Help young people like Jack thrive in work and life
Jack's story
Jack is an enthusiastic and determined young man. Like most 19-year-olds, he has big dreams for his future and he’s working hard towards his goal of finding a job.
“Having a job would mean that I’m part of a team,” Jack says. “And it would give me a purpose and routine. It would make me feel important and fulfilled.”
But living with autism and intellectual disability means Jack faces some extra challenges as he makes the difficult transition from school to adulthood.
“I get anxious sometimes, especially around new people,” he says. “And it takes me a bit longer than others to understand and remember things. That’s why I need a support worker with me for things like work experience.”
Your tax-deductible donation to Northcott today can help provide young people like Jack with the skills and tailored support they need to build lives of purpose.
With Northcott’s support, Jack’s confidence is growing
Jack was nervous about his transition from school, and he knew his path would be different to his peers. That’s why he signed up for Northcott’s Skills 4 Life program while he was still at school.
Through Skills 4 Life, Jack learned valuable life skills like how to cook for himself and get around independently using public transport. He also found a place of belonging and a community of like-minded people.
Since graduating high school, Jack has been attending Northcott’s Work & Study service which has provided him with useful vocational skills like how to use a coffee machine and run a café.
Through Work & Study, Jack has also been supported in a range of work experience opportunities and completed a professional qualification in food handling.
Jack’s mum Tamara says that with the support he’s had from Northcott, he’s looking to the future with confidence and hope.
“We are so thankful for all the team at Northcott. They treat Jack with such kindness and care, and they’ve helped him grow in so many ways.
Your donation can help give more young people like Jack the chance to benefit from programs like Skills 4 Life and Work and Study.
You can help set young people like Jack up for success
Transitioning from school to adulthood is tough for every young person, but it can be even tougher for those with disability.
Things that come easily to some, like meeting new people, learning a new process and adapting to a new environment, can be a significant challenge for someone like Jack who has autism.
Young people with disability often need tailored learning environments that suit their interests and learning styles and meet their unique needs.
That’s exactly the kind of specialist support that you can help Northcott provide to enthusiastic and capable young people like Jack, with a generous gift today.
