By Mikayla van Loon
Gaining employment had always been a long term goal of Bella O’Hara’s, something she’s now been able to achieve with a little bit of support from Cire and the First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) team.
Although living with a learning disability, Bella hasn’t let that stop her from achieving a qualification and taking every opportunity to prepare her for employment.
Starting her pathway to work via the Reconnect program, coordinated by Cire Services, Bella said she was willing to give everything a go and learned a lot of different skills.
“It built up my confidence to get a job. If I didn’t have those skills, I wouldn’t be working at Montrose Bakery as I’m doing right now. I’ve gained a lot of friendships at Cire and advice as well,” she said.
From taking a cooking class to learning about resume writing, Bella set her sights on achieving as much as possible, while also growing socially.
Volunteering one to two days a week at FICE, first in Mooroolbark and now at the new Lilydale store, Bella learnt the art of starting general conversation with a customer, while also learning the ins and outs of helping coordinate a clothing store.
Starting her position as a cleaner at the bakery in April, Bella said she has felt extremely supported, with room to grow in the future, potentially to a customer service role.
“The staff are very lovely. They said, ‘Bella, ask for help if you get stuck’. I struggle a little bit asking for help, I just want to try and do it on my own,” she said.
“I have a disability but I can work in a team and I want to work somewhere where they’re supportive and welcoming and supportive of people with a disability.
“I work at a slow pace, but I do get there. My brain remembers everything now, since I’ve worked at the bakery because I know what I have to do.”
FICE coordinator Renee Cooke said seeing how far Bella has come to achieve her goal of employment makes her very proud.
“Bella’s growth has just been truly amazing. From the first time she came to FICE at the Mooroolbark store she was a little bit shy and timid and unsure of herself and probably didn’t have the best self confidence but her progress today has just been amazing,” she said.
“She’s put in a lot of hard work and everything we’ve offered her or thrown at her she’s taken on board and given it a go.”
With big dreams of using her story and voice to help others, Bella is part of the Yarra Ranges Council Disability Advisory Committee and the Montrose Township Group.
“I really want to be a voice for women and tell them my story, spread my awareness. I love helping people, always have and it makes me feel good about myself.
“I can be a voice for young people…You’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, take it day by day, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you. You’ve got so much potential.
“You may be in pain right now, but it does get better. I’ve had bad mental health and I got the help I needed.”
Renee said she can absolutely see Bella using her voice for good, to make change and become a representative of some kind for others.
“I can see Bella doing amazing things…This job is just a stepping stone. I can see her working more in the advocacy space and being a champion for people living with disabilities like she’s doing.”
The goal of FICE is to empower women, getting them back into the workforce or finding the support they need and Renee said Bella is proof the approach works.
Grateful to have had a range of incredible women in her life throughout her whole process, from school to being at Cire, Bella said each one of those people have contributed to the person she is today but in particular, her mum.
“My mum is my biggest supporter and she’s always going to be my biggest supporter no matter what. She always supports me, guides me, lifts me up and tells me you’re a superstar,” Bella said.
“I’m grateful to be part of Cire and I think what they want for young people and people my age and people older, they just want you to succeed, find a job, find something you love, or just be yourself really.”
