Talking to Therese automatically brings a smile to your face. She is an extremely positive person with a bubbly personality that is quite infectious. It is common to hear Therese exclaim several times throughout the day "Oh that is great; that is really good!" After an encounter with Therese you simply can't help but see things in a new and more positive light.

Therese's brightness today is a contrast to the dark days that she and her family have endured in the past.

When Therese was six years old she was hit by a car in a country area. Her skull was smashed.  Therese's parents were beside themselves with worry for the two torturous weeks that Therese spent in a coma.

But Therese is a survivor and she pulled through. However, she was left with severe brain damage, post traumatic stress and epilepsy as a result. Therese had to learn to speak all over again.

Therese's family was naturally very concerned about the opportunities that would be available to her because of her disabilities. Fortunately, they were introduced to House With No Steps (HWNS).

Therese started working in the fruit packing shed at HWNS Summerland House 27 years ago. When the tea room was established on site, Therese applied for a position as a waitress. To her delight, she got the job and stayed in that role for 17 years. Being employed helped Therese to reach a level of independence she may not have otherwise known.

Just like everyone, people with disabilities have dreams, wishes, hopes and wants for their lives. Therese dreamed of finding a loving man and getting married. And that she did!

Matthew was also working at HWNS at the time. Both Therese and Matthew went on a HWNS supported group holiday. "We started holding hands on the bus and we've been connected ever since", Matthew tells us, beaming. They got married and had their reception at HWNS Summerland House.

Sadly, Therese has recently started to have more and more epileptic seizures. So much so that it became difficult for her to continue her work in the café. But House With No Steps was there for her, once again.

Therese now spends her days in the local HWNS day activity program and she loves it. Therese's mum Ruth says, "It is important to keep her mind occupied; she would be sitting at home doing nothing if she didn't go to the day program." 

Therese is learning new skills to help her regain the independence and confidence she achieved before her seizures became such a problem. The activities at the day program keep Therese active and engaged so that she doesn't deteriorate further.

At House With No Steps our core purpose is to empower people to decide what they want for themselves and strive for their best possible quality of life. We put individuals at the centre of their decision-making process, with their families and friends close by.

Therese literally shines with pride when she completes a task by herself.

"I am making a pillow and I've nearly finished. Mine has red buttons. It's really good!" Therese exclaims with excitement.

We are committed to seeing that each and every one of our clients reaches their personal best. And we know how important increased levels of independence are in this pursuit.