Flourish to frontline: Kimiyo’s journey to success with Project Employ

by Kiri Beven, Funding and Grants, Project Employ projectemploy.nz

At Project Employ, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the workforce. Employment is more than a job – it provides purpose, financial independence, and a sense of belonging.

Yet for people with intellectual disabilities or learning differences, sustainable employment remains a significant challenge. We exist to break down these barriers and make inclusive employment the norm, not the exception.

Since opening our doors in 2022, Project Employ has continued to make a meaningful impact on neurodiverse young adults and their families. Our work is strengthened by the incredible support of our local community. Every customer who visits Flourish Café directly contributes to the confidence, skill development, and future employment pathways of our trainees. Their daily support helps create real change and real opportunities.

From the very beginning, ANCAD has also walked alongside us, offering guidance, workshops, and practical support that has helped shape Project Employ into the strong, community-focused organisation it is today.

One of our most inspiring success stories is Kimiyo – a former Rangitoto College student, Kimiyo first joined Project Employ as a Gateway student and quickly showed determination, warmth, and potential. At Flourish Café Takapuna, she learned hands-on hospitality skills while building confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.

With guidance from Job Coaches and encouragement from her peers, Kimiyo truly flourished. Her hard work earned her a paid internship with Air New Zealand, where she proved her reliability, teamwork, and positive attitude. This led to a three-month trial at JW Marriott, where she impressed managers with her work ethic and attention to detail.

Today, Kimiyo is proudly employed as a Food and Beverage Services Expert at JW Marriott. She continues to excel, inspire others, and demonstrate what’s possible when young people receive the right support, opportunities, and belief.

Kimiyo’s journey from Flourish Café to the frontline of Auckland’s hospitality sector shows the extraordinary impact of inclusive employment and how community support can transform lives.