Vana Care

🌟 Celebrating Jax’s progress and growth! 🌟

Jax is a spirited 12-year-old who was diagnosed with Autism in 2022. Since then, he’s been on an exciting journey of self-discovery, exploring new hobbies and building his confidence in social settings. With the support of his dedicated team, Jax has been embracing new experiences, including fishing—his latest passion.

Jax is also working on developing essential life skills, such as meal preparation and cooking, with the guidance of his support workers. His enthusiasm shines through during these learning moments, where he’s building independence and having fun along the way.

Jax stays active by playing tennis and basketball with his support staff, proving that teamwork and perseverance can lead to great achievements. His journey is a reminder that with the right support and encouragement, anything is possible.

We are so proud to be a part of Jax’s journey and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Vana Care! 💛

🌟 Meet Timo! 🌟

“Hi, I’m Timo, and working as a support worker with Vana Care for the past two years has been an absolute joy. Helping those in our community who need it most is not only fulfilling but has also taught me so much about gratitude, empathy, patience, and understanding. Each client has a unique story, and being a positive part of that journey is something truly special. I feel incredibly lucky to have found my calling in helping others, and I’m so thankful to Vana for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

A Little About Timo’s Interests:
🏃‍♂️ Running enthusiast
🥾 Keen hiker
🍲 Hobby chef & nature lover

When he’s not doing one of these things, you’ll find him with his lovely partner, exploring cafes in the Adelaide Hills, savoring a bowl of Vietnamese soup, or studying Spanish.

So grateful to have you with us, Timo!

🌟 Looking for STA? We've Got You Covered! 🌟

Hey! Are you or a loved one in need of Short-Term Accommodation (STA)? Vana Care’s friendly and experienced team is here to help you find the perfect temporary stay that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking to explore new activities, meet new friends, or just enjoy a change of scenery, we’re dedicated to making the process smooth and stress-free.

Vana cares provides supports, comfortable accommodation, and engaging activities, all designed to help you make the most of your STA!

Call us today at (08) 7228 6202 or visit our website at buff.ly/3YxLGmT to see how we can assist you. Let’s find your perfect STA experience together! 🏡💙

We can't wait to support you on this journey!

💙 Every week, we receive heartwarming reviews and feedback that remind us just how amazing our team is.

Our support workers are out there making an impact every single day, making a real difference in the lives of the people they support.

To our incredible Vana team, thank you for all that you do. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact you’re making! 🙌

So many smiles at The Junction community event today! 😄 The Vana team and our amazing face painter had an absolute blast bringing joy to all the little ones. So many happy faces and awesome designs—what a day! 🎨💙

🌟Hey, I’m Jarrett!🌟

I’m a support worker at Vana Care, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping people access opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Every day, I get to meet incredible individuals and become a meaningful part of their journey. It's an experience I truly cherish!

❤️Why Vana Care?
Working with Vana Care has been an amazing experience! It’s given me the chance to connect with so many new people and make a real difference in their lives. The team here is supportive, and I’m excited to continue growing with them.

🌿Some hobbies and interests:
🏀 Basketball enthusiast
🎶 Music lover
🏋️‍♂️ Gym regular
🏖️ Beach days whenever I can

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me shooting hoops, hitting the gym, or relaxing by the beach with some good music!

🌟 Connecting Through Community BBQ! 🌟

This past Tuesday, our hub leaders hosted a fantastic BBQ lunch for all Vana Care clients and their support staff. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone, clients and staff alike, to connect, socialise, and enjoy some quality time together.

The lunch was filled with laughter, great conversations, music, and, of course, plenty of delicious food! A big thank you to everyone who attended and brought along something to share.

We’re already looking forward to our next event and can’t wait to create more fun and memorable moments with our Vana Care community!

🌟 Meet Paul and Be Inspired by His Journey! 🌟

Paul’s life changed dramatically in April 2022 when he spent 11 days in an induced coma in ICU, with only a 10% chance of survival. After 155 days in the hospital, Paul transitioned to in-home supports, marking the start of his remarkable journey.

With the dedicated support of his coordinator, Alicia, Paul has navigated numerous challenges. Alicia has been by his side providing support through regular phone calls, home visits, and heartfelt conversations. From helping Paul secure housing to offering a listening ear during tough times, Alicia’s commitment has made a world of difference.

Despite his battle with MS, Paul’s positivity shines brightly. He continues to live a vibrant life, regularly meeting up with friends and planning new adventures, including a trip around the world next year! Paul’s decision to stop drinking and his desire to return to work or volunteering in the mental health field further demonstrate his strength and resilience.

Paul’s incredible spirit and positive influence inspire everyone around him, including his support team and friends. We are proud to be part of his journey and look forward to helping more of our clients reach their goals!

Stay tuned for more uplifting stories from Vana Care! 💛

🌟 Giving Back to the Community with Treasure Boxes! 🌟

Vana Care had the privilege of volunteering at Treasure Boxes, an incredible organization making a real difference for families in need across South Australia. When poverty, homelessness, or domestic violence creates uncertain and often dangerous home environments, many families struggle to provide their children with basic necessities like bedding, clothing, toys, and even regular meals.

Treasure Boxes coordinates the donation, collection, and delivery of crucial childhood necessities, including cots, prams, highchairs, and clothes. Their mission is not just about providing resources, but about empowering communities too.

We had an amazing time building team spirit and meeting some of the incredible volunteers who drive this initiative!

Vana Care are thrilled to announce that we'll be heading back for another volunteer day soon, and we couldn't be more excited to continue supporting this life-changing cause.

🌟 Meet Robert and Be Inspired by His Journey to Living His Best Life! 🌟

Despite the challenges life has thrown Robert’s (Bobs) way, he continues to embrace every moment with a zest for life. After an accident that left him in a wheelchair, Bob remains full of joy, surrounded by a loving family, including his beautiful grandchildren.

With the dedicated support of our amazing staff, Bob receives in-home care that empowers him to live life to the fullest. Recently, Bob had the opportunity to revisit one of his favorite pastimes, playing pool during a special outing to a local pub. It was a heartwarming moment as Bob shared that it had been over 40 years since he last played! The joy on his face was simply contagious.

Bob’s journey is about more than just these outings. He has formed a deep bond with his support team, filled with laughter, trust, and shared moments of joy, like singing along to The Beatles together! These connections remind us why our work is so rewarding.

Seeing Bob thrive and live a fulfilling life, surrounded by people who genuinely care, brings us immense joy. We look forward to continuing this journey with him and supporting more of our clients in living their best lives.
Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories from Vana Care! 💛

🌟Hey, I’m Ashleigh!🌟

I’m a competitive weightlifter and a proud dog mum of three! Being a support worker at Vana Care lets me help my clients set and crush their goals, whether short-term or long-term. I love seeing them make progress, and nothing beats the joy of watching them smile and laugh during our gym sessions or walks. Every day, I’m reminded of why I love what I do!

❤️Why Vana Care?

Vana Care has been a game-changer for me, building my confidence over the past year. I’ve had the chance to dive into new challenges, especially in the mental health field, which I’m really passionate about. The support and communication here is amazing, and I’m excited to keep growing with the team!

🌿some hobbies and interests:
🏋️‍♀️ CrossFit enthusiast (training five times a week!)
🐾 Hiking with my three dogs
📺 Binge-watching The X-Files
🍕 Always on the hunt for the best pizza spots

When I’m not working or training, you’ll find me exploring the outdoors with my dogs or enjoying a cozy night in with some pizza and The X-Files.

🌟 Meet Wendy and Be Inspired by Her Journey! 🌟

Wendy's goal was to enhance her social and community participation by exploring and engaging in various activities. With the dedicated support of our amazing staff member, Wendy has been regularly getting out and about, enjoying the local scenery, and connecting with her community.

Our support worker has been instrumental in helping Wendy appreciate the beautiful wildlife at her local beach, stroll along walking trails, and occasionally grab a coffee. These outings are filled with laughter, jokes, and wonderful conversations about weekend plans and future adventures.

Seeing Wendy's progress and her growing enthusiasm for community participation brings us immense joy. We look forward to continuing this journey with her and supporting more of our clients in achieving their goals.

Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories from Vana Care! 💛

🌳 500 Trees Planted This Year! 🌳

We're thrilled to share that we've reached the halfway mark in our goal of planting 1,000 trees by the end of 2024! 🌲🌱 At Vana Care, we're dedicated to helping rebuild forests and wetlands one tree at a time. This year, we've already planted 500 trees and are committed to planting 500 more before the year is out!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Together, we're making a positive impact on our environment and our community! 💚

Vana Care Personalised disability support. Empowering abilities, nurturing dreams. Join us on your journey.

🌟 Meet Emma, Our Blue Hub Leader! 🌟

Hey, I’m Emma! I’ve been working at Vana Care for almost three years. With a background of 10 years in nursing, I moved into the disability sector because I love providing quality care and creating tailored supports to help our clients achieve their goals.

I’m a mum of two and a family-oriented person. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me at the beach or in a Pilates class.

Excited to keep making a difference with the Vana Care family! 💛

🌟 Meet the team: Bodie! 🌟

After eight years managing a BWS store, Bodie knew it was time to make a change to something where he could make the world a little bit better, one day at a time. Starting as a support worker at Vana Care, he now oversees new client onboarding and business development, making a difference every single day.

Bodie loves knowing his efforts positively impact others’ lives. Outside of work, you’ll find him playing basketball, skating, watching movies, traveling the world with his family, and spending quality time with his little boy and wife. 🏀🌍🎥❤️

🌟 Looking for SDA? We've Got You Covered! 🌟

Hey! Are you currently looking for Speciality Disability Accommodation (SDA)? Vana Care’s friendly and experienced team is here to help guide you in finding a place that fits your needs perfectly. With a long history of helping people get the best possible support, we're dedicated to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Call us today at (08) 7228 6202 or visit our website at www.vanacare.com.au to see how we can assist you. Let's find your perfect place together! 🏠💙

We can't wait to help you on this journey!

Meet Sean, one of our remarkable participants who is making incredible strides in his journey to enhance community access and achieve his NDIS goals.

Every Wednesday, Sean attends an art class where he can express his creativity and connect with his peers. This weekly routine not only nurtures his artistic talents but also strengthens his community connections, making it a highlight of his week.

After art class, Sean heads to a nearby cafe, a crucial part of his goal to increase community engagement and independence. Here, he practices counting his money and making his order, breaking these tasks into manageable steps. This practice is invaluable in helping Sean develop essential life skills, such as handling money and communicating with others in a public setting. His confidence has noticeably grown, and he feels more comfortable with these tasks.

Following the cafe visit, Sean enjoys a walk in the local area or in the beautiful botanical gardens. These walks offer a chance for physical exercise and provide an opportunity for Sean to explore his community, appreciate nature, and engage in meaningful conversations. The serene environment of the botanical gardens, in particular, has become a favorite spot for Sean, where he finds peace and joy.

Through these weekly activities, Sean is not only achieving his NDIS goals but also experiencing a richer, more integrated community life. His progress is a testament to his determination and the consistent support he receives.

We are incredibly proud of Sean's achievements and look forward to seeing him continue to grow in confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Here's to many more milestones, Sean! 🎉

🌟 Hey, I’m Hollie! 🌟I'm a wife and mum to 3 awesome kids! Being a support worker at Vana Care lets me make a real difference in people’s lives every day. I love building genuine connections and helping others achieve their personal goals. Through Vana Care, I've met some incredible people with amazing stories.My interests and hobbies:
📷 Photography and editing
🌳 Taking my kids to local parks
🔍 True crime documentaries
🌊 Beachfront walks
🎲 Playing board games
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and friends time
🎨 Mixed media art
🏎️ Car shows and races
💃 Dancing to loud musicIn my free time, you’ll find me on day trips with my family, exploring new places, grabbing a vanilla latte, and cuddling on the sofa with my dog, Nigel! 🐶

🌟 Empowering Families with NDIS Knowledge at Our Recent Outreach Event! 🌟

At Vana Care, we’re dedicated to making a difference in our community. Our recent outreach event was all about helping families navigate the complexities of NDIS plans. Here’s what we focused on:

✅ Understanding NDIS Plans: We guided families on how to properly utilize their plans and ensure they are well-prepared for plan reviews.

✅ Short-term Help for Non-Qualifiers: For children who don’t currently qualify for NDIS, we provided information on alternative support options and how to get onto the NDIS.

✅ Bridging the Knowledge Gap: We noticed a significant gap where families often seek help from teachers who might not fully understand the NDIS. To address this, we’re stepping in to educate both families and educators, reducing the burden on teachers.

We’re excited to continue this initiative and reach more schools. If you think your school could benefit from our program, let us know! We’d love to come down and support your community.

🌟 A Story of Support and Progress with Vana Care🌟

I (Mel) receive support from Vana Care due to a traumatic brain injury I sustained 2 years ago. One of my biggest setbacks has been my cooking skills. I wasn’t great in the kitchen before the injury, but with the damage to my frontal lobe, I now struggle with coordination, multitasking, and many other challenges.

Being confident in the kitchen is crucial for me to provide nutritious meals for my children and myself, and to cook safely. My support worker from Vana Care has been a huge help in this area. Together, we recently made a roast lamb, veggies, gravy, and even some Yorkshire puddings!

My support worker had the recipe on her phone and researched it thoroughly beforehand. She was prepared to assist me if I started panicking. She helped me figure out the cooking times, set timers on our phones, and provided the guidance I needed. Thanks to her support, my confidence in the kitchen has greatly increased, and I am so grateful 😊

Thank you, Vana Care, for making such a positive impact on my life!

🌟 Hey there, it's Sarah Hill! 🌟

✨ A bit about me ✨

I'm Sarah, a proud 29-year-old Kooma/Kamilaroi Indigenous woman and devoted mother to my 5-year-old son, Bailey. I've swapped the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast for Adelaide's sandy stretches, but my heart still belongs to the country life in Victoria where I grew up on a farm. 🚜🐑🐄🐎

❤️ Why I love being a support worker:

“I didn’t choose this job, this job chose me 😍”

Being a support worker is part of who I am. I naturally gravitate towards leadership roles and helping loved ones through tough times. I cherish assisting others in finding their independence. Every day, my experiences as a mother and overcoming my own challenges remind me of the importance of empathy, patience, and unwavering support. It’s about making a meaningful difference, bringing joy, and sharing moments of laughter and connection.

💙 What I love about working for Vana Care:

Working for Vana has been a breath of fresh air 🤌🏽. Their empathy-driven care, supportive management, and amazing staff make me feel truly valued.

🌿 My interests and hobbies:

I thrive outdoors, hiking to waterfalls, strolling along the beach, and engaging in art forms like painting, weaving, content creation, and photography. I love spontaneous dance sessions, music, hitting the gym, running, practicing breath work and meditation, and empowering others to find their strengths.

🔍 Fun facts about me:

- Former state-level horse rider
- Sports enthusiast (football, netball, cricket)
- Used to practice ninjutsu, considering karate with my son
- Music lover (hip-hop, country, screamo)
- Qualified in community service, working towards teaching cultural awareness training
- Co-founder of Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation, a community group promoting healing, learning, and cultural sharing in Victoria and NSW

Excited to share this journey with you all! 🌟

🌟 Meet Abbey! 🌟Hi everyone! I'm Abbey, and I've been a Support Worker with Vana Care for over a year now. Joining this team has been the best decision ever! 😊I absolutely love making a positive impact and bringing smiles to those who need it most. It's an amazing opportunity to connect and create meaningful friendships! 💙
A bit about me:
🏋️‍♀️ Gym enthusiast
🏖️ Beach lover
🚶‍♀️ Avid walker
🍳 Cooking new meals is my jam
🌿 Nature and beach walks are my favoriteCan't wait to connect with you all! 🌟

🚗 Thank You, American Motors!🚗

A huge thanks to American Motors for hosting us! 🙌 Our team and car-loving clients had an amazing time checking out those incredible supercars and muscle cars. 🏎️🔥

We also loved the hands-on lesson on how to change a tire – it was super helpful! 🛞

And the BBQ you threw for us? Absolutely fantastic! 🍔🌭 We appreciate your generosity and support. 🤍

🎨 Have you ever tried art therapy? 🎨

If you’re looking for a unique and powerful approach to therapy, check out Clinical Art Therapist Tara Rose. She brings therapy to life through creativity, offering a fresh and engaging way to heal and grow. 🌟

Follow her on Instagram to see her amazing work and learn more about how art therapy can make a difference in your life. 🎨✨

🌍✨ Join Vana Care in Celebrating World MS Day! ✨🌍

We’re proud to support the campaign, shining a light on multiple sclerosis and the challenges faced by those living with it. This year, we’re focusing on various angles to raise awareness and drive change:

🔹 Lobbying for Change: Advocating for better policies to ensure early and accurate diagnosis for everyone living with MS.

🔹 Breaking Barriers: Highlighting the global and national obstacles to accessing an MS diagnosis.

🔹 Building Communities: Fostering informed, caring communities that support people diagnosed with MS.

🔹 Sharing Stories: Raising awareness and building solidarity by sharing experiences of an MS diagnosis.

🔹 Educating Healthcare Professionals: Advocating for improved MS training and awareness among healthcare providers.

🔹 Supporting Research: Promoting new research and clinical advancements in MS diagnosis.

Let’s unite and make a difference! Together, we can support the MS community and push for a brighter future. 🌟💪