Movement Five is a dynamic disability support service dedicated to empowering individuals with diverse abilities founded by James and Kaela in 2020. In a short span of time, it has evolved into a thriving organisation with a dedicated team of over 40 support staff. 

Movement Five’s mission goes beyond traditional support work; it's about redefining the concept of support and fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among young people who share common interests.

James, who prefers to be called Jimmy, reveals the driving force behind Movement Five: "The true motivation behind Movement Five lies in witnessing the incredible community we've been able to create, both among our clients and staff. The fundamental human need for a sense of belonging is something we're incredibly proud to nurture."

Jimmy and Kaela

For Jimmy, the joy of coming to work every day is intertwined with the unique community that Movement Five has cultivated. He acknowledges that it's not always an easy journey and there are moments when it feels overwhelming. However, he firmly believes in the mantra that 'pressure is a privilege,' a reminder he often tells himself.

It's all worth it for Jimmy when he witnesses clients achieving significant milestones, such as finding employment, reaching personal bests in the gym, or experiencing their first independent trips away from their parents.

Movement Five offers a wide range of programs and services that cater to the varying needs of their clients:

Weekly Programs: Weekly programs are designed to build individuals capacity to promote independent and self-care skills, socialisation, and create healthier habits. These programs operate out of both the Kiama HQ and their new Shoalhaven location, encouraging a sense of routine and community engagement. Movement Five also conducts a periodised gym program to promote fitness and movement. This is complemented with a unique opportunity to learn cooking skills in a commercial kitchen for participants to understand valuable healthy eating, nutrition and hygiene practices. This dual approach empowers clients to enhance their physical well-being and life skills.

Mentorship: Clients benefit from the guidance of a diverse team of young adult mentors who help them pursue their interests and work towards achieving their personal goals. This personalised support is a key aspect of Movement Five's approach.

Community Engagement: The core focus of Movement Five is to build connections and a sense of belonging within the community. They encourage clients to be active participants in their communities, challenge their boundaries by trying new experiences, and cultivate healthier habits. A local once posted in their Instagram photo that Movement Five puts the ‘unity’ in the community. This has now turned into one of the local businesses core values and is a standard that they look to continually abide by.

Holistic Approach: Movement Five's services encompass various aspects of health, recognising the interconnection between mental, physical, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach ensures that no one aspect is prioritised over another, ultimately promoting optimal health.

Balancing work and marriage can be a significant challenge. Kaela shares her perspective on this unique aspect of their journey: "Undoubtedly, one of the most significant challenges, as well as a blessing, is being married and balancing our work life," Kaela admits. She highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries for personal time outside of work and discussions related to their business.

Gym at Movement 5

On the flip side, she emphasises that their shared professional journey has brought them closer. "Going through the highs and lows of running a business together has been a profound experience. I genuinely feel blessed that we have the opportunity to work together and share the same dreams."

The five primary services provided by Movement Five cater to individuals with mild to moderate disabilities and are tailored to meet each person's unique needs:

• 1:1 Support: Clients benefit from personalised one-on-one support to address their specific requirements, helping them work toward their goals effectively.

• Group Training: is a key component of Movement Five's offerings, with group training exercise sessions an affordable option for maintaining physical fitness as well as important social and communication skills.

• Personal Training: Individual training is also available to further enhance physical health and improve any mobility issues.

• Social and Recreational Activities: These activities are designed to promote socialisation and fun, contributing to healthier routines and fostering a sense of community.

• Camps & Trips Away: Movement Five provides opportunities for clients to participate in exciting trips and camps throughout the year, regardless of whether they are weekly clients. These experiences are aimed at broadening horizons and creating memorable adventures and getting participants out of their comfort zones

.

What’s in the future for Jimmy and Kaela? “At the moment there’s no specific end goal in mind. Coming from a teaching background we would love to knuckle down on some of our weekly programs with clearly defined outcomes to work towards,” Jimmy says. In the short term they have just opened a second location in Shoalhaven, so their primary focus is on establishing a strong client base for ongoing support in the area while nurturing a sense of community. 

Furthermore, Jimmy shares, “We're embarking on our first international trip to New Zealand early next year.” 

Another key priority for them is fostering a positive staff culture and exploring innovative approaches to provide their employees with the best work-life balance. "Our team at Movement Five is of utmost importance to us," Kaela emphasises. They're considering the possibility of implementing nine-day fortnights and continuing to support their staff's professional growth.