The centre currently has 23 people who volunteer in the recycle centre shops, or the Tip Top ice cream truck, learning customer service and store skills including operating the cash register and Eftpos machine so they can find work. Two people have recently found work, another has the possibility of a job.
Centre co-ordinator Trudie Jones said Kate was a keen worker who would be of advantage to any employer.
"She is a very good worker. Always taking in everything. She turns up to work on time. She is really reliable. She has developed so many skills including communication and confidence. Kate is very disciplined."
This young woman was an ideal member of her staff, Mrs Jones said.
"She does everything asked of her. You only have to show her something once and she gets on with it and doesn't need to be shown again ... she takes so much pride in herself. Kate is always dressed nice and has a lovely appearance. Everyone loves her."
Idea Service's supported employment co-ordinator Sheryl Drummond said people living with an intellectual disability longed to part of the community and that included being employed, even if only for a few hours or as a volunteer.
"For our guys, it's about community participation."
For Kate, working at the centre had offered the boost and skills needed as staff helped prepare her for work.
"Kate has a great interest in fashion, so this is the perfect place for her to learn. She's made friends here and it has boosted her self esteem ... everyone wants a job."
While the aim was to get these people into "paid" employment, it was more about supporting them to contribute to society, not giving them a wage, Ms Drummond said.
"For our guys, it's not about the money. Even if they are earning only $5 a week; it's about them being part of the community. Being normal and being included ... her family is very proud of her."
The centre helped prepare these young people for work, she said.
"It offers them routine and prepares them for work."
All they needed was someone to give them a chance to prove they could be valuable employees," she said. "We just need people to give our guys a bit of an opportunity ... to be part of the bigger picture. They can do jobs other people don't like to do, like sweep floors or vacuum. Our guys just want to be part of the community, like everybody else."
If you can offer any of the trainees at Wairarapa Resource Centre part-time, full-time or casual employment phone Trudie Jones on (06) 377 2090.
To reach the supported employment co-ordinator at Idea Services phone (06) 370 6461.
