Life after school can feel uncertain, especially for neurodivergent young adults figuring out what comes next. Confidence and independence don’t just appear overnight. They grow when meaningful opportunities come with the right kind of support.
That’s exactly what Southern Highlands locals Margie and Emma had in mind when they created The Loading Zone! It’s a safe, supportive space designed to help neurodivergent young people take their next steps with confidence.
Margie, along with two OT’s, Tessa and Lee, developed the Transition & Work Hub Program. It’s a tailored initiative that helps participants build skills, gain independence and make a real impact in the local community.
The Transition & Work Hub program was designed to give participants the tools to build skills, confidence, and independence. All while gaining genuine work experience in a supportive and local setting.
It encourages young people to create their own path forward, at their own pace.
One of the program’s highlights is The Barking Zone, a dog-walking service started and run as part of this initiative.
It’s more than just adorable pups and fresh air [though those are definite bonuses]. Participants get to step into real business roles, including marketing, client relations, IT, operations… the full package! Through this, they pick up practical workplace skills and make a positive impact right here in our community.
Pretty great, right?
And don’t worry, joining The Barking Zone is optional. The program’s main focus is helping participants build the confidence and skills to follow whatever path feels right for them.
The Transition & Work Hub Program reflects a real workplace environment. Participants get laptops, personal email accounts, and even remote working experience using Microsoft Teams.
It covers all the practical bits that often get overlooked like budgeting, resume writing, interview prep, workplace communication, time management, and accountability. This hands-on approach gives participants a well-rounded view of what adult work life really looks like, while building their independence one step at a time.
The program runs with small groups of no more than six participants and a 1:3 facilitator-to-participant ratio. This ensures each person receives the attention and encouragement they need to explore their strengths and interests.
Participants who continue with The Barking Zone, or those who pursue other opportunities, graduate from the program equipped to take on the world. The skills they develop in marketing, client services, and operations become valuable assets for any career path they choose.
This wonderful program is a chance to empower young people and build a more inclusive Southern Highlands where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful contribution. And we love everything about it!
If you’re interested in joining the program, know someone who might benefit, or want to get involved with The Barking Zone dog-walking service, click here to connect with the wonderful and caring team behind this initiative.
We love seeing programs like this making a real difference in the Highlands! Genuine and driven by care for our community!
***
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
This article features friends and advertisers of The Fold Media.
We strongly believe in the businesses and information we share with you on The Fold and we fully endorse the content we create and share.
We’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses, and it is our sincere hope is that it helps create more awareness for these local businesses, helps keep them top of mind when locals and visitors next need their products or service, and most of all, contributes to creating a strong and thriving local community and economy.
We are so grateful to the local businesses who choose to work with The Fold Media. Without their belief and support in what we do, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing what it is that we love to do. Which is to create and share information about people, places and businesses in our wonderful region. We want to help everyone #LoveLivingLocal and make the most of this wonderful place we are lucky enough to call home.
And to you, our readers? We want to say a big THANK YOU to you. Firstly for taking the time to read this article, but also for supporting local businesses in general, as well as our sponsors who help make The Fold Media possible.
Together, let’s continue to support our local business community, in turn supporting their team, and our wonderful community overall. So let’s all choose local, whenever we possibly can.