Wesley Mission Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 16
Five brothers build a home and a family
A huge smile appears across Greg’s face. He points to Michael and says,
“This is my friend.” Michael is everyone’s big brother.
He’s always looking after his housemates. And if you
ever need a cup of coffee, Michael is your barista.
“That’s Michael. He’s very friendly. He looks after
everyone,” Michael Henein says, who’s managed this
group home for people with disability for 15 years.
He continues, “Michael and Greg, they are very
close.”
Michael and Greg have lived together for 12 years.
Michael first moved into Wesley Disability
Accommodation’s residence in Glenmore Park
15 years ago. Then three years later, Greg came
along. But it’s not just the two of them. Together they
share a house with three other men.
“They do take care of each other. One likes to make
afternoon tea for everyone. Another one does
laundry. So they work as a family,” Mani says,
Manager Wesley Disability Accommodation
Canterbury.
The word ‘family’ best describes this household.
Together, all five men have built a strong bond, just
like siblings. “They like to do most things together,”
Mani explains.
All five men live with disability. Their home is
purpose-built to support their range of needs
including down syndrome, bipolar disorder,
intellectual disability, behavioural needs and mental
health concerns.
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“We help them in their day-to-day goals,” Mani says.
“That involves personal care, showering, assisting
them make dinner or lunches and providing them
transport to their day programs or work.”
Both Michael and Greg are proud of their home. The
moment you step through their front door, they’ll
take you on a guided tour.
Michael excitedly shows off his own space. Next to
Michael’s bedroom is his very own lounge room. It’s
his favourite room. It comes with a built-in kitchen,
and of course, a TV. Every night, Michael sits in his
lounge room and watches his favourite show, Home
and Away.
Greg too is eager to show off his bedroom, or more
importantly, his expansive DVD collection. His
cupboard is jam-packed with DVD folders. Folder by
folder, Greg flicks through his collection and marvels
at his prized DVDs. From Disney classics to Star
Wars, you name it, Greg has it.
coat of paint, modern wardrobes were installed and
new flooring. A fifth bedroom was also added so
they could welcome their new family member.
While the three-month renovations took place, this
family moved into a temporary residence nearby
before moving back home in March 2020. While a
comfortable home away from home, they all agree,
they prefer their refurbished house.
“This one’s better,” Michael says.
But it wasn’t the homecoming they expected. While
they marvelled at the renovations, COVID-19 put a
temporary pause on their daily routines. But as a
family, they adapted. And thanks to the renovations,
there was more space to enjoy while they waited for
the restrictions to ease.
Aximporp oriorem nos
ut architi onsenes
tinctati nones exeria
perupti ullesseque
eaque nostiis autas endi“ I feel happy
quamus ut landaec
that you’re here
tassit expliquos doluptat
with me.”
offic to et aut aut que
solore mos si
Michael is now back at work four days a week,
packing boxes. And Greg says he’s happy he can
resume his shopping trips, as long as he gets to ride
in his family’s red van.
Both Michael and Greg recently celebrated their
birthdays. One-by-one Greg pulls out his birthday
presents, including Star Wars figurines and a nerf
gun. Greg pretends to fire his nerf gun but quickly
assures everyone, “It’s just a toy”. Michael proudly
shows off his new watch.
While our purpose-built homes support people with
disability, it’s our staff who really make the
difference. Mani, Michael Henein and the team are
passionate about helping their residents reach their
daily goals, so they become more independent and
ultimately, thrive.
In early 2020, this family’s home was renovated to
provide them with additional space. Their lounge
room was expanded, each room received a fresh
Sitting in their living room, Greg turns to Michael
Henein and says, “Michael, I feel happy that you’re
here with me.”
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