YES Disability Resource Centre
This column showcases the news, views and reviews important to young people
linked with the YES Disability Resource Centre in Albany (www.yesdisability.org.nz). This month Natalie Brunzel looks back on the year that was 2011.
The Year In summary
Dusting off the tinsel and the fairy lights I’m astonished to be doing this again. Doesn’t it just seem like yesterday that I was wishing everyone a Happy New Year?
So I take a moment to reflect on the year that’s been. The Christchurch earthquake flashes into my mind and whilst we live in Auckland we were all affected by the news. At the YES Disability Resource Centre (YES) we sprang into action with not only baking cakes to raise funds but also we looked at the disability community and found ways to best support this community in trying times. Part of the work we undertook was resettling Christchurch people here in Auckland liaising between all the different agencies to ensure the needs of the family were being addressed.
At YES, as our name suggests, we focus on the positive, working to find ways to make a world of difference in Aotearoa. Our Voyager Leadership program celebrated the inaugural graduation, which you may have read about in a previous addition. In December we welcome on board the new participants for the year ahead – it’s great to hear each individuals goals which include becoming a game developer, and being an effective project manager and public speaker.
Our online youth and disability Youtube show Awesome Five has grown in popularity and the subjects covered have included interviewing politicians, business owners and young people making the transition from school. Mum @ YES has grown and now we have begun offering family events that are open for all to join and celebrate.
All this reflection gives me the fuel to look towards to the New Year with excitement of what we can achieve. Planning is already underway to launch one of our new initiatives that creates collaboration and more cohesion across services for young people with disabilities. Not to mention the continued work on growing our current programs. Watch this space for the growth in the future.
So when you charge your glasses for the holiday season take a moment to celebrate the amazing achievements of this year and I hope you will be filled with joy for what the year ahead has to offer.
If you would like to find out more about what we do or would like to be interviewed for Awesome Five show then feel free to contact us on
09 414 5360.
The Poynton: People
