Help Enterprises (Help) is proud to foster a community of inclusive employers who recognise the importance of having a diverse workforce. Help’s partnership with Abilities Plus, a Gold Coast landscaping company, exemplifies this mission by employing individuals living with disability and at a disadvantage.

Abilities Plus is no ordinary landscaping business. Founded by Jen Stuart, it’s a lifeline that offers meaningful employment, skills, training, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

From humble beginnings

Jen, 74, understands the challenges of living at a disadvantage. Once a night cleaner living in a caravan, she turned her life around, starting a small lawn mowing business in the early 2000s that evolved into something far greater. “It was eight clients, two old mowers that only lasted a month, an old whipper snipper and a little box of nuts and bolts, and that is how I started,” she said.

As the business grew, Jen casually employed students to help out during holiday periods, but the turning point came when she hired a worker living with disability. “That day, I found my purpose in life. Before I knew it, my business had 12 disadvantaged employees. It didn’t just change my life, it gave me my reason to live,” she said.

Today, Abilities Plus employs participants living with disability from Help , with diverse backgrounds, providing practical skills in horticulture, ecosystem management and landscaping. The program also aims to teach life skills and provide participants with a sense of purpose and community, allowing them to learn at their own pace.

“I just believe everybody deserves a chance, regardless of the challenges they face,” she said.

A place to feel safe and supported

Her own personal hardships inspired her to create a space where others could feel safe. “I have people come in here who don’t even know that they’re supposed to shower every day, or change their clothes, or brush their teeth. I just want to help other people and I believe I connect with people who are often forgotten about. I have a duty of care to look after people.”

Jen welcomes a regular intake of new trainees, many referred to her by Help. She offers them hands-on training and industry knowledge for future employment opportunities. Jen ensures each trainee receives the guidance needed to succeed in their learning journey. The trainees engage in a variety of practical projects and theoretical learning, allowing them to gain both the skills and experience needed in the industry.

Six participants living with disability from Help recently graduated from the course, with majority continuing in landscaping roles. “The support from Help has been invaluable. No matter what a person needs, Help is there with support,” Jen said.

Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades – including the 2015 Gold Coast Volunteer of the Year, an Australian of the Year nomination in 2015, and a Small Employer of the Year finalist at the 2016 Queensland Training Awards – but her greatest reward is seeing her employees thrive.

“I work every day because this is my reason to live – to help other people. I see their abilities, not their disabilities.”

The importance of Inclusive Employers

Courtney Murray, Help’s Robina Business Manager, finds Jen’s passion infectious. “Every time I see the transformation in our trainees—the confidence they gain, the skills they learn—I’m reminded of why our partnership is so vital. We’re not just providing jobs; we’re building a community where everyone can thrive.”

Jen’s future plans for Abilities Plus are simple yet profound – to continue her work, inspire more women to take on leadership roles, and promote inclusivity in the workplace. “We’re not just about landscaping; we’re about transforming lives. With the support of partners like Help, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Abilities Plus is funded through Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

Help is part of the IntoWork Group.

Media Contact: Media Communications Specialist Eilish Massie, [email protected], 0448 771 045