Caloundra’s STEPS Pathways College are the proud recipients of a brand-new transport vehicle purchased recently thanks to winning a community funding grant.
The college which teaches young Australians with a disability the skills to live independently, is expanding to accommodate their growing needs and enrolment demands.
And thanks to a combination of grants, ongoing partnerships and generous community support, they are building two new boarding college units and have just secured an additional transport vehicle for the students.
STEPS Pathways manager DJ McGlynn said community access is an integral part of the Pathways’ program as it enables the students to develop social skills, increase their confidence to access the community and experience activities in their areas of interest.
“With the growing number of students accessing the Pathways program, this bus will enable several groups to access the community at once and to provide a variety of options,” Mr McGlynn said.
“We advocate for building the skills and capacity of our students to be more social and community minded, and to experience activities of their individual interest through excursions.
“We want them to develop strong and sustainable relationships with their community, to empower the students in the decision-making process, when accessing community activities.
“We offer the opportunity to the students to contribute to the development of socially inclusive communities so when they are ready to graduate college, they are confident to continue as an active member of their local community,” Mr McGlynn said.
Pathways training manager Jason Keen said the college has grown so much they no longer can fit on a single 12 seater bus.
“It’s extremely important for our students to stay connected and participate in enjoyable activities for their health and wellbeing,” Mr Keen said.
“Whether it’s a group beach trip or a big excursion to Brisbane, we also use the bus for practical activities like buying mops at Bunnings or assisting new students with their grocery shopping.”
STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said they’re incredibly grateful to receive the funding and purchase this extremely valuable vehicle that plays such a vital role in the running of the college.
“As our college is growing rapidly, so are our needs to equip our students with everything they need to be fully connected, to actively participate in excursions and off campus activities,” Ms Crouch said.
“This transport vehicle will enable STEPS Pathways College students to get out and about and further, building their confidence as independent young adults.”
STEPS Pathways College is experiencing an exciting new phase of growth as the college continues to evolve and expand with the success of their first two cohorts – now graduated and living independently in the community, and a new cohort of students that now have the opportunity to develop the skills required for their own life of independence.
The Sunshine Coast boarding college, Murphy House, is a modern campus with students studying and residing on campus, with extensive outdoor and recreational zones.
STEPS Pathways College is changing lives for families living with disability and are taking enrolments.
The expansion will allow even more boarding students to reside in modern, fully fitted and contained units designed to replicate an independent living environment, alongside the day student program, while learning via the holistic, innovative teaching model that is STEPS Pathways College.
STEPS Charity is committed to making a difference by raising vital funds to expand the college. For more information on partnering with STEPS Charity or to enrol as a student at Pathways College contact 07 5458 3000.
