FOR Tracey Toy, starting Guiding with Purpose was about creating opportunities for people living with disability or facing barriers to believe in themselves, to build confidence and to pursue goals that matter to them.
The business supports participants to discover their purpose, develop practical skills, build independence and navigate challenges, with a focus on opening doors to employment, volunteering, social connection and community participation.
“The most rewarding part of our work is witnessing others succeed in areas they once believed were out of reach,” Tracey said.
“My focus is on building their capacity to believe in themselves and strengthening their confidence so they can pursue their goals, whatever they may be. I also recognise that progress is not always straightforward; when obstacles or “brick walls” appear, there is always a way to work through or around them with the right support and mindset.”
One particularly meaningful journey saw a participant build their confidence, secure their first job, progress into an apprenticeship and successfully become qualified. They have since progressed further and are now working as a team leader.
Tracey believes that success is not defined by a particular destination, but by seeing participants achieve their purpose or steadily work toward the goals they have chosen for themselves.
“My professional journey has led me to focus on supporting people who are unsure of where to begin. If I don’t have the answer, I always strive to find the how, what, when, and why so we can move forward and reach our goals together,” she said.
