Team member shares emotional reason she joined Afford

If there’s one thing that sets us apart from other service providers, it’s our staff.

Take our General Manager of Homes and Living Kym Mafi for example.

Kym has been with Afford for the past 14 years and she is as passionate about supporting people with disability as the day she signed up.

Kym has held a swag of different titles during her time with Afford and so knows pretty much every aspect of the business. She started off as a support worker and then moved into a team leader role. From there she became District Manager of Accommodation.

Kym Mafi (R) with Afford COO Leith Sterling honouring National Reconciliation Week.

A personal connection

Kym was soon promoted to National Senior District Manager Accommodation. Next stop, Executive Manager Accommodation, Director and finally, General Manager, the role she holds today. Her titles have changed but her commitment has not. Kym is as locked in as always. Part of the reason for this is personal. Kym, you see, has a lifelong connection to the PWD community.

“I am very lucky to have a sibling that has a disability,” explains Kym.

“That personal experience drove my decision to work in the sector … I wanted to better understand and find new ways to support and empower the lives of people living with disability.”

Her passion is based in a desire to better understand our clients so that she and the broader organisation can improve their lives in meaningful ways. She’s also motivated by her team members and their commitment. 

A LinkedIn post about Kym Mafi attracted many likes and comments.

Passion and commitment

“I’m motivated by the people I work with and for every day. I love seeing their passion and desire to assist our clients to reach milestones and achieve goals,” says Kym.

“I love being able to contribute and knowing that I play a part in changing someone’s life in a meaningful way. That keeps me motivated every day.”

Kym is also dedicated to changing the public perception of people with disability and disability in general.

“If there’s one thing I wish more people knew, it’s that inclusion isn’t just about putting in ramps or having accessible toilets,” says Kym.

Rights, choices and opportunities

“It’s about breaking down the attitudes and systems that make life harder for people with disability. Disability support isn’t about charity or pity, it’s about making sure everyone has the rights, choices, and opportunities to live life their way.

“I think a lot of people assume someone’s disability makes the person who they are, like it’s the main thing about them or they are sick and are unable to do anything for themselves people will often see the disability first and the person second and not see the person for who they are.”