Connect2Group in Cleveland, Queensland | Non-profit organisation

Connect2Group

Locality: Cleveland, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 3286 7166

Address: 141 Queen Street, 4163 Cleveland, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.connect2group.org.au

Likes: 306

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Social service

25.01.2022 SLES IS UP AND RUNNING AT C2G, AND SO IS ERIN!! Connect2Group offers support for people who have NDIS funding for SLES School Leaver Employment Support. This program is targeted at young people who are usually in the last year of school, or who are wanting to make the transition from school to employment. SLES aims to improve the employability of young people with disability by helping them to develop their job skills and improve their confidence and independence. Erin ha...s commenced her SLES journey and is looking forward to her training program which it is hoped will open up pathways for her to meet her goals, learn skills and ultimately find sustainable employment. Erin is pictured (left) with Employment Consultant Louise. Some areas Connect2Group can assist in SLES, are communication skills, literacy and numeracy, time-management, travel training and money handling. Each SLES program (like a course really) is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals. We wish Erin all the best as she embarks on this exciting journey!

25.01.2022 We are excited about our new Mt Gravatt office for Employment Division. Using shared community resources is what it’s all about and the office at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds is just that! Team Leader Leonnie, Employment Consultant Cass, and CEO Paul enjoyed some time checking out the new venue.

25.01.2022 You may have seen our post about Kate Alcorn and her celebration of 20 years working at Coles. My name is Pete Mahoney and I am Connect2Group’s Quality & Risk Advisor, and the moderator of our Facebook platform. Having worked, in two separate stints with the company for close to ten years in total, I can say in all honesty that Kate’s achievement is an event of high importance in Connect2Group’s own long history. In fact, I struggle to recall a more significant moment in o...ur history. Not only is Kate’s achievement a wonderful and exciting milestone for her, it also represents a great moment - quite possibly the greatest moment - in our long and proud story. Kate joined Connect2 (then Bayside GATE) way back in March 2000, and is our longest-term client. Not only has Kate worked continuously for Coles since September 2000, we have provided support to Kate in all of that time. A total of 27 staff of our Employment Service have supported Kate at different times over the years (you went through a few, Kate!!), and this included direct supports from 2 former General Managers. Nothing gives us more satisfaction that seeing a person with disability achieve wonderful accomplishments and outcomes for themselves. Kate has won many awards, achieved one milestone after another with Coles, and is very well-known and highly regarded in our local community. The original Lolly-Lady of Coles Cleveland went from strength to strength and now is training a new staff member at Victoria Point (also a Connect2 client). Our CEO Paul Williams was delighted to attend Kate’s celebrations and offered acknowledgement and thanks to Coles for their long standing partnership, and to the Employment Service team at Connect2Group, in particular Leonnie Howard. This truly is a moment of great celebration for Kate, and a special moment in history for our organisation.

25.01.2022 Recently the guys from Lifestyle Options, based at Wellington Point’s Community Arts Precinct (CAP) enjoyed the day exploring the Scarecrow Festival at Mt Tambourine. The team visited several of the festival sites and displays, and had a great day out. We hear that the visit has given some inspiration for a planned Halloween event!

25.01.2022 Connect2Group offices will be closed on Monday August 10, for the EKKA public holiday. Have a wonderful long weekend and stay safe.

24.01.2022 Kate Alcorn has been supported by our Employment Service for more than 20 years. Kate has just celebrated 20 years of continuous employment with Coles, firstly at Cleveland and then Victoria Point. On Wednesday (September 23) at the Victoria Point store, there was a celebration to mark Kate’s wonderful milestone. Among the guests were the management team of Coles (Shelly, Sherelle, Narelle and Chris), Kate’s mother Carolyn, Redlands local member Kim Richards, Redlands Councillor Paul Golle, Connect2Group CEO Paul Williams, and Employment Service Team Leader Leonnie Howard, along with many of Kate’s Coles colleagues. Leonnie spoke to the gathering of Kate’s determination to honour a commitment she made 20 years ago - I agree to always work and try my hardest. Well done to Kate on your wonderful achievement.

22.01.2022 Employment Service client Kyle Smyth has found the job of his dreams, working for Bayside Powder Coating at Capalaba. After a successful work trial, Kyle has joined the team at the company and we wish him all the best.

22.01.2022 Kate Alcorn has been supported by our Employment Service for more than 20 years. Kate has just celebrated 20 years of continuous employment with Coles, firstly at Cleveland and then Victoria Point. On Wednesday (September 23) at the Victoria Point store, there was a celebration to mark Kate’s wonderful milestone. Among the guests were the management team of Coles (Shelly, Sherelle, Narelle and Chris), Kate’s mother Carolyn, Redlands local member Kim Richards, Redlands Councillor Paul Golle, Connect2Group CEO Paul Williams, and Employment Service Team Leader Leonnie Howard, along with many of Kate’s Coles colleagues. Leonnie spoke to the gathering of Kate’s determination to honour a commitment she made 20 years ago - I agree to always work and try my hardest. Well done to Kate on your wonderful achievement.

22.01.2022 Connect2Group recently held its Annual General Meeting. It was great to see so many supporters attend and we appreciate their support and ongoing commitment in assisting our clients. In the photo are (L-R) Dr Tom Baster; Cr Wendy Boglary (Division 1 Redland City Councillor); Cr Paul Bishop (Division 10 Redland City Councillor); Paul Williams (CEO); Jamie Wynn (General Manager)

20.01.2022 Employment Service client Kate is having a well-earned holiday on the Gold Coast ahead of celebrations for 20 years as an employee of Coles. Kate tried out iFly and seems she was a natural! Go Kate and congrats on the big work anniversary!

19.01.2022 CAP is lighting the way! Barely a week goes by when the guys at CAP don’t come up with another innovative idea for their woodworking activities. Right now they are working on candle holders and we can’t wait to see the finished product. When I checked out the progress I was so impressed with the design I can’t wait to purchase one. The holder has slats carved into the side designed to allow light to filter through and create an amazing miniature light show.... Team Leader Sharon Edwards says: woodwork is a favourite chosen activity by so many of the guys and it is great too see them get really involved. Even the large bench they are working from was designed and crafted by the crew. (I might have also ordered a scaled down version of this!!).

19.01.2022 There was a Coochi invasion today (Friday Sept 25) as a group of guys from Lifestyle Options sailed in for a day of adventure and exploration. They went on adventure walks, checked out the local parks, took in the beautiful Coochiemudlo Island scenery, and had an awesome tropical barbecue. We are sure that there was plenty of suncscreen, and great to see the hats!

19.01.2022 Bunnings BBQ’s are a major fundraising opportunity for Lifestyle Options, and to have 2 in just a matter of a few weeks has been fantastic for the guys. Only recently, these events started again, after a long closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, and we are very grateful to Bunnings for their continued support of our mission to enhance the lives of people we support. CEO Paul WIlliams thanked the Lifestyle Options staff, and staff from other areas, for giving up their time ...to volunteer at both BBQ’s. Paul also acknowledged the support of Bunnings, who is a significant partner of Connect2Group. Funds raised provide great assistance towards ensuring the team has the best possible resources, equipment and aids to support clients in a wide range of activities. Special thanks to Simone of Bunnings Capalaba and the whole Bunnings crew for their support. We must also make mention of the great work done by the intrepid leadership team at the Community Arts Precinct - Ana, Sharon and Tony.

18.01.2022 Our Community Arts Precinct (CAP) at Wellington Point has undergone a great transformation! Staff volunteered their time on a recent weekend to give the buildings a general cleanup and a new paint job! What a difference some paint makes, and again we thank Simone and the crew at Bunnings Capalaba for the generous donation of paint and equipment enabling us to undertake the face-lift.

18.01.2022 COVID-19 hasn’t stopped these guys from keeping themselves busy!!! There’s been plenty of exercising around local nature paths plus maintaining and learning new skills

18.01.2022 With the upcoming Federal election our CEO Paul Williams and members of the Management Committee have recently met with Andrew Laming MP, Senator Amanda Stoker and Dr Tom Baster, to discuss Disability Employment Services and NDIS as we seek to enhance the services provided to clients.

17.01.2022 CEO Leanne Jackson attending CEO Conference Day 1 in Sydney

16.01.2022 HALLOWEEN EVENT CANCELLED Due to impending storms impacting the South East, we have unfortunately had to cancel the Halloween Party at the Community Arts Precinct (CAP) tonight. Stay safe everyone.

16.01.2022 We are pleased to advise that as from today Friday June 26, all restrictions to client and staff movements over and above the restrictions outlined in the Roadmap to Easing Queensland’s Restrictions are now removed. For staff and clients of C2G what this means is that we have lifted the restriction of access to: Theme Parks and large entertainment venues (including zoos and wildlife parks)... Areas of the Gold Coast Areas of the Sunshine Coast This also means that, effective immediately, the only restrictions we must abide by are those which are outlined by the Commonwealth & Qld Governments. We will carefully consider each proposed outing ahead of time to make sure that we can meet any physical distancing and access restrictions, if we need to book ahead, or if the venue itself has additional restrictions. We will of course also continue to consider the purpose of the outing and the benefits to a client’s chosen goals, in addition to client choice. This decision to remove the final additional restrictions has been made due 100 per cent to the cooperation and support of our amazing staff and clients. We understand fully that there has been considerable frustration and disappointment along this journey so far, but it is only by following directions and supporting us in the very difficult decisions we have had to make to ensure everyone’s safety, that we can now do this. Some decisions have proven unpopular, yet even so our guys have been supportive and compliant, and we are deeply grateful to all for that. We will continue to stay safe and we do not want to become complacent we still have a long way to go. Peter Mahoney Quality & Risk Advisor

15.01.2022 We have always taken COVID-19 precautions very seriously. This has presented some challenges at times for our supported accommodation sites, but we are very proud and appreciative of both clients and staff for being on board with what they need to do to keep everyone safe. Nic lives in his home at Capalaba, which he shares with two mates. Here he is with one of our wonderful support workers, Phaedra. The most powerful influencer is to role-model for others, so well-done to Nic and Phaedra for showing the way! We are not sure who is role-modeling for who here, but it doesn’t matter!

15.01.2022 Employment Service client Sean Fisher has been working with the Multicultural Centre Australia for about 6 years. Like so many of us, Sean has found the challenges of COVID-19 to be somewhat difficult at times, but he has managed to make the most of it all. It is important during these times that we look after ourselves, and one of the best ways to do that is by regular exercise. Sean rides his bike up to 30klm’s a week, and recently, with his Dad, rode all the way up Mt Cootha. Sean said he had really sore legs but he was so proud of himself for accomplishing the ride. In these challenging times, Sean understands the importance of looking after yourself and getting plenty of exercise. Well-done Sean!

15.01.2022 Connect2Group offices will be closed on Monday August 10, for the EKKA public holiday. Have a wonderful long weekend and stay safe.

15.01.2022 We have always taken COVID-19 precautions very seriously. This has presented some challenges at times for our supported accommodation sites, but we are very proud and appreciative of both clients and staff for being on board with what they need to do to keep everyone safe. Nic lives in his home at Capalaba, which he shares with two mates. Here he is with one of our wonderful support workers, Phaedra. The most powerful influencer is to role-model for others, so well-done to Nic and Phaedra for showing the way! We are not sure who is role-modeling for who here, but it doesn’t matter!

14.01.2022 We are currently in the process of upgrading our page. We are still here and going strong.

13.01.2022 Our Annual General Meeting was held on Monday November 30. We were pleased to welcome our patron, Redlands Councillor Wendy Boglary. Wendy has been a supporter and champion of Connect2Group for many years.

10.01.2022 A reminder to all our valued friends and participants that our office will be closed on Monday, October 5 for the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday. We hope you all have a wonderful long weekend.

10.01.2022 The Annual Oaklands Street Community Garden Open Day is being held this Sunday, 25 August 2019 from 10am to 2pm. It is a great opportunity to support this active community organisation in recognition of the services and environment it provides for people in the region. Please come along and enjoy the gardens.

10.01.2022 On September 21, Ronald Hine, our Network & Fleet Administrator, achieved the service milestone of 10 years’ service with Connect2Group. As HR & Operations Manager Leanne Jackson said, Thank you Ronald.......as a well-known member of our staff, your contribution and skills are acknowledged. Your role has been a fundamental part of Connect2Group. Not only does Ronald keep our network operating and our fleet on the road, not many may know that he selflessly gives much of his... own time volunteering for various activities, including being the head chef at the Bunnings BBQ’s! Congratulations Ronald, from all of us.

10.01.2022 Lesley, Cindy and Tanya make up our NDIS Team, looking after support coordination for an ever increasing number of valued participants. No 2 days are the same for these intrepid warriors as they work very hard alongside participants to help them attain their dreams, goals and aspirations. Lesley and Tanya are pictured having a rare time-out. To contact the NDIS dream team, simply call 3286 7166.

09.01.2022 Connect2Group celebrate the achievements of our staff. We award an Employee of the Quarter. Our December winners are Lesley Siddall, NDIS Coordinator (pictured); Shane To’Omata, Lifestyle Options (pictured with General Manger Jamie Wynn); Julia Day, Accommodation Services and Paul Moss, Employment Services. Congratulations to you all!

09.01.2022 Our Community Arts Precinct (CAP) at Wellington Point has undergone a great transformation! Staff volunteered their time on a recent weekend to give the buildings a general cleanup and a new paint job! What a difference some paint makes, and again we thank Simone and the crew at Bunnings Capalaba for the generous donation of paint and equipment enabling us to undertake the face-lift.

08.01.2022 Recently we welcomed Claire as a participant in the NDIS. Seems like the Gold Coast is a popular destination, with the easing of some COVID restrictions. Claire clearly had a blast at SeaWorld.

08.01.2022 It is great to see the return of the television series Employable Me. The new series will be aired on the ABC at 8.30pm Tuesdays and can also be watched on IVIEW. We acknowledge the many employers in our region who assist people gain employment, work experience and achieve positive goal centred outcomes. https://iview.abc.net.au/collection/1195

06.01.2022 Our CEO Paul Williams recently attended the National Disability Services (NDS) CEO conference in Melbourne. The conference covered the latest issues about NDIS, client services, sector trends and quality systems. It was a great opportunity to discuss with colleagues matters that are relevant to the sector and ensure Connect2Group remains a client focused service leader.

06.01.2022 CEO Leanne Jackson and Personal Assistant to the CEO Nicky Mills attending the NDIS Essential Briefing.

05.01.2022 Mr America Comes to CAP!!! The famous food truck was a hit with all involved

03.01.2022 Have you called our Head Office on the phone and been greeted by the bubbly and cheerful voice of Sam Evans? Sam joined our team recently as Receptionist, covering maternity leave. Sam describes herself as very much a Redlands local girl and says I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love to talk, probably why I love this job so much, being able to talk all day long.

03.01.2022 The Connect2Group team wishes all our clients, families and friends a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and successful 2020. Please note that our office will be closed from 12:30pm on Tuesday 24th December and reopens at 8am on Thursday 2nd January 2020.

02.01.2022 Dear Colleagues, Friends and Supporters, The link below will take you to a web page that will allow you to quickly vote for our request for funding to assist our cause. All you need to do is click on the "sign in" section and vote! We are not asking for you to put your hands in your pocket, just your fingers on the keyboard...The more votes we can get the better the chance we have of receiving this free and much needed funding from Freedom Communities. https://www.freedomproperty.com.au/ProjectIdea

02.01.2022 Hi all - our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday November 30, at 5:30 pm, at the Community Arts Precinct (CAP). If you would like to attend, just give us a call on 3286 7166, or email Gail at [email protected] by Monday November 23.

02.01.2022 Want to support our Community Arts Precinct? (CAP)? We have entered Freedom Communities community project for a grant for our Wellington Point hub. https://www.freedomproperty.com.au/ProjectIdea. Go to their website to vote for us. We thank Darren McCormack of Freedom Property for his support!

02.01.2022 The awesome crew of the Woodwork Program at CAP have been busy working on a project to complete their new Railing Garden Beds

01.01.2022 Bunnings Program - Participants are able to get their hands dirty by taking part in building planter boxes courtesy of Bunnings!

01.01.2022 Fun at CAP!!!!! Social distancing is something we take very seriously but it doesn’t deter our participants from having fun in their activities

01.01.2022 You may have seen our post about Kate Alcorn and her celebration of 20 years working at Coles. My name is Pete Mahoney and I am Connect2Group’s Quality & Risk Advisor, and the moderator of our Facebook platform. Having worked, in two separate stints with the company for close to ten years in total, I can say in all honesty that Kate’s achievement is an event of high importance in Connect2Group’s own long history. In fact, I struggle to recall a more significant moment in o...ur history. Not only is Kate’s achievement a wonderful and exciting milestone for her, it also represents a great moment - quite possibly the greatest moment - in our long and proud story. Kate joined Connect2 (then Bayside GATE) way back in March 2000, and is our longest-term client. Not only has Kate worked continuously for Coles since September 2000, we have provided support to Kate in all of that time. A total of 27 staff of our Employment Service have supported Kate at different times over the years (you went through a few, Kate!!), and this included direct supports from 2 former General Managers. Nothing gives us more satisfaction that seeing a person with disability achieve wonderful accomplishments and outcomes for themselves. Kate has won many awards, achieved one milestone after another with Coles, and is very well-known and highly regarded in our local community. The original Lolly-Lady of Coles Cleveland went from strength to strength and now is training a new staff member at Victoria Point (also a Connect2 client). Our CEO Paul Williams was delighted to attend Kate’s celebrations and offered acknowledgement and thanks to Coles for their long standing partnership, and to the Employment Service team at Connect2Group, in particular Leonnie Howard. This truly is a moment of great celebration for Kate, and a special moment in history for our organisation.

01.01.2022 A good teacher and mentor does not teach you what to do - they show you what to do

01.01.2022 Staff and participants keeping the shoppers fed at our annual Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

01.01.2022 Staff and participants enjoying the Community Arts Precinct open day