Kira's Story
Meet Kira, a dynamic addition to the Cultivate Food & Beverage team, as she shares her journey into open employment unlocking a role that ignited a newfound passion.
Before joining the team at Cultivate Food & Beverage, Kira was a student pursuing her academic passions. With her sights set on a career as an author, Kira was studying Creative Writing at Flinders University. Her path, however, took an unforeseen turn during her final year of studies when she developed Tourette Syndrome. “At the time, I didn’t know what it was, but it was a frightening experience until I got my diagnosis and learned how to manage it,” Kira reflects.
The disruptions caused by the diagnosis process meant Kira had to leave her university studies just six months shy of completing her degree. Despite these setbacks, Kira’s resilient spirit and determination remained undeterred and she was ready to explore the opportunities of open employment.
Thrilled to secure her first open employment opportunity after facing a string of frustrating setbacks in her job search, Kira dove headfirst into her role at Cultivate Food & Beverage with enthusiasm.
Despite not having much culinary experience, Kira quickly mastered new skills and uncovered a newfound passion for food preparation.
I went through so many job interviews – no experience, and they didn’t want someone with a disability. I came here to interview at Cultivate and they said ‘Can you start Wednesday?
Kira’s enthusiasm and organisational skills were quickly recognised, earning her the opportunity to undertake a Food Safety course with the Head Chef, an acknowledgment of her diligence and commitment to personal growth. Beyond her culinary duties, Kira is responsible for handling paperwork and batch numbers, playing a crucial role in tracking products and ensuring efficiency in the kitchen. Her reliability and attention to detail does not go unnoticed, as she is the go-to choice to relieve the team Supervisor in
his absence.
Despite the challenges posed by Tourette Syndrome, Kira’s career progression at Cultivate has been impressive. While experiencing physical symptoms such as tics, including hand movements, lip popping, winking and head flicks; Kira has learned to navigate these challenges. With a supportive system in place to help her manage her triggers and alleviate stress, Kira has flourished, gaining more confidence in herself and her abilities with each passing day.
Kira’s income increased by 134% in open employment versus what she would have earned in supported employment.
Kira’s role in open employment has not only provided her with an increased sense of purpose in her life, but has also significantly impacted her financial independence. Since starting her role, Kira has experienced a notable increase in her earnings, allowing her to increase her savings and achieve greater financial stability. This tangible outcome not only speaks to Kira’s personal fulfilment, but also highlights the transformative potential of earning award wages and gaining discretionary income within an open employment setting like Cultivate Food & Beverage.
Kira’s current earnings represent a 134% increase compared to what she would have earned in supported employment. Beyond the direct financial benefits accrued to Kira herself, amounting to $372,295 over her employment tenure in a social enterprise on full award wages, the ripple effects extend far beyond her individual circumstances.
Over the course of Kira’s working life, the cumulative effect is estimated to generate a staggering $1.48 million in social impact—an impressive testament to the power of open employment initiatives in driving economic growth and social equity, for individuals like Kira and communities at large.
They have put a lot of faith in me. For the longest time I thought I’d never get anywhere. Here I am, from where I started the year, to where I am now – it’s crazy!
Kira offers words of encouragement to others facing similar challenges, urging them to persevere in their pursuit of a fulfilling career. Her journey at Cultivate Food & Beverage stands as a positive example for individuals with disabilities navigating their own paths towards open employment, gaining financial independence and improved overall wellbeing.
*Data sources:
1. https://www.everyonecanwork.org.au/resources/evidence/1-what-are-the-outcomes-of-open-employment-for-people-with-intellectual-disability/
1. Delivering and measuring value – Prepared by the Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University
2. Bedford SROI calculations March 2024.
3.Calculations based on a 20-year working life.