Raniya, a team member at our Avenue Parramatta hub, never settles for average. She’s determined, uplifting and boldly creative, and a constant source of encouragement for everyone around her.
A role model to her fellow team members, Raniya pushes past any self-doubt to try new things, knowing that real personal growth happens outside her comfort zone.
This willingness to give most things a try has seen Raniya work in almost all of our microbusiness teams at Avenue Parramatta. She’s tried her hand in our Order Fulfilment team, Gigs & Flyers team, and most recently, Hub Management team. In addition, she’s also a member of our Social team. “I like trying new things,” says Raniya.
In her Hub Management team, Raniya is responsible for organising lunch and coffee orders each day, stocking the hub, and keeping the day to day operations running smoothly. She’s an all-rounder, which suits her can-do attitude.
“In Hub Management, I like doing email tasks. In Gigs, I enjoyed making birthday cards for other team members, and I liked flyer delivery too, even though some things were tricky. I’ve learned how to manage tricky situations and what to do when things are hard.”
Raniya’s willingness to try new things has led to a varied and exciting social calendar. She attends many different social activities, but her favourite activities are those that allow her to embrace her creative side.
“I loved making tote bags recently, and I’m really looking forward to the Diwali art social. I also like pamper days, art activities and curry making,” said Raniya.
Skill development and fun in balance
Alongside enjoying her Work and Social teams, Raniya is continuously learning new things. She’s practising her public transport skills, building her money-handling confidence, and strengthening her social interactions.
“I want to get better at socialising, but every team member is different. I connect more easily with people who are similar to me. I’ve built social confidence with certain team members.”
Raniya’s increased confidence has made a big impact on her life, and has become a source of pride for her, empowering her to voice her ambitions and ideas.
“My goals at Avenue are to manage my anxiety and stress, and to build more confidence. I’m proud because I recently spoke up and suggested some social activities – like tote bag making and the Diwali event.”
The Avenue difference
Raniya has thrived since joining Avenue, and she credits much of her growth to Avenue’s unique approach to disability support.
“Avenue is really organised. The management is organised too,” she said. “Some providers hire people without the right experience, but Avenue does things properly. Avenue has been good for me.”
What makes the biggest difference for her is the genuine understanding she feels from her support workers. “When support workers understand me well, I feel safe and I can talk openly, which makes it easier to work on my goals,” she shared.
She also appreciates the people who consistently show up for her. “I work really well with Luke. Even when he’s not supporting me that day, he’s always around to help.”
Raniya’s time at Avenue highlights how thoughtful, person-centred support can open the door to growth in all areas of life.
Want to hear more about how Avenue is supporting people to develop their skills and confidence? Head to avenuecoworking.org.au/