.

Client parent Kevin Collier added what was perhaps the most important message of all saying his son had flourished since joining the Afford community.

“Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and Afford for looking after our son James over the past three and a half years. In that time James has formed friendships with his one-to-one carers, who have become part of our extended family.”

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