Soon after completing her studies in community welfare at TAFE in 2011, Yumiko Minowa began a devoted career in support work with Open Minds that has enabled her to balance life with meaningful work for the past 12 years.
Yumiko was planning to return to her hometown of Tokyo, Japan once she finished her studies but loved the Australian way of supporting people with disabilities and mental illness so much that she decided to stay.
“I love that here in Australia, people with disabilities and mental illness are well-supported to be active members of their communities, and independent living is encouraged,” said Yumiko.
Yumiko currently supports clients at one of Open Minds supported independent living homes and others with community access.
What she loves most about her job is the bonds she forms with clients and supporting them to achieve important life goals.
“One of my clients who I have supported for the past six years recently achieved his goal of getting a job. It makes me so happy to be part of his success by driving him to work and then to the gym,” Yumiko said.
As a busy mother, Yumiko is also grateful for the work-life balance that comes with support work.
“I like that my roster can be set around my availability so I can be there for my family as well as my clients,” she said.
Open Minds Care Leader, Chris Jellyman said that during Yumiko’s 12 years of service she has provided valuable and consistent support for her clients, some of whom she has supported the entire time she has been with Open Minds.
“Yumiko is a dedicated and considerate member of our team, and her clients are grateful for the strong sense of routine that comes with her support,” said Chris.
While Yumiko has been busy helping others achieve their goals, she has some in sight for herself.
“I want to keep building my career in community service while taking care of my family. Open Minds is a great place to learn and grow with supportive colleagues along the way,” said Yumiko.
For more information about a career in support work at Open Minds, please visit our website.