The seemingly simple things like teaching people how to ride pushbikes and safely mow lawns stick in Rob Owens’ mind as some of the meaningful achievements during his time as a support worker at IDEA Services.
After almost 25 years in the role, late March marked Rob’s retirement from the organisation, which gives support to people with intellectual disabilities.
The 66-year-old is a familiar face to many people in Motueka. Every Wednesday he has helped “the guys” deliver The Guardian to the businesses along High St.
Rob, who has lived in Motueka for 50 years and is a horticulturalist by trade, calls this the “most rewarding job I’ve ever had” and says that his former workmates are all stars.
He has loved the variety of work that the job entailed and says that it has taught him so much about himself.
“I’ve grown so much since I’ve been there,” he says. “I’ve found my niche.”
Rob appreciates how much training and personal development was available through the organisation.
“There were heaps of opportunities for training, not just about people with disabilities, but about how people tick.”
IDEA’s core values are empowerment, inclusion, responsiveness and support, with unique plans for each client to help them live to their potential. The Motueka branch hosts more than 20 clients, and the support workers engage them in projects, coordinate outings, and teach them life skills to increase their independence.
Rob says that although he was going to miss being at the IDEA base, he was looking forward to spending more time with his partner and family.
At his farewell barbeque in late March, Rob exchanged emotional hugs and goodbyes with “the guys” (as the staff fondly refer to their clients) and promised them he knew what time smoko so that he could pop back to catch up with them over a cuppa.
