History of dal 1991-2010
Lack of employment opportunities for young people with special needs exiting school was the driving force behind the Executive Director, Marie Kuchenmeister, passion and determination to provide employment in a commercially viable business for this group of young people.
In 1989 the first committee to investigate a range of employment opportunities was led by Marie with strong support by members of the Nelson Park School (formerly Geelong Special School) community consisting of staff from the Community Integration Annex, the Principal and the parent body. The committee approached a local shire for further assistance and two representatives were appointed to support and assist the venture.
This committee recognised the importance of appointing board members with a diverse range of expertise. The first board of management was formed in 1991 and was auspiced by the Barwon Disability Resource Council until incorporation in1992. The board members had expertise in financial, legal, employment and training, local government disability and business.
With the support and expertise of a dynamic and highly committed Board of Management and armed with little more than enthusiasm and considerable determination, Marie, two part time supervisors and four young adults with special needs, opened for business in Little Ryrie Street, Geelong in November 1991. From dal's simple beginnings with primitive equipment, today there are two busy cafes nd a very successful and professional catering business that employs twenty support staff and provides a variety of training and employment programs for in excess of fifty people with special needs.