Happy Valentine’s Day #TeamPossible! ❤️ Here’s an Endeavour Foundation love story to make you go aww.
Melissa is thriving in her latest chapter in life, celebrating six months of marriage with her beau, Josh. They first met at Keon Park social enterprise over ten years ago. Though they rarely spoke to each other in the first few years because the pair worked different shifts, they formed a blossoming friendship in 2017 when Josh switched to the same morning shifts that Melissa worked.
It was only after 2020 that Josh’s brother, Trevor, convinced Josh to ask Melissa on their first date, knowing he’d had a crush on her for years. The pair got married in 2023 and spent their honeymoon on the Gold Coast.
After they returned to Melbourne, Melissa and Josh both achieved their goal of moving out of their parents’ homes. They now live in their unit in the Reservoir, close to Josh’s Mum and brother. Melissa said she has gained more independence since moving out of her parents’ house.
“I am happy with our unit. I like that I can do my own thing,” she said.
Melissa and Josh have also achieved independence in their respective employment pathways. Josh, who is passionate about cars, has transitioned to mainstream employment. He now works for an auto parts company in Bundoora.
Melissa celebrated 10 years of working at Keon Park social enterprise in 2023, where she works two days a week.
She said her favourite thing about the workplace is the meaningful friendships she has made.
“When I first started, I wanted to be around everyone so I could become friends with them, which I did,” she said.
“I love talking with my friends every day and I also like that we help each other out. It’s always nice when you’re in a supportive team environment.”
Her team has also supported her with her communications skills.
“Because of my disability, sometimes I don’t know what I’m saying. But my communication skills have gotten a lot better through building relationships with my colleagues,” she said.
Melissa has continued to build confidence and communication skills outside of Endeavour Foundation. In addition to working at Keon Park social enterprise, she works at MSS Security as part of the event staff team. She said that working at major events, like the Australian Open and music festivals, has made her more comfortable with being around large crowds.
“Being around larger crowds was challenging initially, but I’ve grown used to it,” she said.
“I always felt like people were watching me, but they don’t. They’re just there to have a good time.
“People think people with disability can’t do much because they sometimes have anxiety. But Mum says, ‘don’t listen, you can do anything’.”
Melissa is also pursuing further education to progress her career in mainstream employment.
She will begin her Certificate II in Animal Care at Melbourne Polytechnic next week and plans to follow this with a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
Her dream job? Working at the Rabbit Doctors in Coburg. The vet clinic specialises in caring for small creatures, including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice.
Melissa hopes that this career pathway will financially support her personal goal of starting a family with Josh one day.
The couple are currently planning a trip to Port Douglas in August to celebrate their first marriage anniversary.
When asked what their secret is to a successful partnership, Melissa said:
“The secret is good communication and having things in common. We started as friends and always work together. We also are both Catholics, so bond over our religion and go to church every Saturday.”
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