From an Inspired Thought to Making A Real Impact
In the bustling streets of Geelong, amidst a quaint almost hidden 1970’s arcade on Packington Street, a little boutique stood as a portal to another realm. Here, within the walls of the studio and smoky haze of incense, magic was in the air...
This was a place that was special and different, people talked about experiencing mystical energy.
A spirit of distant lands, aromas of bergamot, geranium and tangerine clung in the air, stylish art adorned the walls, flourishing plants overflowing from every corner. An otherworldly space where every detail was masterfully thought out.
It had been two years since I created the studio. Before that, my 10-year career in the disability sector had completely consumed my every waking moment. I had devoted so much of my life to my career. A growing restlessness urged me to try something different, but it was hard for me to let go of what I knew so well. My creative side, which had been buried under the demands of being a career woman and raising children was begging to be unleashed!
As my kids grew older, I felt the time was right time to carve out a creative space for myself where I could explore some of my interests. This beautiful haven was born from a desire to make something ordinary into something extraordinary and it was here, in this space of enchantment, that the seed for CoCo Support Services was planted.
Every day I witnessed the joy and wonder in the eyes of those who visited my studio, "this place is amazing, I've never seen anything like it before, I feel like I'm somewhere else, I don't want to go back to my real life!" Their happiness made me so happy and inspired me to create more and more. One day I was standing there basking in the glory of my establishment and a thought struck me: Imagine if I could bring something like this into the disability sector.
In all my time in the felid, I’d yearned to be inspired by the spaces I worked in, I tried to make changes but was limited by the scope of my roles. Here, I had created an experience that people loved to come back to, they would tell their friends about it and bring their family along.
Why couldn't this magic extend to the community that I'd been part of for so long? This was the moment of inspiration that led me to dream bigger, to envision a service that could bring the same sense of enchantment and escape. Emboldened by this vision, I gathered my resources and set forth to create CoCo Support Services, aiming to provide an immersive respite experience that mirrored the glamor of my boutique studio.
It was more than just a business venture; it was a calling, a chance to make a real difference. I worked tirelessly for almost a year to prepare.
Just two weeks before we were officially ready, an urgent request came in. Someone needed our service immediately, AND WE RALLIED working around the clock to open our doors the next afternoon!
With a highly talented, dedicated team and the support of incredible professionals who shared the dream, we launched 'Tranquility House', our first foray into transforming the disability services landscape.
That moment marked the beginning of our journey, a testament to our commitment and a preview of the impact we hoped to make. Since then, CoCo Support Services has grown from strength to strength, touching the lives of over 250 individuals with our unique Short Term Accommodation (STA) respite experiences.
CoCo’s ‘Tranquility House,’ is a health and relaxation retreat which is what makes us unique from other respite accommodation.
We deliver an exclusive and specific service that centres around delicious healthful eating & calming relaxation activity options set in a lavish boutique style environment.
For decades, standard, tired & boring recreational spaces & cookie cutter disability services have been the norm.
At CoCo, our mission is different, to give participants a space that envelops, to relax and inspire and most importantly, a space that fosters comfort and a break from the mundane.
Recognition followed, with high-profile admirers from interstate expressing their desire to join us. Yet, we knew the importance of establishing our essence, of solidifying our foundation before expanding.
Today our STA respite facility is our crown jewel, the cherry on top! In a dynamic collaboration with one of the most sought-after service providers in NSW, we now offer Supported Independent Living (SIL) across Victoria and Australia, meeting a growing demand for our boutique-style accommodation and care.
Our journey embodies an unwavering commitment to advocacy, striving to elevate the standards of care and support for people with disabilities. It's about equality, refusing to accept discrimination or marginalisation based on disability. The historical mistreatment of individuals with disabilities fills us with horror and compels us to be part of the change. We refuse to stand by as passive observers of injustice; instead, we actively work towards a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
At CoCo, we are not just advocating for change; we are living it. We are the embodiment of the change we wish to see in the world, tirelessly working to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
We've actively engaged with industry leaders, service providers, parliamentarians, and the media, passionately sharing our mission with as many as possible. The overwhelming support from local councils, industry peers, families, and clients has been profoundly uplifting. Nominations for awards, accolades for our contributions, and, most importantly, seeing the profound change we can create has been the most fulfilling aspect of this adventure.
A Visit from The Mayor!
As I reflect on my journey, from that magical boutique in Geelong to the comprehensive and transformative services we offer today, I'm filled with a profound sense of gratitude and determination. Our impact in the disability sector has been significant, with each accomplishment serving as a catalyst for positive change. From providing essential support services to advocating for accessibility and inclusion, we have been able to make a real difference in the lives of countless individuals. The ripple effect of our efforts extends far beyond what we could have imagined. As I continue this journey, guided by my passion and commitment, I am inspired by the endless possibilities for even greater impact and positive change in the future.
CoCo Support Services is more than a support service, it's a manifestation of a dream to bring joy, wonder, and care to the disability sector, a community ready to experience the kind of magic I knew we could provide.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey and watch this space!
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