our vision

Providing development opportunities to the optimum number of adults with intellectual disability through business growth based on community recognition and support.

our values

Willing and Able’s shared values define the kind of organisation we aspire to be. These values provide guidance for planning and decision-making at all levels:

• support care and guidance
• acceptance
• maximising personal growth
• self-worth and self-esteem
• encouragement
• skill development valuing people’s abilities
• integration
• community contribution
• pride in our people and the organisation
• community understanding
• business success
• personal pride
• meaningful employment
• safety first
• friendship
• high quality products
• excellent service
• reliability
• value for money
• compliance with industry standards

our history... the Willing & Able story

We were originally known as Q Robin, commencing with the opening of a school for the intellectually disabled in Wauchope in 1966. A definite need to cater to adults was realised and that resulted in a sheltered workshop / Activity Training Centre which opened in 1975 in Port Macquarie. In 1984 we became the Challenge Foundation of NSW. In 1986 the Disability Services Act was introduced, which gave our organisation a new strength to create public consciousness and provide awareness of our services.

Jindalee Enterprises and Workteams were then developed, which focused on providing supported employment for adults with intellectual disabilities. The various business entities were born over the following years and our goal was to grow the businesses and increase awareness of our mission. We were always striving to educate the community to accept people with disabilities as relevant, valuable members of society.

In 1992 we were known as the Hastings Foundation Limited and in 2007 yet another name change including a new logo design has given us modern appeal and a memorable local image.

After the sale of our turf supply business in 2007, we now have five successful businesses which continue to provide “real jobs for special people” in the Hastings area. Willing and Able Foundation, along with our  Laundrette, Woodworking, Assembly, Op Shop and Grounds Maintenance, is embarking on a marketing and promotional plan which will increase community awareness and raise our profile, as well as increase our customer base for our businesses.

living with a disability

Most people living with an intellectual disability are born with the impairment, but a disability can strike at any time in your life. Disabilities such as mental illness, or hearing, vision impairments can occur as a person ages, or may be the result of an accident. For any intellectually disabled person, gaining employment can build self-esteem, develop learning skills and help them to make new friends.