Hi everyone,
We've reached the end of another year. A tradition we like to do as part of our newsletter is an end of year reflection. This year, we're taking advantage of the year "2020" and doing 20 Questions!
Grace and Deb found these deep questions on the internet, and Deb allocated certain questions to certain people when she interviewed them.
We hope you have enjoyed following our articles this year, and look forward to delivering more contact for your 'happy reading' in 2020!
Without further ado, here are some reflections from the staff at AmeCare's head office on the past year, and what they're looking forward to in the new year...
1. What is something you accomplished in 2019 that you are proud of?
Yanie: Reaching 100 clients, that was my goal.
Gina: Expanding our services (AmeCare and ArcomCare) in other regions in Melbourne, and growing our team!
2. What is something you did this year that you think you will remember for the rest of your life?
Vishal: I went home to India and went to Rajasthan. There's a desert there and it's a historical place where you can look at pictures from the past and get to know the lifestyle of people who were living there at the time (the kingdom with palaces and a lot of heritage). It was a fantastic trip. The architecture was superb.
3. Do you have a favourite book or movie that you watched this year?
Yanie: Technically not a movie, but Hannah Gadsby's 'Nanette' on Netflix was outstanding. I saw the live show of Nanette in 2018, and I saw her sequel 'Douglas' live last month.
4. What are 3 words to describe your experience with AmeCare this year?
Cheryl: Challenging, rewarding, and fun.
Jan: Fun, busy...and I have to say 'pain' because I broke my kneecap!
5. What is the nicest thing someone did for you this year?
Gina: All of the people who helped 'hold the fort' personally and professionally when I was in hospital
6. What was the most challenging part of this year for you?
Cheryl: Being in an open office environment. In my previous role I was working 1:1 and used to being on the go, so I'm still learning and growing around working in a team environment.
7. If you could change one thing that happened this year, what would it be?
Gina: Trust my gut on a couple of things and make decision earlier
8. What is something that was hard for you at the start of this year but is easy now?
Grace C: Starting to work again and learning a new job. Getting to know the roles and people involved in AmeCare.
9. What are 3 ways you have helped someone this year?
Grace C: babysitting, talking to friends and helping them to deal with life challenges, and supporting my husband with his knee problems and helping him to look for solutions.
10. What was your favourite place to visit in 2019?
Belinda: Koh Samui, Thailand
11. What is your favourite part of the day?
Belinda: Home time! Actually...bed time!
12. Knowing what you know now, if you could give advice to yourself at the start of 2019, what advice would you give?
Jan: You get wiser every year, and we never stop learning.
Grace C: Get back into the workforce sooner, be confident in yourself, and recognise your self-worth.
13. When you consider the rest of your life, what percentage of what you learned/did/experienced this year do you think will be useful to you?
Yanie: Around 50% - considering my age, I have so much more to learn and grow from.
Gina: 60%...I learned about trusting my instincts, and how to be more assertive, particularly around keeping to my core values.
14. What are you looking forward to in 2020?
Fatima: Finishing my degree!
Cheryl: Being proactive in starting my Reiki business on the side.
Jan: Getting use of my knee back and getting back to work!
15. What song has been repeat for you in 2019?
Fatima: Definitely something by Billie Eilish - I love her album 'When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go"
Belinda: Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now"
16. List 1-3 significant events in 2019?
Eve:
- Warwick had a few art pieces in an exhibition through Bundoora Homestead
- Joseph had his art exhibition at the Brunswick Foodstore, and has a few pieces on display at the NJC
- Started my role as support coordinator
Gina:
- Reaching 100 clients
- Moving to a new office
- Streamlining our accommodation services (keep an eye out in 2020...)
17. How were you different in 2019, compared to the previous year?
Yanie: I'm much more confident and secure in myself as a person.
Jan: I'm definitely more confident in my job and the knowledge I've gained through working.
18. How do you think, or hope, the world will change in the next 10 years?
Grace M: I hope the movements we make and are supporting today, actually change the future (i.e. gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change)
19. In what area do you think you have made the biggest improvement?
Grace M: I've developed in my professionalism and responsibilities. The biggest lesson I have learned is to 'pick my battles' and not take things too personally.
Eve: I am so much more patient and I am better at taking criticism and turning it into a positive
20. What makes you feel the most empowered?
Yanie: I'm most empowered by what I'm currently doing; see developments and change; and success stories - the fact that we've grown so quickly is a testament to people feeling supported by us, and feeling like they have a home and family with us.
Gina: Seeing our participants' confidence and their level of self-advocacy, particularly during the Christmas party...it was great to see everyone talking, engaging, and confident! And seeing them try new things through out 1:1 supports, I think our outreach support has enabled our participants to try things outside their square. Just seeing the progress of some of our participants through outreach support has been an amazing story in itself (some people who haven't re-offended, and others who weren't able to access the community are now accessing the community on a daily basis with their supports).
From our team and 'family' to yours...we wish you all a happy and safe holiday season, and a prosperous and positive 2020!