I’ve always believed that life is enriched by the connections we make. Whether it’s a smile exchanged with a stranger on the street, the barista who knows your name and coffee order, a dinner that leaves you feeling recharged, or the snuggles with your kids that set the tone for the day—each interaction leaves a lasting imprint. But how do we amplify that sense of connection and extend its positive impact to reach more people? For the team at Canopy SDA, the answer is simple: partnerships. Not just any partnerships—Partnerships with Purpose.
Our Albion Park project is a shining example of this. I still vividly remember when I first heard about the possibility of teaming up with Client Care First. It was about a month into my role at Canopy SDA, and Tracy, our Chief Engagement Officer, was bursting with excitement. She told me about this incredible organisation that was seeking a home for the participants they supported. But what excited her most wasn’t just their search for an SDA property; it was their passion and genuine commitment to their participants.
“They’re on the same page as us, Abby,” she said, after hearing Meryn Martin, Client Care First’s Director, talk about Specialist Disability Accommodation. Tracy was moved by how much Meryn cared, not just about finding a property, but about the opportunities and independence that an accessible home could create for their participants. And from that moment on, we knew this would be something special.
Ben Nurmi, Canopy SDA CEO and Meryn Martin, Director of Client Care First break found on our new project in Albion Park.
Over the past year, our partnership has only grown stronger. Together, Canopy SDA and Client Care First have been united by a shared mission: to transform the lives of participants by creating spaces that foster independence and possibility. This isn’t just a transactional relationship. It’s a genuine collaboration—two organisations working hand in hand, each bringing their expertise, passion, and vision to build something truly transformational.
Meryn beautifully captured what this partnership means to them when she said, “At Client Care First, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities by offering person-centered care and fostering independence. Partnering with Canopy SDA allows us to expand our services while staying true to our core values of respect, integrity, and empowerment.”
Client Care First Director, Meryn Martin with the Canopy SDA Team site at Albion Park. (from left : Claire Liu, Dani Busby, James Edwards, Abby Campbell, Ryan Channel, Meryn Martin, Tracy Cutler and Ben Nurmi)
It’s been a year filled with countless emails, calls, and site visits, navigating everything from choosing the right property to designing a space that meets all accessibility needs. When we broke ground at Albion Park, it wasn’t just to celebrate the start of a build—it was a celebration of how far we’ve come together. This project represents the start of a new chapter, not just for Canopy SDA and Client Care First, but for the six participants who will soon call this place home.
As we watch the walls of their future home rise, we’re not just building a house. We’re building independence, community, and a future filled with opportunity for the Client Care First participants. That’s the power of a Partnership with Purpose.
Find out more about our Albion Park build by clicking the button below
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