Since 1958, Good Sammy has created a better future for Western Australians with disability through employment opportunities, pathways and training.
This commitment to supporting people with disability has defined Good Sammy for more than 60 years and is highlighted in our most recent corporate video, which premiered at the City of Canning Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner on Thursday 10 November.
Good Sammy employees Sam, Karen and Kayla share their stories of how achieving and maintaining employment with Good Sammy has changed their lives. Their loved ones also shine a light on the life changing impact their employment has had.
Perhaps the most profound testimony comes from Sam’s Mum, Megan.
“Good Sammy’s saved Sam’s life. There’s no doubt about that,” Megan says.
“When he first started at Good Sammy’s he was a lost soul.
“We were at our wit’s end. We didn’t know how we could make a difference and how we could take him forward.
“He was just completely isolating himself and just retreating more and more and more. He was just paralysed by his anxiety.”
Sam’s reflections on life before he joined the Good Sammy team are raw and hit hard.
“Before I came to work, life was horrible because the mental health issues were really making it a struggle just day to day. It wasn’t fun at all,” he says.
Since joining Good Sammy in 2015, it is nothing short of phenomenal how far Sam has come on his journey. Initially starting with a two-day-a-week roster as an Offsider in our distribution team, Sam has since secured an independent full-time role as a Mobile Collection Truck Driver for Good Sammy. His amazing attitude, love for his job and work ethic even saw him earn Good Sammy’s Employee of the Year award in 2021!
“I would never have thought of working as a supported worker in the disability sector but I wouldn’t change the way I did it because I just don’t think I would be where I am now if I’d gone straight out and tried just working in an environment that isn’t as supporting as Good Sammy’s,” Sam said.
Check out the video below to hear more from Sam and his Mum Megan, as well as from Kayla and her Mum Dawn, and Karen and her husband Clinton!
