Gloria’s glorious flowers bloom at Enliven’s Kāpiti Day Programme

Gloria’s creative talents brighten clients’ days.


With her Health and Wellbeing Level 3 study completed, Gloria McGoldrick has a renewed sense of purpose.

“Five years ago I was at a bit of a loose end and went to Kāpiti Volunteers to see what I could get involved with,” she says. “They pointed me in the direction of the Kāpiti Day Programme.”

Gloria started as a volunteer and progressed to casual support worker driving the van to transport clients and helping with crafts, while doing her Level 2 certificate. Now she has a permanent job which she really enjoys and the opportunity to study. Her aim is to become a qualified diversional therapist.

“I’ve always enjoyed knitting and crocheting, but now I explore a variety of other crafts too. Pinterest gives me lots of ideas, like the paper flowers and their jeweled stamens and glass embroidery pictures,” she says.
Kāpiti Day Programme diversional therapist Robyn Lindsay believes Gloria has “found herself” at the programme.

“Gloria utilises her learning for the good of staff and clients. She brings laughter, brightness and a ‘can do’ attitude. Her craft talents add to our store of decorations and resources which brightens our environment and brings a lot of pleasure. We are glad she is part of our team,” says Robyn.

Day programme client Tony Taylor is also pleased Gloria is on the team and describes her as an empathetic, happy, cheerful, helpful and artistic team player.

And although she’s now an employee Gloria still volunteers at the programme one day a week.

“Making a difference means a lot to me, especially at this time in our client’s lives,” says Gloria. It’s great to know that partners or the family know that their loved ones are safe and actively engaged here at the programme.”

Enliven is always on the lookout for great people to join the team. If you, or someone you know is looking for a role in aged care, visit our careers page or email: .


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