Yarraburn Adult Programs a Hit

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IOE’s Yarraburn site is continuing to make life that little bit better for many Yarra Valley families.

One program that is really making a difference is the service Yarraburn provides for the area’s young adults with disabilities. With very few opportunities available for those who were no longer at school, IOE answered the need and started up a program, running three days of the week, which would provide opportunities for activity, skills development, independence and general wellbeing.

Each Monday during term, the focus is on health and fitness. The program is designed to challenge the physical limits of the group and push their comfort zone with activities such as caving, kayacking and climbing. Bit by bit fitness levels are improving to the extent that the group recently took part in a 10km community run to raise funds for the local CFA and SES. Testament to their improved fitness, they all completed the event! Parents too have remarked on the fact that their young adults are looking and feeling fitter, healthier and happier as a result of their intensive once a week fitness program.

The other two days of the service are taken up with running a small enterprise program and supporting participants to reach individual goals. The group learn skills to become job ready, make connections in their community and build their confidence and independence. One of the skills they have been learning is plant propagation and they have had the satisfaction of being able to successfully sell their plants at local markets. They are all buzzing with excitement at having a plant stand at the Yarra Valley’s upcoming Ectopia Festival which celebrates cultural diversity and sustainability.

Next thing on the list for Yarraburn to tackle is adult recreation – also sadly lacking in the Valley. Plans are in place for a once a month Saturday activity where a small group heads off to enjoy some of Melbourne and the Valleys many activities and events. And weekend camps are just over the horizon!

Currently there are still vacancies for Yarraburn’s adult services. Give them a call on 5967 2029 or email yarraburn@ioe.org.au and see what they have to offer.