Jewish Care makes dreams come true
Melbourne’s Jewish Care’s disability team has brought one its resident’s dreams to reality.
Denise lives her dream
Denise, a resident in one of Jewish Care’s supported accommodation houses for people with disability recently shared her dream with Disability Team Leader, Robert Wilson, which created a ripple effect she couldn’t have imagined.
Robert helped Denise to find an image of the car she loved online and put it on her bedroom wall. From then on, things started to accelerate.
Shortly after, Jewish Care’s CEO, Bill Appleby met with Denise and she proudly showed him the picture on her wall, and said that one day she will drive in a red sports car.
Immediately, Mr Appleby emailed staff and volunteers asking whether anyone had a red sports car. In turn, Jewish Care volunteer, Avi Bendetsky and his nephew Jonathan Iflyand – Event Manager at Moorabbin-based charity car club HWY, had an idea. A call-out to sport car enthusiasts was posted on Facebook, which resulted in finding the owner of a suitable car in less than an hour.
Michelle Dottori, the owner of a brand new convertible red Mustang, agreed to take Denise for a drive to Mount Dandenong. The following Sunday, Michelle and Denise went on their daytrip in the Mustang.
They enjoyed the scenic views on the drive and lunched together.
“I was so happy to drive with Michelle,” said Denise.
Michelle Dottori takes Denise for a drive
“It was the best day for me and it was really special.”
Michelle Dottori said: “Seeing Denise’s beautiful smile made me very excited. When you make someone happy, it makes you happy, too.”
Disability Services Manager, Dan Kisumbi, added: “At Jewish Care, we empower people living with disability to participate in the community and realise their full potential to lead a rewarding life. Of course, our clients need individualised support to accomplish their goals but this is exactly what we are here for.”
