Community over competition

AMY Willis is passionate about mental health, promoting independence, capacity building and ensuring positive outcomes for the participants who come through her employment supports program.

Ms Willis opened her shop, Empire South, in Heathcote early last year selling clothing, coffee and cake, and gifts.

“As a support worker in aged care for 20 years, I saw a need for something different in helping people with disabilities learn new skills and find meaningful employment,” she said.

“All too often participants are given meaningless, repetitive tasks and paid a very small wage.

“At Empire South participants are paid the award wage.

 

“They also learn new skills to help them find employment in mainstream situations.

“It’s hand-on learning and no day is the same.”

Ms Willis began Empire South as a clothing brand, and is assisted by support workers Tina and Letitia, and supervisor Kayla.

“We recently started serving toasties and hope to add more hot foods in the future,” she said.

“It will help participants to learn new skills with each product we add.

“The cakes we serve are supplied by Renee at The Dessert Nerd.

“I believe in community connections and everyone helping each other.

“Any leftover food is given to Food Share, the Community House or the CFA.”

 

Ms Willis lives near Lake Eppalock with her husband and two children with sheep, horses and other animals. Many of the craft and clothing items in the shop have a western or horse theme.

All profits from the shop help to pay wages. Participants in the program are empowered to live independently and confidently.

“The support is tailored to each individual’s needs,” said Ms Willis. “We have had some great response and success stories.

“Some participants are now working in mainstream employment.

“Others who could only manage 20 minutes a day when they first came to use are now happily and confidently serving customers for the whole day.”

Regular customer Karen said the service at Empire South is great.

“All the girls are lovely,” she said. “They make great coffee and I come in regularly.

 

“I bought several Christmas presents from the shop and highly recommend it to everyone.”

Empire South is at 97B High Street Heathcote and is open every day from 10am to 3pm.

For more information or to discuss support needs and goals, contact 0437 199 924 or [email protected].