A round of applause for Yooralla's Impact graduates

Mar 18, 2025

We celebrated a year of tremendous achievements of our graduating Impact class, with family members joining graduates and Yooralla staff for a very special celebration.

What is Impact?

Impact is a one-year job readiness training program which supports people with intellectual disability to transition into paid open employment. The Impact program partners with employers like Ben and Jerry's, M80 Alliance, and Tennis Australia to provide participants with classroom-based training and on-the-job work experience support, that if successful, leads to an offer of paid work.

The graduating class

The graduating class is the first class to go through the program at Yooralla and it is safe to say, the first year was a great success. 

 Graduation was also a brilliant opportunity to highlight and reflect on each participants growth, celebrated with a certificate presentation ceremony and a photo presentation of their year in review, following their journey of growth and independence from the classroom into the workplace. 

The journey

“The excited atmosphere reflected the shared experience involved in getting participants to where they are now, all the parents knew each other and had worked collaboratively with staff throughout the journey,” Sue Huffer, Community Hub and Impact Manager said. 

 “For those of us who were teaching in that space [the highlight was] recognising the journey and how far [the participants] have come.”

 In a testament to the strength of our relationships and the dedication of our employer partners, a staff representative from M80 Alliance attended the festivities to celebrate with the team. 

 “[The role of employer partners] is absolutely critical and highly appreciated as they make a real commitment to working with us and our clients,” Sue said. 

 Reflecting on the impact of the program on employer partners and the broader community, Sue said “I think it recognises effort and achievement. It’s a testament to inclusion done well. 

Image: Sophie (on the left) and Terry Symonds holding a certificate of achievement
Image: Akna (on the left) and Terry Symonds holding a certificate of achievement
Image: Image: Letitia (on the left) and Terry Symonds holding a certificate of achievement
Image: Image: Letitia (on the left) and Terry Symonds holding a certificate of achievement
Image: Image: Owen (on the left) and Terry Symonds holding a certificate of achievement
Image: Image: Owen (on the left) and Terry Symonds holding a certificate of achievement
Image: Sophie one of the Impact graduates facing and speaking to the audience

Congratulations to the graduating class

Looking forward, the graduating class will now move into their own respective part-time roles with our employer partners. 

 The program doesn’t just offer opportunities for employment but also develops skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and a basic understanding of different jobs and what skills are needed for them. 

 A huge congratulations to the graduating class, and we wish you success in your new roles! 

Interested in the Impact Program?

Interested in the Impact Program?

To find out information about the Impact program, please get in touch with us. Our team of experienced staff are here to help answer your questions and work with you every step of the way.