Jenny sparkles at The Sewing Basket in a job she loves

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If you shop at The Sewing Basket, there is a chance you may see the familiar face of Jenny McCullum smiling back at you from a brochure or a sign. Now meet the real Jenny.

 

Jenny has worked at The Sewing Basket since 2014 and has been a client of Achieve Australia for more than 20 years. She loves getting involved regularly in team photos and was interviewed live on television when the Studio 10 breakfast show came to visit.

Working at the Newington shop and the former West Ryde shop each week is a joy for Jenny.

“I feel good when I come to work,” says Jenny. “I love talking to all my friends and looking after the customers.”

 

A keen knitter, Jenny is an expert in The Sewing Basket's wool department.

“It takes a long time to knit blankets, but I love it. It’s relaxing and you can do it in front of the TV with a cup of tea,” Jenny says.

AchievAble Enterprises’ Operations Manager, Leanne Larche, says that Jenny brings a lot to the team.

“Jenny has a bright and bubbly personality," Leanne says. "She is positive and has a willingness to learn and try new things. Jenny is also social and loves interacting with the customers.”

Jenny completed travel training with support staff so she could take the bus and train to work independently, giving her more confidence in the community. The Royal Botanic Gardens has also been Jenny’s regular place of work for more than 20 years through an arrangement with AchievAble Enterprises. These arrangements mean supported employees can work on-site at various companies.

Jenny has worked across many areas at the Botanic Gardens. This includes a role with the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens where she assists with mailouts, member packs and other administration duties. 

“Working off site is great as it gives people more experience working in different environments, provides an opportunity learn something new and to meet new people,” Leanne says.

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There are benefits for the employer too and their other staff. The Australian Network on Disability reports that people with disability often have lower rates of absenteeism and employee turnover, which all help to create cost effective businesses. Employees working in inclusive workplaces are also likely to be more engaged, motivated and productive, and have been shown to stay with businesses for longer. A win for everyone.

Not only an asset to any employer, Jenny brightens up the day of everyone she meets. Be sure to say hello if you are in store and need some help with your next knitting project.

 

Jenny is continuing to build her workplace skills at The Sewing Basket and is learning to use the cash register to serve customers. It not only provides a chance to learn a new skill, but also to connect with people who share similar passions and interests.

 

“The best thing is getting to know everyone because it always comes from the heart. It’s really special for me to get to know people a bit more,” Jenny says. “Especially the staff like Leanne, Zoe and Marie. They are very good at their job and what they do.”

When Jenny isn’t busy working or knitting, she enjoys colouring art, op shopping and sailing with her family in Brooklyn.