Scope’s DES program was instrumental in guiding Joe through his job search journey.
"They taught me how to make a resume and cover letter, and how to use SEEK to look for jobs. I applied for four jobs and landed my current one. I was initially looking for something in hospitality, but my routine and motives changed, and I ended up where I am now."
As a school crossing guard, Joe’s role is anything but ordinary. "Some kids still call me the ‘lollipop lady,’ but then I tell them ‘It's crossing guard guys’, and they actually do respect that.
“My favourite part of the job is making people laugh and keeping the kids and parents safe from the psychos on the road! The parents say I do a good job, and I like to keep everyone safe."
Joe's impact extends beyond safety; he’s become a beloved figure in the community. "One parent, Naomi, is really nice. Her daughter even wants to draw me on her little library bag!"
Earning his own money has given Joe a new lease on life. "I've got a job now, I'm earning, and I'm living life to the fullest. I use my pay for guitar lessons, grocery shopping, and I even treat myself to a weekly shave at the barbershop."
For Joe, Scope’s support went beyond just finding a job.
“We had lots of chit-chat about life goals. They helped me a lot, both physically and mentally for that kind of stuff.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is my weight loss journey. When I was younger, I was picked on all the time. Some people call me fat, tubby. That really got to me.
“I did some work experience at this gym in East Hills with Scope when I was 18. I decided to stop eating so much, eat healthy, and stop drinking alcohol so often, too.
“And I decided to go for walks instead of catching public transport to work and set up a home gym. Since then, I've lost nearly 40 kilos from 120 to 82 kilos,” he says.
The friendships Joe made through Scope’s SLES and DES programs have been life changing.
“I made a lot of friends at Scope that are a big part of my social group. I talk about video games with my friend Martin. We like to play Assassin's Creed sometimes and The Witcher.
“My friend Jordan and I used to work together for nearly 6 months, before I transferred here. He is a part of my social group called Adventure Buddies. We travel to places, like we go to Melbourne and stuff,” he says.
With so much momentum in his life, Joe is excited about what the future holds. "Everything I’ve learned from DES is going to help me get to my dream job—becoming a special needs PT trainer.
“I want to help people on the spectrum like me by teaching them exercises and the basics of food and fitness. So many people have told me I would be good at this."
Joe’s journey has taught him a lot, and he has some advice for others considering the DES program: "Be ready for literally anything, and live life to the fullest. It’s going to help with not just getting a job, but also independence. You can learn a lot from that."
Emily, a proud Aboriginal woman with autism from the Yuin Mob down south, has faced a unique set of challenges in her journey toward independence. However, with the support of Scope’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program, she has found a fulfilling career and a newfound sense of independence.
At 19, Ben took a bold step toward independence by landing his first job at Natural Floorcoverings Australia through Scope’s Disability Employment Services (DES) program. But this milestone didn’t happen overnight—Ben’s journey began when he made the life-changing decision to join Scope’s School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program.
At just 19 years old, Jorja has already achieved a major milestone: she’s working in her dream role at childcare centre Hippo’s Friends. Her days are filled with caring for children, helping with meals, and teaching tiny tots valuable life lessons through play. However, Jorja wasn’t always the confident, capable childcare worker she is today – it took a helping hand to set her on her path to success.
