Abilities Plus – Learning By Doing Group provides education in horticulture, conservation and land management, combined with literacy and life skills, to people with disability and the disadvantaged in the Gold Coast community.
The group provides pathways to employment in landscaping and gardening, growing organic produce such as seasonal vegetables, edible flowers, culinary herbs and fruit trees, and learning restaurant skills.
EPIC Assist (EPIC) is proud to support the group as a recipient in the recent round of EPIC Community Grants.
Abilities Plus – Learning By Doing Group spokesperson Lyn Mansfield said the group provides a platform to encourage equality for all.
“We help disadvantaged persons in our community with various impairments such as disabilities, homelessness, unemployed and victims of discrimination and domestic violence to name a few.”
The group also teaches all aspects of nursery work. From making compost a growing medium and seeding and picking produce, to providing training opportunities in conservation and land management and identifying bush tucker plants they have something for everyone.
Lyn acknowledges that all individuals have different requirements.
“By providing these various educational programs we allow for all participants to have a choice promoting self-esteem and a new purpose in their lives,” she said.
Abilities Plus – Learning By Doing Group are currently training 14 trainees in a Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management. After they have completed this program, they will connect with EPIC to assist in their journey to employment.
“By providing educational activities in the “learning by doing” programs, students will graduate with enhanced knowledge, social skills, self-esteem and abundant prospects to reach their dreams and full potential,” Lyn said.
If your community group could benefit from EPIC’s Community Grants program, contact EPIC Assist today to find out if you’re eligible.