Minda’s Stepping Forward, Together strategic plan highlights a strong commitment to quality support during life’s key transition points—including the vital shift from childhood to adulthood.
Life after school can be an exciting and even daunting time for teenagers, but the MyPathway to Day Options program has made that leap easier for people like Summer, as well as her family.
The initiative provides high school leavers with a taste of the regular MyPath Day Options program during a 20-week period, with participants taking part in various skill-based workshops.
Summer is one of 11 participants who have transitioned to adult-focused programs since 2023 and has quickly developed the skills, friendships, and confidence needed to live her best life.
She currently accesses the Forward Steps, Leadership, and Community Swim programs, which provide her with unique social opportunities and the chance to follow her passions.
Disability support worker Melanie Heide expressed the immense pride she has in Summer’s personal development over the past few months, stating that she is starting to “flourish”.
“I have had the pleasure of supporting Summer since she joined MyPath, and it has been incredible to see her flourish," Melanie said.
"She has such an outgoing personality, and her smile lights up the room."
“The transition from school to adulthood is massive, but you can tell that Summer enjoys attending all of her programs and has made some great friendships with the other graduates.”
Many of these friendships started during the early stages of the MyPathway to Day Options program and have continued to grow through the creation of the co-designed Forward Steps program.
Forward Steps empowers the group to design their own activities around topics they’re passionate about, building life skills, community engagement, and strong social connections.
Melanie shared how encouraging it is to hear positive feedback from Summer’s grandparents, who are “very pleased” with the support and quality of services being provided.
"Her grandparents have always been so positive and supportive, which has made a real difference. It’s been such a successful transition for everyone involved,” Melanie said.
Summer’s grandfather, Dean, said the MyPathway to Day Options program was a “valuable stepping stone” that provided a solid platform for her to thrive in adult-focused programs.
“Getting a taste of last year gave us confidence that the transition was going to be seamless. Summer enjoys attending MyPath, and we can tell that by her positive demeanour.”
“Summer is participating in activities that she thoroughly enjoys and in an environment that is great for learning. She is also able to do this among peers who have been on the same journey.”
Despite being non-verbal and having physical limitations, Dean said the quality support that Summer receives reinforces that the decision to enrol her in the MyPathway to Day Options program.
“We are very pleased with the services that Summer is receiving. To know that she is getting quality one-on-one support and is happy gives us great peace of mind.”
Summer’s journey through the MyPathway to Day Options program and into MyPath has helped her adjust to life after school while building confidence, independence, and connection.
With the solid foundation she’s built and the ongoing encouragement of her family and support staff, Summer is well on her way to achieving her personal goals and living her best life.
This is the first in a series of transition stories, and over the coming weeks, Minda will continue to share the inspiring journeys of several MyPathway to Day Options Program graduates.
If you have any questions about the MyPathway to Day Options program, please email Senior Manager, Community and Lifestyle Services Daniel Smith on Daniel.Smith@minda.asn.au, and Client Service Manager, Community Supports Anthony Garzo on Anthony.Garzo@minda.asn.au