Bundaberg NDIS participant Clayton has made a career out of recycling which recently saw him featured nationally by Containers for Change.
His case study was shared in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities held this year on December 3.
The Impact Community Services employee, who also works for the Containers for Change program, has been kicking goals in recycling and with his saving habits which have ultimately moved his family out of public housing and into their very own home.
It started when the now 24-year-old finished school and was eagerly looking for work.
After having no luck, he enrolled in the in IMPACT Community Services‘ Transition to Work initiative which helps young people gain secure employment.
When he finished, a position was vacant at Council’s Material Recovery Facility which Impact operates.
Clayton was found to be the perfect fit for the job and he became a member of the team which hand-sorts the region’s recyclables from kerbside bin collections.
He was excited by the opportunity and quickly became part of the recycling team, impressing everyone with his reliability, work ethic, etiquette, and enthusiasm.
After just 13 weeks he had saved up enough money to buy himself a car.
The reliable income and full time work also gave Clayton the confidence and financial security he needed to start paying for things like driving lessons, fuel and ultimately, his license.
Recently, when Clayton’s mum passed away, he went above and beyond to help his dad organise the funeral and was instrumental in helping his family work through the grief of losing someone so special.
After what was a very difficult time, Clayton was keen for a fresh start.
A place to call home for Clayton and his family
Clayton continued to stick to his budget and save as much money as he could with the aim of purchasing his very own home.
In April this year, he became a first-time homeowner and lives with his dad and siblings.
Clayton always talks about how he’s grateful for IMPACT.
Knowing he had the ongoing support he needed gave him the confidence to navigate his own way through the paperwork involved with buying his car, getting his license, and buying his own home – asking for help whenever he had questions or wanted advice.
NDIS Manager Sorelle Mackinnon said the past few years had been monumental for Clayton.
“He’s been carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders, and he’s achieved so much,” she said.
“He is not only a huge support for his dad and siblings, but his work colleagues too.
“Last year, he even offered to be designated driver for the Christmas Party and drove all the way to Bargara and Innes Park to collect three fellow staff members to ensure they didn’t miss out.
“Clayton is a selfless young man who always puts others first.
“He’s very hard working and a true delight to be around.
“The team at IMPACT is so proud of him and looks forward to seeing what else he achieves in the future.”
