A disability provider at Bexley has been spared from closing following a merger that has saved the vital community service.
The Wellness and Leisure Centre for Adults (WALCA) was struggling to remain financially viable under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
But the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) announced that it merged with the Bexley service, which brings welcome news to families.
It means 50 adults who benefit from programs at the Bexley base will receive ongoing support.
WALCA runs day programs for people between the ages of 18 and 64 years who have severe to profound intellectual, physical and sensory challenges.
Chief executive of WALCA, Lorna Parker, told the Leader in October 2017 that the gap between the NDIS price and staffing costs was insufficient to maintain a day centre.
“Under the NDIS we only get paid if there is a client in front of a staff member,” she said.
“They pay an hourly rate and there’s a gap between what we have to pay our staff in wages and costs and what they give us.
“We’ve been planning for this for five years. We saved money but it’s nearly all gone because we’ve had long periods with no money coming in.”
Afford is a non-profit disability organisation that provides disability support including shared living, overnight respite, transition to work and retirement programs and social and carer support.
Its chief executive Steven Herald says being able to keep delivering this important service is a win for the community.
“We value every individual and believe that everyone should receive the best support,” he said.
“Whether they are already part of the Afford community, or with another organisation, we are committed to providing support to those in our community who need it.”
He says many of WALCA’s clients have been with the organisation since it was established about 24 years ago.
“Afford is pleased to keep this legacy going,” Mr Herald said.
“Clients can receive continuity of support and can remain in their community, doing the activities and programs they love and sharing experiences with the friends they have made.”