The Capalaba-based Horizon Foundation Inc. will take over the delivery of Redland City Council’s Step Forward and Choices programs for people with a disability from July 1, 2013.
Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services Tracy Davis has advised approval of Community Care funding for the Horizon Foundation Inc to deliver programs that support people 18 years and older with a disability.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said she was delighted that the highly respected Redlands- based Horizon Foundation would take over the services.
“These important Step Forward and Choices programs provide an extremely high level of care and support for participants, including opportunities for social interaction as well as valuable respite and quality time for their parents and carers,” Cr Williams said.
Horizon Foundation Chief Executive Officer Joe Gamblin said Horizon was very proud to take up the delivery of the Step Forward and Choices Program from 1, July 2013.
“It is an excellent fit for us to provide quality services for people with disabilities and their carers’ and a natural extension of our current services and long term goals,” Mr Gamblin said.
“We especially appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Council, ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the excellent service they have provided.”
Horizon Manager Hilary Maloney said she was looking forward to working with the existing staff of the service to deliver great programs for clients.
“Horizon has been progressively increasing the range of services it provides not only in the Redlands, but throughout Queensland, through a unique partnership model with other organisations,” Ms Maloney said.
“Each year over 1,700 people receive a service from Horizon and these numbers are expected to grow significantly as a result of the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)”.
All Council-funded staff currently employed under the Step Forward and Choices programs have been advised of the transition. The majority of staff have taken up offers of employment with Horizon.
The Horizon Foundation was established over 30 years ago. It has received an Australia Day Award for Community Service and has been listed in BRW’s ‘Top 50 Great places to work’.