Domenica's Story
After finishing college, Domenica faced what many young people with learning disabilities do – a cliff edge. There were so few opportunities to transition into the workplace and experience the social and financial independence that a job can provide.
Determined to change this – not just for Domenica, but for others like her – her mother, Rosa Monckton MBE, founded Team Domenica: a place for people with learning disabilities to find long-term, meaningful employment and thrive. Domenica was the first of 20 young people who joined our programmes in 2016.
[Employment] makes people feel good and be more included in work and the community […] I think it’s really good to have a voice, and to speak up. Different is good!Domenica
Domenica’s time was soon filled with learning, growth and opportunity. In our training cafés she developed her practical skills, preparing increasingly complex dishes and drinks. At Enrichment she built her confidence through activities like drumming, table tennis and dance (her favourite!).
Domenica also completed various work placements across Brighton, including at Bill’s, Posh Totty, Brighton Palace Pier and even The Samurai Centre – each one giving her the chance to grow and try something new. She said: “Team Domenica feels like one big family. I like working with my friends and feel like part of a team.”
Ready to take the next step, Domenica then started an internship at Pavilion Gardens Café. With support from her Team Domenica Job Coach, she learnt how to deliver food, clean tables and speak with customers.
As Domenica’s responsibilities grew, so too did her confidence. She came out of her shell, brought joy to her colleagues, and built connections with café regulars. To her delight, Domenica was offered a permanent position in 2019, receiving her first paycheck with an immense sense of pride.
Watch the adjacent video to see the positive impact that this job has had for both Domenica, and her family.
Domenica was quiet at first, but once she got to know and trust us, she blossomed. Now the real confident girl is here. Domenica’s laugh is infectious and she always lightens the mood, especially when we’re busy. She’s a valued member of our team here.David, Domenica’s manager at Pavilion Gardens Café
When the Pavilion Gardens Café closed for the winter, Domenica set her sights on a new challenge: a second supported internship at The Grand Hotel.
Team Domenica’s Employment Team worked closely with Domenica and her colleagues to find a role that suited her talents and energy, and she’s been thriving ever since. In fact, despite delays caused by the pandemic, Domenica successfully completed her training and was offered a paid role within The Grand’s events team. She says: “I just love working and doing new things that I didn’t know how to do.”
Today, Domenica lives with her friend Lara — also a Team Domenica candidate — and their support worker. She spends time with friends on Team Domenica’s Day Service and travels independently to one of her two jobs. This is a world away from what she and her family were once told was possible. Reflecting on Domenica’s journey, Rosa shared:
Thirty years ago, when Domenica was born, we were told to ‘enjoy her as a baby, as she may never walk or talk’. What a journey she has been on, and how much she has taught me along the way – especially that nothing is more important than love. I have always believed in Domenica, and when someone believes in you, you start to believe in yourself.To see her now, as a confident young woman with two paid jobs is a revelation. She is thriving with the independence she now has. She loves being part of a team, and, more importantly, being part of something that is nothing to do with me. It is her own achievement, and the workplace is her own world. She can truly be Domenica, and I am a proud and tearful parent.
Rosa Monckton MBE, Domenica’s mother and Team Domenica’s Founder & Chair
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