Joe Briggs, Day Programme Supervisor (left) and some of Achievement House’ workshop floor staff who will make use of the new van. From left, Peter Munro, Honi Paki, Linden Fry, Rachael Croasdale, Terrence Barnette and Gail Longley.
The ability to use or afford private or public transport is a major barrier for many people with a disability, with no Government funding for transport assistance for disabled people to access a day support programme such as Achievement House offers.
Achievement House recognises this fact and the barrier it creates for many people, so continues to try to support the most in need to access its supports. Where once it had been able to provide a door-to-door transport service, Achievement House now runs just one passenger van from Hamilton Transport Depot to Cambridge, returning to Hamilton in the afternoon. This is offered to those who do not have family or service provider support, or they have put in a good deal of their own efforts into getting to and from the pick-up point.
The time had come for Achievement House’s ageing van to be replaced and now with the generous support of community organisations and fundraising over the past year, it has purchased a new van, (pictured) to take them well into the future. The LDV V80 11-seater has been kindly funded by financial gifts from; Rodmor Charitable Trust, the Cambridge Christmas Festival Society, DV Bryant Trust, Grassroots Trust, Rotary Club of Cambridge, and Altrusa International Cambridge. The purchase means Achievement House can continue to offer the freedom of access to many people who greatly require it.
What is Achievement House?
Achievement House offers part-time employment, volunteer and community participation opportunities to people with a disability. It aims to give people a place to be and a sense of purpose and achievement for enhanced self-esteem and add meaning to their week. The Minimum Wage Exemption Permit scheme, which is managed through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is typically utilised for those who are in paid work so that they can be employed and bring in some added income to supplement their benefit. Over its forty plus years of operation, Achievement House and its staff have become specialists and expert in the assembly, collation, labelling and packaging of small, lightweight components and has contracts with industry throughout the region. Anyone wanting quotes for work to be done or are interested in offering financial support or just wishing to learn more about Achievement House, its work and its history, are invited to contact the manager, Neil Fynn on 07 827 7441 / 027 440 1919.
