Company: CaRelief pty ltd
Company Description: CaRelief is an Australian family-run enterprise, and is a nationally registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) organisation servicing Brisbane and South-East Queensland. Offering personalised care, support and respite, the award-winning business helps relieve the stress and overwhelm of people living with disabilities to navigate the complex and ever-changing NDIS.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year – Business Services – More Than 10 Employees
 Nomination Title: CaRelief pty ltd
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated organization, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the appropriate spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 193 words used.
CaRelief is an Australian family-run enterprise, and is a nationally registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) organisation servicing Brisbane and South-East Queensland. Offering personalised care, support and respite, the award-winning business helps relieve the stress and overwhelm of people living with disabilities to navigate the complex and ever-changing NDIS.
The business was established in August 2020 due to a hapless dementia diagnosis of Melissa Pierre’s, CaRelief's founder, mother at just 62 years old. Since registering as a national NDIS business in 2022, CaRelief has grown by 400%.
With heart at the foundation of the business, they drive inclusivity among diverse individuals living with disability and the wider comunity.
Our unique proposition is that we refuse to accept defeat. We fight for every dollar for our participants. Our model helps NDIS participants achieve optimum outcomes in their plans, and not settle for what NDIS dishes out.
It is our personal experiences and investment in our mission that's positively impacted the lives of our clients.
Our unique perspective has led us to tackle the housing crisis after homelessness threatened many participants/clients. At CaRelief, we focus on creating inclusive environments where individuals feel valued and supported.
- Outline the organization's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
CaRelief provides pro-bono and government work for clients who don't have sufficient funding or have been rejected by the NDIS. Each individual is entitled to a sense of belonging and connection within their communities. Other providers may be efficient, but they focus solely on delivering services without considering the broader impact on the community and economy.
90% of participants have seen an increase in funding @ CaRelief But it is a lengthy process, and more for assisted living.
Helping to fast-track the process, we implemented a risk assessment tool that is used to identify the lack of funding. A system that streamlines NDIS registration processes and enhances communication and coordination was also introduced. This has improved efficiency and compliance within CaRelief.
Our team is commited and bringing like minded passionate women together to help the vision come to a reality, where anyone can live in an affordable housing situation.
Why is this significant - even in this economy of hardship we still support over 20 employees and over 50 participants. Whilst there are so many small-medium ndis businesses closing now.
Melissa know how to innovate adapt and survive any market or crises. CaRelief housing solution is a unique response to the housing crisis, especially for people with disabilities and aged care. By building a community not just shared homes, they are empowering people with disabilities to have independence and opportunities for people to invest in property, ethically. This is not just an idea anymore being delivered to council and government.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 226 words used.
Support Doc:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFn0Vpa3VU/lh7UZxgoe1zxu4McoDMeDQ/edit?utm_content=DAFn0Vpa3VU&
Figures added to doc:
FTE numbers (total number of full time equivalent employees) 2020/2021 = 1 (sole trader)
FTE numbers (total number of full time equivalent employees) 2021/2022 = 1 - 5
FTE numbers (total number of full time equivalent employees) 2022/2023 = 20 - 35
FTE numbers (total number of full time equivalent employees) - projected 2025+ = 70-90
Annual Revenue 2020/2021 = Approx $90K
Annual Revenue 2021/2022 = Approx $350K
Annual Revenue 2022/2023 = $1.35M
Annual Revenue - projected 2025+: = $3Mil - $4Mil
For example: A participants NDIS journey started when her son was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. He is neurodivergent.
Aside from the multiple types of therapies and equipment that helps him to create connections and be more independent, we engaged a special program. Happy Paws Happy Hearts, who exist to create meaningful connections between people and animals, has helped to regulate her sons behaviour, enriched his empathy, and taught him to be gentle.
"My son now owns "Thunder". He nurtures him, and takes pride in Thunder relying on him. The vibrations of his purr has improved his ability to fall asleep, and calm him down."
Our commitment to excellence and innovation in the disability sector has been recognised in the Beam Awards, Lord Mayor's Business Awards, and AusMumpreneur.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
As the cost of living rises, including leasing private rentals, the demand for suitable housing is evident. Approximately 50,000+ people are on the waiting list for housing in Brisbane alone. Failure to build appropriate housing and any potential withdrawal of NDIS funding could leave many more people homeless. They are now aiming to apply a similar model to aged care to innovate the sector.
With a philanthropic spirit, CaRelief has ventured into housing. Recognising the need for suitable living arrangements, particularly as the housing model for NDIS participants undergoes frequent changes, they have taken the initiative to create a housing community. Instead of clustering high-care individuals in a single house, CaRelief has innovated the sector by designing a community with a mix of households. This creates a supportive environment, with on-site activities. By adapting and changing their model, CaRelief caters to the unique needs of their participants. Obtaining suitable housing takes longer than accessing NDIS support. The family dynamic, especially for families with multiple members on NDIS, or aged care, is so dynamic.
One key aspect is securing land for housing, which is not funded by the NDIS. Instead of paying for rebuilds, CaRelief focuses on constructing houses where they are needed the most. They strategically plan the location of these houses, taking into account the establishment of hospitals in the area. By setting up communities with onsite nursing support, the organisation aims to reduce pressure on the hospital system and minimise emergency admissions, positively impacting the economy.
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