Dear Friends and Partners, as we bid farewell to 2023, I find myself reflecting on the year that has been both challenging and transformative for AGS Support and the supported housing sector at large.
The aftermath of COVID-19 continued to present budget constraints, impacting many of our operations and plans. Yet, in the face of these challenges, we have not only persevered but also evolved, marking a significant year in our journey.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Budget Constraints
2023 has been a testament to our resilience. The supported housing sector, like many others, faced tightened budgets following the COVID-19 pandemic. These financial constraints required us to be more innovative and efficient in our approach. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that the quality of our services remained uncompromised, even as we navigated these economic hurdles.
Expanding into New Sectors
2023 was also a year of growth and diversification for AGS Support. Recognising the evolving needs of our community, we expanded our services into different sectors, including care and recruitment. This move not only diversifies our portfolio but also strengthens our commitment to providing comprehensive support to those in need. By venturing into these new areas, we aim to reach more people and make a greater impact.
A Fond Farewell
On a bittersweet note, in the final week of 2023, we bid farewell to Julie Adams, our long-serving and much-loved HR and Compliance Manager. Julie has been a cornerstone of AGS Support for nearly eight years. Her dedication, expertise, and compassion have been instrumental in shaping our company’s culture and success. Julie will be greatly missed, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
Simultaneously, we are excited to announce Lauren Odendaal as our new HR and Compliance Manager. Lauren brings a wealth of experience and an incredible work ethic that will be vital for our next chapter. We are confident that she will carry forward the legacy of excellence that Julie has established.
Passion for our Staff and our Partnerships
At AGS, we are all proud to stand out in an industry of staffing agencies that have a long and well-documented history of failing to look after their staff. We are exceptionally passionate about the experience of our partner charities and organisations, but we are also passionate about the experience of our staff. It is our employees, after all, that keep the wheels turning and the company moving.
In 2023, we decided to take a stance and distance ourselves from the low-pay model utilised by other agencies; we are now proud to announce we are a living wage accredited employer. We won’t stop there either; in 2023, we launched our staff recognition and reward program, and we will soon be launching our affiliate reward program.
Beyond 2023
As we step into 2024, we do so with optimism and a renewed commitment to our mission. The challenges of the past year have only strengthened our resolve to serve our community better. We look forward to continuing our journey, guided by our values and driven by our passion for making a difference.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we will continue to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
In the meantime, I would love to hear from you. Are you a current Partner that would like to give us some feedback or a Supported Housing organisation that is looking for some help with your staffing? Click Here to contact us. Address the message to me, and I will email you back personally! Happy New Year!
I look forward to hearing from you,
Warm regards,
Richard Odendaal