‘He feels like he belongs’: How Our PACC supports clients living with disability
A disability support provider shares the inspiring story of a client who has turned his life around.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Our PACC.
Everyone deserves to feel loved and supported, and to have the opportunity to move forward on their life’s journey.
PACC client Michael* is someone who has benefited from being given that opportunity.
Michael, who lives with an intellectual disability, has faced more than his share of challenges in life.
In the past, his responses to those challenges included destructive anger, running away and substance abuse – behaviours which left him living on the streets.
He bounced around between several different support agencies.
It was then he met Paul Hodges, the operations manager with PACC: Para Ability Community Care.
“He had gone down the wrong path,” Paul says.
“We put him into a solid brick house, a robust house, under the NDIS and with trained staff.”
Then Paul and the PACC team started looking at activities that might suit him.
These days, Michael engages with a day options program three times per week.
He goes to watch his favourite local footy team play, he goes bowling on a Thursday night, he attends a gym and he is being encouraged to eat well.
“He’s moved onto a better platform for a life where he’s happy,” Paul says.
“He still has his ups and downs, but … where he used to smash things, now to calm down he’ll lie in his room and take some deep breaths.”
It has been a long journey to get to this point, Paul says, but that’s life: a long journey in which you get out what you put in.
In this case, PACC has supported Michael in his efforts to achieve a positive lifestyle, and he, his family and his support workers are reaping the rewards.
“His family really cares for him, but couldn’t have him living at home,” Paul says.
“Now he feels like he belongs somewhere.
“We see a lot of negativity about the NDIS, but this has been a massive turn-around for this one person.”
Our PACC can help you and your loved ones, too
Is there someone in your life who could benefit from that kind of support?
PACC can help clients aged seven and up live life to the fullest, wherever they are in the Murraylands or across the Adelaide metropolitan area.
Our PACC cares for clients holistically, with a comprehensive support network.
The organisation’s dedicated and passionate team includes support coordinators, psychosocial recovery coaches, case managers, health practitioners, support workers and carers.
Each of them looks forward to offering the support that will change more people’s lives for the better.
“(Michael) just wanted to be heard, he just wanted to feel a part of something,” Paul says.
“It might seem hard, but if you get the right staff, people that care, you can do anything.”
- More information: Visit ourpacc.com.au, call 1800 877 222 or email info@ourpacc.com.au.
Note: The client’s name has been changed for this story to protect his privacy.
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Peri Strathearn
