“I really enjoy making coffee and helping people. I’ve learned how to make different drinks, and one day I’d like to work in a café.” Kaitlyn
At Wallara Pakenham, Kaitlyn is learning barista skills, working with the Grassbusters gardening crew and exploring what she’d like to do next.
Learning to catch the train helped her start her first job at Wallara Logistics in Keysborough. It was there that she met the Café W@160 team making coffee and decided she’d like to try hospitality too.
One opportunity opens the door to another
Kaitlyn lives in a Wallara Supported Independent Living (SIL) home and attends day programs at Wallara Pakenham.
Through the Travel Training program at Pakenham, Kaitlyn learned to catch the train from home to her day programs.
That opened up another opportunity — her first job at Wallara Logistics in Keysborough.
At Logistics, Kaitlyn met a friend who became her travel buddy. She also saw the Supported Employee team working at Café W@160 and discovered something new she’d like to try: making coffee.
Kaitlyn joined the Barista Skills day program at Pakenham, where she could learn to make different coffees alongside other clients and Wallara Support Coaches.
“I really enjoy making coffee and helping people. I’ve learned how to make different drinks, and one day I’d like to work in a café,” Kaitlyn said.
Her goal is to join the team at Wallara’s Hospitality Social Enterprise, Café W, through Supported Employment.
Exploring different pathways
Hospitality isn’t Kaitlyn’s only interest.
“Kaitlyn is also an active member of Grassbusters at Wallara Pakenham, where she takes part in gardening and grounds maintenance activities.”
From working outdoors with the Grassbusters team to making coffee and working at Logistics, Kaitlyn enjoys having different things to do throughout her week.
She’s also made friends, developed her travel skills and enjoys spending time with her housemates.
“I’m proud that I can travel by myself now,” she said.
Kaitlyn’s experiences show that Pathways can follow any order. People can explore different interests, take part in day programs and Supported Employment, or do both.
Finding what works for Kaitlyn
Wallara Pakenham Support Lead, Kerry Barnard has known Kaitlyn for four years and has seen how much she’s enjoyed trying new things.
“The growth has been tremendous. In the four years I’ve known Kaitlyn, she’s gone from taking part in general day programs to learning how to make coffees, build customer service skills and do gardening around the community,” Kerry said.
For Wallara General Manager of Learning & Lifestyle, Romaine Kakoullis, Kaitlyn’s story shows why having different opportunities available matters.
“Employment outcomes don’t happen in isolation. Opportunities to build skills, participate in the community, travel, explore different interests and have the right support at home can all help someone work towards the life and employment goals that matter to them,” Romaine said.
What's next for Kaitlyn?
For now, Kaitlyn is enjoying her work at Wallara Logistics, making coffee, being part of Grassbusters and spending time with friends.
Working in a café is still something she’d like to explore.
For Kaitlyn, there’s still plenty she’d like to try.
Explore your interests at Wallara
Interested in hospitality, horticulture, logistics or media?
Wallara’s Pathways connect Learning & Lifestyle day programs with Supported Employment opportunities. Explore different interests, learn new skills and find what you enjoy.
