Wendy's journey of self-discovery

Wendy Payton is on a journey of growth and self-discovery, which all started when she recently undertook a FUNOGOFI (see picture). Despite the strange sounding name, the benefits of this process to the person who undertakes it are awe-inspiring. A bit like a lifeplan, a FUNOGOFI is a type of PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) facilitated by Interactionz for the individuals ConneXu work with. Supported by Kim Farrow her ConneXu Community Facilitator, Wendy is already well on the way to achieving some of the goals illustrated in her FUNOGOFI chart. In bright colours, each goal is linked by colour to the steps she is taking to achieve her next goal.

A FUNGOFI is a four step process, each step represented by a syllable in the name. 1. Explore the person’s desired Future, 2. identify what life is like Now, 3. decide on Goals, and 4. identify First Steps on the way to achieving the goals. A chart is created by a graphic facilitator who sketches as you and the facilitator discuss your goals for the near, and more distant, future. These goals are then broken down into the steps you could take to reach your goals, supported by your ConneXu team.

The process enables you to visualise your future, and will give your supporters, friends and family some insight into the direction you’d like your life to take. Then everyone can work alongside you in support as you take those steps towards your goals and the life you want to live.

Ideas and dreams emerge and become part of your life plan. You may not have even considered some of these as being possible until you begin to discuss your hopes with the skilled, experienced facilitator.

Kim Farrow, a long-time friend and supporter of Wendy Payton, describes the process and her FUNOGOFI chart as a window into Wendy’s world. She feels very positive about the chart as a tool to keep Wendy’s objectives firmly in front of Wendy and her supporters. She also says that, by compiling the FUNOGOFI, Wendy now has more control of her own life, and can set the plan for her future.

Before Laurel Stephens at Interactionz facilitated the FUNOGOFI for Wendy, she hadn’t identified or shared her private aspirations. Therefore, although Kim had known Wendy as a workmate and as the person she now supports through ConneXu, she had no idea that Wendy harboured a wish to go to Australia and visit her brother in his home. He has come to New Zealand to visit Wendy very often, and has a caring, close relationship with his sister, yet he didn’t know either.

When the documentation and arrangements are completed, Marion, one of Wendy’s friends from church is going to travel with her to Australia, and is looking forward to sharing in her happiness. The FUNOGOFI has made it possible for those who care about Wendy to give her great pleasure by helping her fulfil her goal.

Wendy has several natural supports, including family and friends, with whom she keeps in close contact, and who are encouraged to take part in her life by ConneXu. A social and friendly person, Wendy has many friends; some of these she has met at regular Special Olympics tenpin bowling evenings, run by the Life Unlimited friendship group. Others she met during the course of her work at Pop ‘n’ Good. This is a Popcorn factory where Kim and Wendy first met and became good friends. Both were very happy to continue their relationship when Kim took up her role as Community Facilitator with ConneXu.

Previously, Wendy’s father used to take her to church with him weekly, and the church is still central to Wendy’s life; now members of the congregation take her with them, and have developed steady friendships with Wendy. With the FUNOGOFI as a guide, everyone can keep moving in the direction set by Wendy.

Wendy has a photo album compiled by Kim to record each of Wendy’s steps towards a goal, and the goal itself as it is achieved. She enjoys looking through her album and sharing it with others – and, along with her FUNOGOFI chart, it is a concrete record of her hopes for her future that will enable her to live the life she has chosen.

If you have any questions about the FUNOGOFI, or know of someone who might be interested in this amazing tool, contact Interactionz.