About
Who Is
OVOC?
Our Vision,
Mission
and Values
Our
Promises
Meet Our
Team
OUR VOICE OUR CHOICE IS ABOUT
OPPORTUNITY, RESPECT & EQUALITY
Our Voice Our Choice was established to provide support and facilitation to individuals wishing to attain Goals and objectives across all aspects of their lives.
The underlying principal is to provide ‘enabling’ resources and support in line with people’s wishes and needs.
We recognise and affirm that every individual has equal value, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, culture or ability and seek to deliver the most positive outcome possible for any person utilising Our Voice Our Choice services.
OUR VISION
A world full of Real, connected communities that celebrate diversity, humanity and accessibility.
Equality between all people in a non-discriminative world.
That we all enable everyone to feel valued in society.
OUR MISSION
To walk with, and alongside, people seeking Real Opportunites.
Real inclusion, Real true-life experiences, with Real achievements, Real connections, Real homes,
Real employment, Real choice and Real outcomes.
OUR VALUES
Professionalism and Dedication
Continuous Improvement
Quality, for every person, every time
Accountability and Transparency
Understanding and Compassion
Creativity and Innovation
Community Participation and Teamwork
OUR PROMISES
Our Voice Our Choice will:
- Support people with a disability to fully partake as citizens in our community
- Always act with compassion, integrity and transparency.
- Deliver quality services, driven by the aspirations and needs of people we support and families.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and foster harmonious relationships.
- Proactively support and encourage staff and volunteers to achieve their full potential.
- Promote opportunities for people with a disability through community partnerships that recognise mutual benefit.
- Assist with decisions today that will have a positive impact on the future of our service users.
- Provide an environment where the individual’s right to experiences and risk is recognised.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is comprised of highly skilled individuals with years of experience in disability support.
Nadine Soper
Director
I started Our Voice Our Choice as I passionately believe in ensuring people with a disability have a voice that is heard – my company is for the people!
“We – myself as Director, and all my staff and volunteers – are not here to just ‘babysit’ or take care of people’s basic needs, but educate society to accept each individual and assist them to have a sense of belonging and to feel worthwhile, that they are valued. Being part of the community is the most important step for inclusion for everyone, and community includes ALL people.
The driving force in my career is to be driven only by the people’s voice and their desire for choice, so they know they are listened to and respected as valuable members of the community.
Personally, my most important achievements have not come from educational success but from making a difference to people’s lives…
A man with no words taught me the most valuable lesson in life … empathy and true compassion. He taught me to listen to someone that could not talk, to see that we are all worthy no matter how different we are. Whilst he had no “verbal voice”, his words spoke clearly to me, he held his voice in his smile and heart … but so few took the time to listen. And that is what I want to change.
I want to make a difference. Welcome to Our Voice Our Choice.”
Nadine is well qualified in Behavioural Management and Disability Services with a Diploma in Community services, Level IV Mental Health and Addictions Certificate, Level IV Social Services Certificate, Level IV Aged Care and Disabilities Certificate as well has being extensively trained in Non-Violent Intervention and Complex Behavioural Therapy.
Nadine is involved in all aspects of the planning and implementation of supports for Residents, and is dedicated to a person centred approach.
Nadine is also a pioneer in different and exciting approaches for Community Participation for residents, and ensures their Goals are establish, their voice is heard and their choice of provider is clear.
Kirsty Bailey
Executive Assistant
I have been a part of the OVOC family since October 2020. During my time here my role as Admin Coordinator has become quite diverse and challenging with no two days being the same which I love!
I am the first point of contact at the front desk and always strive to help our participants and the team in whatever they need. I have over 10 years’ experience in the administration field but had never worked in the disability sector before, so this is a great learning experience for me as well as being so rewarding.
Kirsty has a Cert IV in Business Administration and a Cert IV in Leadership & Management
I have been with OVOC for 4 years. Good staff have helped and motivated me with household skills and healthy eating and with daily living and fun activities. Trudi is a long-standing Participant with us here at OVOC, having been with us almost since the beginning! Gaining independence in everyday life and making healthy lifestyle choices have been some of the most important Goals Trudi has had since living in her SIL home and with the continued support from our valued and committed staff members, she has been able to achieve so much. The induction process is a chance for OVOC to understand the needs of each person and who they would best suit living with, as well as the most appropriate staff allocation. A house can be many things to many people, but OVOC creates homes that are person centered and respectful of everyone’s choices. Can you tell me what you think the best thing about OVOC is? Great staff that promote independence. They encourage and support me with things I like to do such as gardening and craft activities. I also love getting out in the community and going on weekly outings. Can you tell me about any friendships that you have made through OVOC and why this has been important to you? I have made friendships with the ladies at my home and I love the outings that we go on with other participants and staff. We also celebrate birthdays and milestones with others. It is important for my mental health and physical wellbeing. Has OVOC helped you in achieving any Goals that have been important to you? If so, can you please tell us a little bit about it? OVOC has helped me to take pride in my house and supported me to perhaps live independently in the future. Staff have helped me with healthy eating and weight loss which was a goal of mine. They always motivate me to do daily activities. What do you hope OVOC is able to help you achieve in the future? To live independently and volunteer in a women’s shelter.
Trudi Manning
Participant
Working for an organisation that puts their participants at the forefront and ensures that their voices are heard is the best motivator to ensure that all our participants truly live their best lives. I started with OVOC in September 2021, as Community Coordinator which has been an amazing journey. Being part of such a progressive company that is all about real life experiences for our participants and supporting them through their life journey has been so inspiring. I have a great understanding of the NDIS and Quality and safeguards commission (QSC), both from a service delivery perspective and in understanding the administrative burden. I have learnt how to be a good leader, demonstrating both a direct and collaborative leadership style as the situations demand. I have a Certificate 3 and 4 in aged care and disability. A double Diploma in community services and leadership and management. Various short courses in Trauma informed care, Behaviour support, Goal setting and Focus. I have completed PART training – Predicting, assessing, and responding to aggressive/challenging behaviours and mental health first aid.
Maya Mancic
Community Coordinator
In my current role I have the opportunity to work with an amazing, diverse group of people which provide outstanding support to our participants. We are passionate about OVOC’s vision, mission, and values. I support, coach and mentor our senior support workers and support works, as well as overseeing a cluster of our individual homes.
WE ARE A REGISTERED NDIS PROVIDER
OVOC provides Disability & Mental Health Services in Newcastle, Maitland and the Lake Macquarie area. We specialise in Community Access, Supported Group Accommodation (Holidays), Capacity Building & Support Coordination. We are a registered NDIS provider.
