Thanks to the pro bono support from law firm Maddocks, we have been able to ensure that our policies comply with the latest laws and regulations, develop documents for use in our organisation, receive advice on property and contracts and address any other concerns.
We spoke to Angela Wood, Partner Commercial at Maddocks.
How did you first hear about The Housing Connection?
Why did you choose to support The Housing Connection (THC)?
Like THC, Maddocks is committed to integrity, respect for the individual, and diversity. We are passionate about partnering with organisation like THC that help people with disabilities to live valued, independent and fulfilling lives.
Our Board endorses a formal Diversity & Inclusion Committee, which is formalised by our Diversity & Inclusion Policy and Respect At Work - Acceptable Behaviour Policy. We are committed to creating equal opportunity in the workplace and spearheading initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.
As a member of the Australian Network on Disability, one of our initiatives this year will be participating in the 'Stepping Into' internship program.
On a personal level, how did you feel about supporting THC and people with disabilities?
As a Partner in our Healthcare Team, it brings me great joy when I can use my skillset to assist wonderful organisations like THC that are doing great things in the community. I feel strongly about contributing to our community in a positive way and enhancing access to justice, especially for people with disabilities.
Before becoming a lawyer, I was a practising psychologist and I worked with many people who had family members with disabilities: children, young people, and adults. I was acutely aware of the many challenges they faced in accessing the right services and support. In particular, many parents had concerns about where their adult children would live and who would support them when they were no longer able to provide that assistance.
In my extended family, we have a member who lives with a disability and has benefitted enormously from the support she now receives to live independently in a home with other adults with disability, being supported to work and participate in many community activities.
What would you say to any other organisation considering partnering with THC?
I couldn't recommend a partnership with THC more highly! Maddocks has been proud to work on a number of projects with THC over the past years, involving many of our lawyers across the firm.
Partnering with an organisation that is genuinely committed to empowering people with disabilities and supporting their valued roles in society is very rewarding for our people.
Did you have any final comments? Any quotes?
Maddocks is proud to support THC, a small, grass-roots community-based organisation. We are delighted to know that our support of THC is making a daily difference in the lives of people with disabilities and strengthening the local community. We look forward to many years working together.
THC would like to thank Maddocks. With their support, our organisation has been able to establish policies and frameworks that comply with laws and regulations. Both Maddocks and THC have shared values of respect for each individual, diversity, and integrity, and we are committed to improving the lives of the people we support.
Please consider donating to THC to support our mission of supporting adults with disabilities to live fulfilling and rewarding lives in our community as independently as possible! All funds will directly go to help our participants.