Clients in the STEPS Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in Palmerston have partnered with their local Bunnings store to raise lifechanging funds.
The AMEP clients and teachers set up a stall together in Bunnings Palmerston with handmade Christmas decorations, jewellery made in class, herbs and chillies from the Harvest Corner Community Garden, and many more goods. Money raised will be split equally between supplies for their class and vital funds for STEPS Pathways College, the first and only College of its kind in Australia for young people with a disability and autism.
Bunnings Palmerston and STEPS have collaborated many times in the past, with the hardware store donating items for clients and teachers to use in class activities and community-based projects.
STEPS Palmerston Regional Manager Yvonne Coleman said the relationship between STEPS and Bunnings Palmerston started four years ago during an AMEP class tour of the store to give clients a look at different employment pathways.
“We organised the visit with the store’s Activities Organiser, Trish Visser,” Yvonne said. “She is a really amazing lady who does so much for her community.”
Yvonne recalls discussing a new art project with Trish around that time, something for STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program participants at House 49 to work on together. “I wanted to make some planter boxes with the House 49 participants so they could plant herbs on their windowsills,” Yvonne said.
House 49 is a Salvation Army Red Shield house offering safe accommodation and support to people who are disadvantaged and experiencing homelessness, and STEPS offers classes to those boarding there. The location is just one of several partner sites where STEPS offers the SEE Program, complementing dedicated STEPS-operated sites open to all eligible participants.
“Trish and the store donated everything we needed, from the planter box materials to the growing kits. We are very grateful for her generosity and support. She is so dedicated to her community and is always giving people opportunities to make a difference.”
Thank you to Trish and the Bunnings Palmerston team for their unwavering support for STEPS and our AMEP clients and SEE Program participants.
Take your next step with AMEP
Do you know someone looking to build a future full of opportunity in Australia? The STEPS Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) helps eligible migrants and refugees develop essential English language skills and confidence to thrive in their new community.
Start the journey today. Call our friendly team on 1300 131 965, email us at training@stepsgroup.com.au, or visit our AMEP webpage for more information.
