On just their second day in the Ladder program, our participants took part in the People’s Kitchen program, an initiative designed to provide meals to those in need in the Morwell area, through the Morwell Neighbourhood House. What started off as a once-off program experience in 2019, has now become embedded into the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley program. Our recent program's visit enabled us to reach our milestone of over 14,000+ meals prepared by program participants over the years - an incredible effort by all!

For many of our participants, they were unaware of this service or had never participated in volunteering before so it was incredible to see the group work together to prepare and package meals, demonstrating their growing ability to collaborate and contribute to a meaningful cause. The event not only allowed participants to practice essential teamwork skills but also provided them with an opportunity to see the tangible impact of their efforts on the local community. The atmosphere was positive, with everyone pitching in and taking pride in the work they were doing to help others.

Throughout the day, participants were able to develop a variety of important life skills. From working efficiently in a team to managing tasks independently, each person had the chance to take on responsibilities that contributed to the overall success of the program. Whether it was chopping vegetables, organising supplies, or ensuring that meals were packaged correctly, everyone was engaged and focused. These activities reinforced the value of communication, coordination, and time management, skills that are critical both in the workplace and in everyday life.

What stood out the most during the day was the sense of community and mutual support that developed among the participants. Everyone was eager to take on new tasks and support one another, creating a strong sense of camaraderie. It was inspiring to witness how quickly the group had bonded and how they were able to work together efficiently. This experience not only gave them a sense of pride in contributing to a worthy cause, but it also reinforced the importance of giving back to the community, leaving them with a deeper understanding of how collective efforts can make a meaningful difference.

We would like to thank Tracie and the Morwell Neighbourhood House for making this opportunity available to all our program participants and for allowing us to make a meaningful impact in the local community, while also developing important life skills.