At Presbyterian Support East Coast, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in celebrating their commitment, care and aroha.
Last week, our Enliven Disability Services team came together to recognise and celebrate our incredible team who make such a difference in the lives of people who they support.
For Enliven Disability Operations Manager Residential Kai Jugo the celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge just how much the team meant to the organisation.
“You are the core, the pulse, the heartbeat and the life force of what this organisation is about,” he said.
“You are doing selfless work, 24/7, supporting arguably the most vulnerable people in our community. And you are not doing it for the money, but for the aroha and the relationships.”
Chief Executive Sanja Sajatovic-Majstorović also thanked the team on behalf of the board and leadership team, echoing Kai’s sentiments. “As Kai said, we wouldn’t be here without you.”
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Awards of Excellence – a recognition of our Support Workers, who provide everyday support, Community Mentors, who support people to get involved in their local community and build connections, and Navigators, who empower people to identify their goals and plan for the future.
For Enliven Disability Residential support worker Una Tua’Naki, that difference is found in the relationships she builds and the happiness she sees in the people she supports. “I enjoy working to make the flatters happy and feel their spirit alive,” she said.
“I enjoy working with the people of different cultures here – Samoan, Fijian, Zimbabwean and others. We share our cultures with the flatters to make them feel loved. Even if we are not family, we are still a big family in Rowan House.”
Fellow support worker Bless Crichton also spoke about the privilege of being part of people’s lives and the joy that comes from making a difference.
“I am proud of the impact I have in people’s lives, and it’s a blessing. It’s a privilege to be a little light and put a smile on people’s faces.”
And there was plenty more to smile about as everyone came together to enjoy an incredible ‘Cultural Exchange Lunch’ featuring dishes from a range of different cultures provided by the Enliven Disability Services team.
It was a fitting end to a celebration of the people whose courage, care and aroha bring Enliven Disability’s values to life every day.
