The Future is Green!

29 March 2023

29 Mar 2023

A collage of photographs from Collingwood Children's Farm and a young man

Twenty-year-old Samuel Usci is kicking goals as a participant in The Green Team.

As part of our Job Skills program, The Green Team aims to build real pathways for people with disability to find paid employment.

Our participants learn practical horticulture skills, build confidence and gain vital experience that aids their growth and independence.

Sam joined the program in September of last year, right after finishing his schooling.

Initially he attended the program twice a week, however it quickly became evident he was raring for more.

Sam was tackling tasks he had little experience in; de-nailing planks of wood, mowing lawns and using power tools, to name a few.

Green Team Coordinator James Eckersley says Sam took it all in his stride, and has enjoyed watching him take on new and challenging activities.

“At the beginning Sam was quite dependent on others for assistance with daily tasks, but is becoming more adept and confident in his own abilities.” James says, “His focus and skill with tools has improved greatly.”

“His favourite activity is breaking apart wooden pallets. This involves quite skillful use of tools to remove timber slats and nails. The timber is then stored and used to make objects for use or sale at Collingwood Children’s Farm.”

Participant Sam works on a beehive with Coordinator Jame

Sam and James work together.

Currently, The Green Team sees small work groups take on garden maintenance at VMCH sites across Melbourne.

We’re also at Collingwood Children’s Farm, where participants can join in on gardening, farm tasks and woodwork activities – with proceeds from much of the work going back to support the farm and fund inclusive community programs.

As his confidence continues to grow, Sam’s attendance has risen to four days a week, a huge achievement for the young man.

Going forward, he would like to find work that challenges him with a range of tasks, and would love to work with a big group of people.

He would also like to make new friends while exploring different options to engage with his local community, and increase his independence and capacity to learn.

For James, it’s been a pleasure to watch Sam thrive.

“It can be hard navigating the world as a young man just out of school, with different routines and new places. He says, “It has been a pleasure being part of Sam’s transition and growth. Keep up the great work, Sam!”

If you’d like to know more about The Green Team, click here or call 1300 698 624.

More news articles in Disability Services

View all

Austin Street farewell marks a new chapter for Paul

New social enterprise cafe in Nunawading

Social enterprises and businesses step-up for people with disability

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Specialist Support Coordinator George helps people navigate NDIS

NDIS Support Coordination helps Theresa pursue her passion

Geoff feels at home at Cre8

Specialist school St Paul’s College the place for Alex

Opening the door to employment for people with disability

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.