What is Kilmarnock Enterprises Ltd?
Kilmarnock Enterprises Ltd is a non-profit social enterprise on a mission to empower neurodiverse individuals. It’s all about giving people the choice to pursue meaningful work while providing the support they need to grow and thrive every step of the way. Partnering with businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand, Kilmarnock delivers high-quality outsourcing solutions through a talented neurodiverse team. And here’s the best part: every dollar earned goes right back into empowering lives and fostering more inclusive workplaces. Pretty inspiring, right?
Main Benefits and Impact in 2024
Here’s a quick snapshot of what Kilmarnock has achieved recently:
- Employment: 87 neurodiverse individuals employed.
- Skills Training: 3,982 hours dedicated to growth and professional development.
- Inclusive Partnerships: 1,156 customer connections inspiring social change.
Services Offered by Kilmarnock
So, what exactly does Kilmarnock do? They offer a range of services designed to support both individuals and businesses. This includes:
- Supported Work Trials & Employment: Employment and training programs tailored for people with learning and intellectual disabilities.
- Commercial Outsourcing Services: High-quality outsourcing solutions like packing, assembly, labelling, and commercial recycling.
- Eco-Cleaning Products: Their own in-house brand of bulk eco-cleaning products, carefully filled, labelled, and packed by the neurodiverse team.
The Unique Jobs They Do
Kilmarnock takes on the jobs you didn’t even know existed. From packing coffee and spices for supermarket shelves to repurposing salon hair and recycling crushed glass into pool filters—the variety is surprising. Their team handles tasks that keep businesses running smoothly and make a real impact in the community. It’s all about creating opportunities and showing that every job has value.
Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Neurodiversity is celebrated at Kilmarnock. They understand that intellectual disabilities might mean someone finds learning new skills or managing daily tasks a bit harder, but that’s just one side of the story. Neurodiversity is about embracing differences as a natural part of being human. Kilmarnock provides inclusive environments where individuals are given the tools and support to succeed. This approach fosters creativity, innovation, and productivity—benefiting both the employees and the businesses they work with.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – empowering marginalized groups and promoting social inclusion.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through eco-cleaning products and sustainable outsourcing services.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with businesses across New Zealand to drive social change.
Success Stories and Real-Life Impact
Take Andrew’s story, for example. When he finished school, his path wasn’t clear—facing big obstacles like many young people with intellectual disabilities. But after starting at Kilmarnock, Andrew flourished. He grew in confidence, built a broad skill set, and made many lasting friendships. Fifteen years later, he was ready for the next big step: an exciting new job in open employment. Stories like Andrew’s show just how powerful the right support and opportunities can be.
