Colleen’s Journey to Living Life on Her Own Terms

For many people with intellectual disability, living independently can feel out of reach. Colleen’s story shows what’s possible with the right support.

There is a strong sense of independence in Colleen’s life, built over decades of making her own decisions and learning what works best for her.

Now 72, Colleen has been part of the Endeavour Foundation community since she was 17, reflecting a journey that spans much of our 75-year history.

Over the years, she has lived in several homes, built friendships, and developed the skills that allow her to live on her own terms.

Colleen’s journey began in North Ward, Townsville, where she first moved into accommodation as a teenager.

“I learned how to cook and how to be part of the community,” Colleen said.

That foundation stayed with her as she moved into her own private rental in her forties, and later into public housing, where she lived independently for many years.

Today, Colleen continues to live in her own unit, managing her day-to-day life with confidence.

“I do my own banking, pay my own bills and live my life how I want to,” she said.

“I love being independent. I have my freedom.”

A Life Built on Choice and Independence

Colleen’s independence is about having the right support in place so she can continue living the life she chooses.

With support from Endeavour Foundation six days a week through tailored in-home support and community access, she continues to manage her home, her health, and her routines while staying active in the community.

Her weeks include trips to the gym, visits to the library, outings to the bowling alley, and regular lunches at the Cowboys Leagues Club.

At home, she takes pride in her space, decorating it with ornaments and keeping it clean with support each Wednesday.

She also shares her home with a much-loved budgie.

“I like to make my unit cheerful,” she said.

Through in-home support, Colleen receives assistance with cleaning, cooking, and maintaining her tenancy, while community access supports her to attend appointments, go shopping, and stay connected to the activities she enjoys.

Support plays a practical role too, assisting with appointments, shopping, cooking, and collecting medication, ensuring Colleen can stay healthy and continue living independently.

Speaking Up and Being Heard

A key part of Colleen’s journey has been learning to speak up for herself.

Self-advocacy has long been part of Endeavour Foundation’s approach, supporting people to express what they want, raise concerns, and make decisions about their own lives.

For Colleen, this is something she practices every day.

“No one takes advantage of me. I have no problem speaking up for myself,” she said.

She regularly provides feedback about her support, recognising staff who are doing well and raising concerns when something is not right.

Colleen’s support worker, Paula, who has worked alongside her for around 15 years, sees this confidence clearly.

“Colleen always lets you know where you stand,” Paula said.

“She will speak up if something is not right, and she will also share when things are going well.”

That ability to advocate for herself ensures her support reflects her preferences and helps her maintain control over her life.

The Role of the Right Support

For Paula, support means helping where needed and stepping back where possible.

“It’s important to me that Colleen achieves her goals in a way that respects her independence,” she said.

“I focus on assisting only where needed, because she is very capable.”

That balance allows Colleen to continue doing as much as she can for herself, while still having the support she needs to stay safe and well.

Through consistent support, Colleen is able to manage her health, attend medical appointments, and maintain routines that support her wellbeing.

Living Life Her Way

Outside of her routines, Colleen stays connected to her community in ways that matter to her.

She visits the Salvos hub independently each week, enjoys shopping trips, and takes the time to do things she genuinely likes.

“I like to eat out and go to the Cowboys Leagues Club for lunch,” she said.

Through it all, Colleen continues to make her own choices, speak up for what she wants, and shape the life she lives.

“I feel I’m the best I can be,” she said.

As Endeavour Foundation celebrates 75 years, Colleen’s story reflects something consistent across that history: when people are supported to have a voice, make decisions, and live independently, they are able to build lives that are truly their own.

Discover how Endeavour Foundation’s in-home support and community access services can help you live more independently.