Lauren Packham

At Balyana, Lauren is learning how to live independently and gaining valuable skills. Hear Lauren's story.

Jacinta Lindner

Since joining Bedford six years ago, Jacinta feels Bedford has changed her life.

Nick Fuller

Nick has been working at Bedford for over fifteen years now. When Nick first joined Bedford he worked for APG (Bedford's horticulture and landscaping team) keeping the Mawson Lakes site looking great.

In 2007 Nick moved to Bedford's furniture team in Panorama.. Nick now works on the edge bander in the new factory – making furniture to go into stores across Australia.

Four years ago Nick moved into a new unit in Enfield.

Before Nick moved into his new home Nick lived with his Mum and didn’t really know how to cook for himself or how to do his washing.

With the help of his Developmental Care Worker, Nick’s learning how to look after himself better and live more independently.

"Soon I'll be able to cook a meal for my mum".

Nick’s new home is part of the Bedford ‘Homes for 100’ programme, which aims to provide independent, community based homes.

Kym Mackenzie

At Bedford Kym has undertaken many different roles - from Clerical Officer to Courier. Kym is also a talented actor!

Damien Braun

Damien works at Balyana Conference Centre and is an olympian!

Annie Pilcher

Annie joined Bedford after completing a period of work experience and has been at Bedford for eight years.

Annie started work in Bedford's packaging team and has worked in many areas since then, packing goods for companies including Kimberly-Clark and Caroma.

"I love working in packaging as I get to learn new things and to see all my friends every day".

With support from Annie's Personnel and Training Officer and supervisors, Annie works on how she can develop new skills even further.

Ekayla Latham

Like all young people, Ekayla wants to be independent and make a better future for herself.

However, Ekayla has an intellectual disability which makes achieving these goals more difficult. Ekayla also lives in regional South Australia where all the programmes that could help her develop necessary skills are not always available.

Fortunately Ekayla was able to join the Bedford's Day Options programme in Wallaroo after finishing school. Since joining the programme Ekayla has gone from strength to strength. Ekayla is focusing on building social skills, working as part of a team, making choices, understanding money management and learning how to shop.

Attending the Wallaroo programme means that Ekayla can maintain existing friendships from school and the local community. This aspect of the programme is very important to her. To be surrounded by people Ekayla knows and who understand her well means her achievement is acknowledged and celebrated with friends and family every day!

Wayde Heidenreich

Wayde started work in Bedford's Port Lincoln team in early 2006 and hasn’t looked back since. Wayde has been trained in all aspects of the gardening crew’s work. Wayde also does most of the jobs at Bedford Egg Farm and loves to pick and grade the eggs ready for sale to the local community.

Wayde also recently gained TAFE Certificate ll in Business as part of Bedford's ‘Abilities for All’ programme. Wayde has been able to use what he has learnt in his job and it has been a great way for him to develop his skills.

Working at Bedford means Wayde gets to enjoy the company of all his friends while doing various jobs.

"I enjoy my time at Bedford and I am looking forward to what the future brings!"

Kymberly Tutty

Kymberly has been employed at Bedford for 18 years. Kymberly was 17 when she first started working and at the time she had three wishes. These included moving out of home, getting married and getting a job. Today Kymberly has accomplished all of these wishes and is happy to say they took place during her time at Bedford.

Kymberly is currently working as a Clerical Assistant. Her role involves word processing letters, filing, answering phones and assisting in the Bedford Tours. Because Kymberly has completed Certificate ll and lll in Small Business, this allows her to use a variety of different skills in her job.

In addition to work life, Kymberly also likes to go bowling in her spare time. Kymberly even represented South Australia in Melbourne a few years back where she won both gold and silver medals. Kymberly is a member of the ten pin bowling club at Woodville and sees it as a fun way for her to relax and see her friends.

"One of the best things about working at Bedford is the people."

Whether it’s colleagues who Kymberly sees every day or the new people she meets on the tours, each person has left a lasting impression. Kymberly is very proud of her achievements at Bedford!

Kumiko Araki

Kumiko is just like any other 22 year old. She is energetic and enthusiastic and has a real passion for life. She also has an intellectual disability which, until just over a year ago, stopped her from living her life to the fullest. At that time Kumi became a member of Bedford's Day Options programme in Adelaide.

Since joining Bedford Kumi's life has changed dramatically. She is learning how to go shopping and to socialise more with others.

Kumi is a keen member of the art programme and has used her creative energy to produce some wonderful pieces of art that have been displayed at Marion City Council and also at the Royal Show.

Bedford has enabled Kumi to form great friendships and, for the first time in her life, Kumi is really looking forward to a brighter future... a future where Kumi can use her abilities to increase her independence and achieve her full potential.

Steven Schumacher

Steven has been working at Bedford for a year now and loves the variety of work in his job which includes garden work, tree planting and packaging.

Steven is also currently training for TAFE Certificate ll in Horticulture. This along with his work is making it easy for Steven to become a handyman around home for his mum!

Steven’s time at Bedford has been a very positive experience.

"I love my job and the people I work with".

He was also very excited to be the winner of the Bedford Northern Business Services Award in 2008.