'Balance' is a day program run by Interchange Outer East for young adults with a disability, who are aged 18 years and over. The program commenced operation in 2000 as part of the government's Futures for Young Adults initiative.
Initially based at the Interchange premises in Ferntree Gully and operating with only a handful of participants, Balance has experienced phenomenal growth and in 2008 now has 80 participants, 25 staff and 4 home bases.
Balance's success lies in program individuality. Balance staff utilise the principles of Person Centred Planning and work with participants and their families to develop individual, relevant and appropriate programs, which will further the goals of each participant.
A wide range of program and activity options are offered to all participants - life and living skills, art and music, sport and recreation. However each group has a specific program focus.
- 'Balance Ferntree Gully'- is a transition program for school leavers. It also offers programs, based on individual plans, to participants who are less suited to, or interested in, the work and community involvement options offered by the other Balance groups.
- Balance 'Enterprises' - is a more work orientated program. Participants learn through working at a range of jobs in a supported community based environment. Follow the link to Balance Enterprises to find out more about this program and the goods and services available for sale to the public.
- 'Community Balance' - focuses on real community inclusion. Programing includes the development of personal independence and life skills, achievment of personal goals, community volunteer and work opportunities and concepts of responsibility, lifestyle choice and friendships.
- Balance 'Link'- this Bayswater based group is linking into the local community to access learning, life experience, and the development of independendt living skills, community inclusion, mutual support and community development.
Some of the other programs and activities on offer are:
- A creative art program operating from our dedicated arts area where participants can express their artistic talents and create their own works of art with a wide variety of art forms..
- Sport and fitness programs - swimming, bowling, gym, pool....
- Music
- A cooking / catering program which teaches food preparation skills and supplies delicious lunches weekly to staff and participants
- Balance produces a quarterly magazine 'The Bulb' and a Year Book which are written, researched, illustrated and compiled by participants.
- Social activities where the emphasis is on fun and social interaction in a community setting.
- 10 week intensive programs - Outdoor Ed; Arts Intensive; Sport and Lifestyle
- Participants also take part in a variety of voluntary, work experience and educational programs in the local community.
artists at work in the recent 10 week Art Intensive program
Many Balance programs and activities are conducted in local community settings.Partnerships and work opportunities are sought with local businesses.
We welcome contact from anyone who may be able to provide work or volunteering experience or program opportunities for the Balance participants.