New home transforming lives

The Endeavour Foundation has unveiled new supported independent living accommodation that will be home to up to four people with disabilities.

The home, at Petrie, was made possible thanks to the generosity of a mum who left the property to the Endeavour Foundation in her will.

Built as part of the disability service provider’s My Home My Life initiative, the house will cater for four residents and a carer.

Speaking at the official opening this week, Endeavour general manager of Home and Community Simon Wright said the property would increase the independence of its residents and give them more choice about how to live their lives.

Generous gift

Executive general manager Home and Community Leanne Rutherford welcomed Beverley and Colin Sparks to the opening, acknowledging the generosity of Beverley’s aunt, Gladys Leitch, who donated the land for the new house.

“The bequest has allowed us to create this home, which will give the gift of independence for people with disability for many years to come,” she said.

“This home is one of many that’s been built as part of the My Home My Life program.

“We’re passionate about supporting people with disabilities in growing their independence.

“There’s so many opportunities to learn and grow and flourish.”

Wonderful lifestyle

Endeavour Foundation Learning and Lifestyle Hub participant Kay, who lives in another supported independent living Endeavour home, told those at the opening the residents moving into the Petrie house would love their new surroundings.

“It will help them to be independent and make some new friends,” Kay said.

“I like living in my house – it’s comfortable and I like living with other people and I love where I am.”

As well as living in an Endeavour home, Kay said she enjoyed the activities and outings at the Learning and Lifestyle Hub at Bowen Hills.

“I just love being around people and I love gymnastics – we play on the trampoline, we walk the plank, jump along the mattress and swing on the rings.

“I also do volunteer work at a nursery on Fridays and we plant plants into little pots.”

Significant contribution

Since 2020, the Endeavour Foundation has invested more than $33m building and renovating 65 homes in Queensland to the Platinum level of the Liveable Housing Australia Guidelines.

That includes renovating four homes for 16 people in the Moreton Bay region and building the home at Petrie for up to four people who may be looking to live independently for the first time.

“We know that there’s a real need for fully accessible housing across Queensland, including right here in the Moreton Bay region,” Leanne said.

“There is not enough accessible housing in Australia and many people with disability are still living with aging parents, who have played an important role as carers, but are now increasingly in need of support at home themselves.

“We believe people with disability have the same right as everyone else to live in a suitable, affordable, and secure home, which is why Endeavour Foundation created the My Home, My Life initiative.

“This home meets our ethos of building or renovating smaller homes to the highest standards so that smaller groups of friends can share the supports they need to live their best possible lives.”

Accessible facilities

The Petrie house has adjustable kitchen benches, extra-wide corridors and doorways, and an extra room to enable 24/7 support.

Leanne said it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of a local family connected to Endeavour Foundation.

“We were so fortunate to receive an incredibly kind gift in will from Gladys Leitch, the mother of two people we supported for many years,” Ms Rutherford said.

“This immensely generous gift enabled us to create a modern accessible home, that will in turn give the gift of independent living to people with a disability here in Petrie.”

Beverley Sparks, Gladys Leitch’s niece, said the new home was perfect.

“It’s just so satisfying to think what the home will be used for, and I wish the people who will be living there all the best,” Beverley said.

“There were lots of happy times (at Petrie) with Aunty Glad so let’s hope that continues for the people who will live here.”

To find out more about Endeavour Foundation’s My Home My Life initiative, including current Specialist Disability Accommodation vacancies, click here.