WHEN you dedicate your life to caring for others it’s a big decision, but when it is your passion it is not a difficult choice.
Caring for others comes naturally for Chic Taylor, who has been working in the disability support industry for the past 10 years.
After volunteer teaching her acquired skill of leather work, Chic knew she wanted to work with people with a disability and her career grew from there.
Now, as team leader of Overton Services, employed by Integrated Living Australia Chic received an Aged Community Services State Award for Excellence.
Gaining runner up in the state in the employee category, Chic then contested the national awards, where she was named runner up in the Aged and Community Services Australia National Award.
Proud but modest, Chic said although she didn’t expect the awards, it was nice for the organisation to recognise what she does.
Integrated Living Australia nominated Chic for the award for her commitment and dedication to caring for people with a disability including the clients at Overton House.
Hunter Integrated Care Inc Business Improvement manager Catherine Daley said Chic excels at meeting the care needs of clients.
“She consistently follows a person-centered approach, working with clients to define their own outcomes based on their own experiences and perspectives,” Ms Daley said.
Described as being a caring, compassionate, enthusiastic, funny and talented individual who can do anything, Chic manages Community Participation programs, Upper Hunter Peer Support, respite and children’s recreational activities.
With her five staff members and several volunteers, Chic focuses everything on the clients, what they want to learn and achieve, and helping to get them out and about in the community.
Clients from all over the Upper Hunter are involved in activities, with excursions like live shows, movies, ten pin bowling and short holidays.
Chic said clients have an input into where they want to go and what they want to do.
When speaking with the Muswellbrook Chronicle, Chic said one of the most valuable aspects of her job was the relationships she builds with clients and their families.
“After you’ve been in the service 10 years it’s like one big happy family,” she said.
Describing Overton House as a home away from home, Chic said everyone loves it, including herself.
“And I’m always the mad one that does mad stuff,” she added.
When asked what motivates her, it is obvious - the clients.
Chic said the clients are fun, friendly, caring and genuine and it was great to know she could do something to help them achieve their goals and dreams.
Ms Daley said Chic was a tireless worker.
“Clients and families hold her in such high regard and their joy and happiness when they are with her is obvious,” Ms Daley said.
“She is ecstatic because a client has achieved a personal goal such as being able to use a potato peeler, can tell a joke or can calmly introduce themselves to strangers,” she said.
Also a skilled photographer, Chic has her own videoing businesses.
She takes photographs and films weddings, sport and other functions, and in her own time she produces videos and photographs for clients providing an ongoing memory of their experiences at Overton House.
“It works in well because if we’re out and about I take some footage and make a DVD at the end of the year,” Chic said.
When asked if she has much spare time, Chic’s answer was obvious - no.
“But I love both, I can’t give either up,” she said.
Chic made sure to mention that new clients are always welcome at Overton House.
Email a friend