Work – gateway to the world
Teemu Kavekari, who works at the Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora, receives a salary from his employer. This is not a matter of course for those who are employed through Disability Services.
Teemu Kavekari often starts his working day by assisting Art Instructor Jenni Vilander. The Ministudio morning activities of the Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora in Järvenperä, Espoo, require an assistant, because cutting out the material, instructing the children and putting everything in its place takes time.
“I help children. I wash aprons, brushes and palettes,” Teemu says.
Teemu started working at Aurora in September, and he works there three hours a week. Teemu works as an intern and is paid for his work. Children’s Cultural Coordinator Johanna Kallioaho, who supervises Aurora, considered it important and meaningful to hire Teemu for a paid employment relationship.
“No other alternative was considered,” Johanna says.
The process was very smooth from Aurora’s perspective, as a work coach from Disability Services of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County supports the employer in many different ways. Disability Services suggested that Aurora hire Teemu.
“The employment contract was made directly with Teemu. Other practical matters were handled through Disability Services. The process was easy and work coach Essi Lahtinen’s support worked both ways,” Johanna says.
Aurora has the best working environment
According to Johanna, a certain number of hours per week was agreed with Teemu. At the beginning, they prepared a schedule according to the activities at Aurora so that the working hours would be as smooth and natural as possible for everyone. Disability Services clients can work a small number of hours in addition to their pension.
“Essi wanted to know if I wanted to come. We got to know each other and the premises and then we decided that yes, this would work,” says Teemu about the start of his employment.
Teemu thinks that the best thing about working at Aurora is the environment and being able to do familiar things.
“I get to see people instead of just sitting at home. Staying at home would not be good,” Teemu says about his work experience.
Teemu is responsible for going to the library and getting books that fit the themes of Ministudio. The books selected have so far included the Lion King and Moomin books.
In his free time, Teemu spends time with his family and collects hockey cards. Aurora is already considering whether collecting could, with Teemu’s help, be included in the activities organised at Aurora.
Many people are looking for work right now
Aurora also hopes that others will be inspired to hire employees through Disability Services.
There is a need for work.
“Many of our clients are looking for part-time paid work. They are motivated and have a strong desire to work,” Essi sums up the situation at job coaching.
Teemu’s work has benefited the people at Aurora.
“Hiring through Disability Services is more about will than anything else. And the work might come with additional tasks that enrich the daily life of the person hired. A diverse work community is a strength,” Johanna adds.
Teemu hopes to continue working as a salaried employee in the future:
“We have a good crew here!”
Do you know a job that would be interested in hiring an employee through the job coaching of Disability Services?
In addition to paid work, there are also other ways of providing employment opportunities, such as work activities and hiring using pay subsidies.
Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora
Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora is a diverse arts and culture venue and a happy meeting place for children and their families in Järvenperä, Espoo.
Read more about Aurora Website of Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora.
Children’s Cultural Centre Aurora is part of the City of Espoo’s cultural venues and services, which also include the Espoo Cultural Centre, Sello Hall, Kannusali, WeeGee Exhibition Centre and Espoonlahti cultural project.