Not-for-profit disability and employment services provider Mai-Wel has secured a $50,000 capital investment from the CMC Foundation to expand its inclusive employment, vocational training and social enterprise frameworks across the Maitland Local Government Area. The strategic philanthropic grant deepens an established corporate partnership between Mai-Wel and hospitality venue Club Maitland City, which operates as a key employer partner for regional job seekers facing systemic labor market barriers.
The funding deployment aims to bridge gaps between foundational NDIS service delivery and sustainable commercial employment outcomes. Mai-Wel will direct the capital toward scaling its social enterprise initiatives, upgrading training facilities, and structuring supported workplace immersion programs that build long-term job readiness and economic independence for participants.
Established by Club Maitland City in 2023, the CMC Foundation operates as an independent philanthropic arm that directs capital generated through club commercial activities back into high-impact social infrastructure projects across Maitland.
Chief Executive Officer of Mai-Wel, John Cleary OAM noted that integrating local employers into supported employment frameworks generates compounding social and economic returns across regional communities.
“Club Maitland City has been an important partner of Mai-Wel for many years, opening its doors, workplace and community to the people we support,” John said.
“This investment will help us connect more people with meaningful opportunities to develop their skills, build confidence and move towards employment and greater independence. We are incredibly grateful to the CMC Foundation and Club Maitland City for their continued belief in our work and the people we support.”
Chief Executive Officer of the CMC Foundation and Club Maitland City, Ian Martin stated that allocating direct philanthropic grants to established regional service providers ensures maximum social return on investment.
“CMC Foundation exists to make a difference in Maitland, for Maitland, and Mai-Wel is exactly the kind of organisation that embodies that,” Ian said.
“Mai-Wel creates opportunities that have a lasting impact on individuals, families, employers and the broader community. We are proud to strengthen our partnership and support its work across the Maitland region.”
The joint operational framework between Mai-Wel and Club Maitland City will continue to pilot targeted workplace integration models, establishing replicable benchmarks for regional enterprises seeking to incorporate inclusive hiring strategies into their standard human resource operations.
IMAGE | CMC Foundation deploys $50,000 philanthropic capital grant to Mai-Wel to expand Maitland inclusive employment pathways
