Being a part of the Avivo community is something that Jess Horton is committed to.
“I was asked to co-facilitate Avivo’s Vision and Values sessions (a colleague training session) and said yes,” smiled Jess. “I’m trying to get out of my bubble and say yes to new experiences and anything that Avivo asks, I’ll say yes to!”
Jess was thrilled to be asked to be part of the Avivo Council – a group of customers and support workers who meet with Avivo’s executive team to share their perspective and support Avivo to achieve its vision and purpose.
“Around 20 of us came together – customers and colleagues of Avivo, as well as the whole executive team,” said Jess.
“I really love that Kate (Avivo’s CEO) is so down to earth and not only listens but understands our point of view as a customer. This is the way to make change happen.”
Jess has been with Avivo for five years as a customer. Being born with spina bifida means that Jess’ mobility is restricted. She uses a wheelchair and needs some assistance with domestic duties. She also battles anxiety and depression but has found that saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities means she pushes through the hard times.
“I almost didn’t come in to volunteer today because my anxiety was really bad this morning,” shared Jess.
“Anxiety can sometimes be a term that’s thrown around and used to describe everyday nerves. As someone that has been formally diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, I can tell you that it’s so much more than that.
“Sometimes it just comes out of nowhere and it’s taken me to some dark places, but because I’ve lived with it for so long, I can now recognise that it won’t last, and things will get better. That’s why I made myself come out today.”
Jess has developed ways to cope with anxiety. While she’s often content to be left alone in her ‘bubble’, she recognises it’s not always the best for her mental health, so she pushes herself to take on challenges.
Jess has been volunteering at ReMida for four years now. ReMida repurposes unwanted materials into art and education settings around WA. Jess volunteers one and a half days per week and either helps sort out materials or works on the front desk, which she loves. By being the first point of contact for phone calls and visitors, Jess has gained confidence to say yes to new opportunities and no to anxiety.
Crash course in becoming an adult
Jess has come a long way with her independence in the past nine years since her father passed away. He was Jess’ sole support, and she’d learned to rely on him for most things.
“I have a wonderful family, but because of my being differently abled (and probably also because I’m the family baby and the only girl), when I was younger there were certain things that kids my age were doing that I was not allowed to,” said Jess.
“It was a beautiful attempt to keep me safe but did not prepare me for navigating the world as an adult.
“When dad died, it was like taking a crash course in becoming an adult. I had to take care of his affairs, plus learn to do all the things I needed to do as an adult, such as sign the house lease into my name and get photo ID for the first time.”
While it wasn’t an easy transition for Jess, she managed to work through one of the toughest times in her life.
Without the support of her dad, Jess had to seek out other support, which is when she found Avivo. Her journey hasn’t been straightforward though as she’s had to battle with the NDIS to keep the funding she needs to help her live a full and rewarding life.
“Everyone at Avivo has been wonderful. My Team Facilitator, Eileen, is exactly what every TF should be. She doesn’t expect her Support Workers to do anything she won’t and is very hands on,” declared Jess.
In fact, it was Eileen who got Jess more involved with Avivo. After writing a story about her experiences during COVID, Eileen sent it onto the Communications and Engagement Team and it piqued the interest of Customer Engagement Specialist Jasmine who contacted Jess to share her unique views with Avivo.
The future
Jess is turning 40 in September this year and despite hating being the centre of attention, she’s agreed to let her family make a bit of a fuss of her. Jess has reconnected with her mum and has a wonderful stepdad. She makes the trip to see family each month and her nan always puts on Sunday treats for family visits.
Professionally, Jess is keen to continue her relationship with Avivo, both as a customer and as part of the Council and in training sessions where she continues to share her story.
“I used to be ashamed of the person I was. I’d be deliberately vague when asked about myself or even just change the subject. That has changed in recent years,” confided Jess.
“I’ve learned that where I’ve come from and who I was aren’t things to be ashamed of, but things to embrace because they show how far I’ve come. The person I was has shaped the person I am and, hopefully, the person I’ll become as I continue to grow and change.
“The world can be a scary place but, given the right circumstances, can also be incredible. It’s full of beauty, wonder and opportunity. We just need to have the confidence to embrace it and, in the hard times, learn from it.”
