Jack and Everyday Independence

Working together towards Jack’s goals

Jack is an artist, a dancer, and the kind of person who gives his time to anyone who asks.

With support from Everyday Independence, part of APM Group, working together, he's exploring ways to build a future around the things he loves.

Ask anyone who knows Jack, and they'll tell you the same thing.

Matthew, an employment coach at Everyday Independence, describes Jack as someone who enjoys helping others and brings a lot of energy to the people around him.

Jack wanted to explore how his interests could connect with future employment opportunities.

Art, hip hop and dance are what light him up, and the challenge was never about finding Jack an interest.

It was about making sure that when employment support came into the picture, it built on what Jack already loved and had already created, instead of taking it away from him in a different direction.

That balance took care, and it took time. Trust had to come first.

“Once Jack knew that there was trust, there was camaraderie that we were going to, I was there to help and advocate,” Matthew explains.

As trust grew, Jack began sharing more of his ideas and interests.

“If you can connect enough of the dots and you're able to talk to him as an individual, as everyone deserves, you'll find that you get a really nice response.”

Jack walking outdoors as he works towards future employment and personal goals with support.

Jack and an Everyday Independence employment coach review ideas and goals during a planning meeting.

As trust grew, Jack began sharing more of his ideas and interests.

“If you can connect enough of the dots and you're able to talk to him as an individual, as everyone deserves, you'll find that you get a really nice response.”

Jack already had a passion for creating art and had established ArtmazingJacky, his own art business, before working with Everyday Independence. The team has supported him to continue developing the business, explore new opportunities, and turn his ideas into achievable goals.

Miriam, Jack’s mum, said the team worked alongside Jack to explore his ideas, put plans on paper, and identify practical ways to continue growing his business while pursuing other employment aspirations.

Jack enjoys sharing his artwork with others and is proud of the work he creates.

“In Jack's mind, everything is possible,” Matthew says.

“I think we can all take a part of that and look, you know, deeply and reflect on ourselves that we can always do more.”