is a progressive organisation, dedicated to providing supported employment, training, residential services and lifestyle options for people with disabilities.

Oak Enterprises has been operating as a not for profit company since 1992, having evolved from the amalgamation of several smaller organisations that were initiated by parents in the 1960's and 1970's.

The ongoing development and growth of Oak has been greatly assisted by the valued contribution of parents, carers and friends, who have volunteered their time in a variety of areas, ranging from fund raising to Advisory Committees and participation on the Board.

Our diverse commercial businesses provide valued products and services to the wider community. The ongoing success of these individual businesses provides employees with job security and increased training opportunities, in a commercial environment.

Oak Enterprises also assists people with disabilities who require specialist lifestyle options, accommodation and tenancy support. Through a variety of community and centre-based activities, the quality of life for these individuals is greatly enhanced.

Under State and Federal Disability programs, the organisation receives funding to assist with the cost of support service provision

OUR VISION: BRIDGING THE GAP TO INDEPENDENCE

In the Supported Employment Services operated by Oak Enterprises, the skills and abilities of individual employees are strengthened through the provision of vocational activities and support. Meaningful employment is provided for many people, at the same time recognising and catering for their needs and aspirations in a rapidly changing society.

To continue the provision of high quality support for employees, each business strives towards commercial viability. To achieve this, Oak is committed to the process of continuous improvement, with strict controls and guidelines in place to ensure consistently high quality standards in management, products and services. The core activities and end products are necessarily directed towards a competitive marketplace.

Our vision - Bridging the Gap to Independence - reflects an approach to flexible, specialised support for people with disabilities, in the workplace, day centres and accommodation. Oak employees are provided with a workplace environment that reflects general industry standards and practice. This fosters personal growth, independence and community integration, as well as increased self-esteem and enhanced quality of life. To achieve success, it is necessary to balance the dual focus of providing effective, supported employment while maintaining commercial viability.

Lifestyle Options and Accommodation Services programs are designed to meet individual needs and foster integration into the community.

Training is an important part of Oak Enterprises. Heavy focus is placed on competency based training, concentrating on nationally recognised Industry Accredited Training Packages. Employees are able to participate in courses relevant to the industry in which they are working, in order to achieve a Certificate or a statement of attainment for specific skills. This training expertise is also extended to other organisations in an outsourced training arrangement.

Oak Enterprises is accredited by Tasmanian and Commonwealth training agencies as a Registered Training Organisation.

MISSION STATEMENT

Oak Enterprises is dedicated to providing Employment, Training, Accommodation Services and Lifestyle Options for people with disabilities, and in so doing, cater for their needs as well as aspirations in a changing society.

We actively strive to achieve our mission, objectives and goals, which have been prepared within the context of availability of adequate resources - physical, financial and human - from the community and Governments.

VALUES

Oak Enterprises seeks to promote the following values:

PEOPLE

We actively promote a positive image for Individuals receiving services.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

We wish to enable people with disabilities to be empowered to exercise the same rights and responsibilities for full participation in society as are available to the rest of the community.

QUALITY OUTCOMES

We strive to achieve best practice through innovation and continuous improvement in both commercial and human services areas.

OPPORTUNITIES

We actively encourage people with disabilities to receive appropriate support, to enable access and participation in the community.