A startling statistic: All Things Equal’s first – and giant – steps

The unemployment rate for people with a disability – more than double that for people without one – hasn’t changed in 28 years.

Having a daughter with autism, All Things Equal founder Jonathan Wenig knew this was a statistic that needed to change. ASAP.

‘Tali, Jonathan’s daughter, went to a school called Giant Steps,’ Bianca explains.

Giant Steps is a specialist school for individuals on the autism spectrum.

At Gary Peer, we know it well. In fact, our very own Phillip Kingston hosted an auction at a recent Giant Steps gala dinner. Helping to promote a wider understanding of autism in the community – and cultivating opportunities for inclusivity.

‘Tali loves to bake, and found a safe space in the kitchen,’ Bianca continues. ‘But when Tali was ready to join the workforce, there were no employment opportunities out there for her.’

So Jonathan brought together a group of passionate people. Together, they became the All Things Equal board.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

 

 

Beginning with a bang: Balaclava’s newest hotspot

All Things Equal first opened its doors in January 2021 – with COVID shutting them not long after.

Yes, takeaway coffees and toasties were still on the menu. But – as anyone in hospitality knows – All Things Equal started out in the most difficult industry. At the most difficult time.

Yet from the get-go, the demand for work (and caffeine!) was overwhelming.

‘We’ve never put a cent into formal marketing,’ Bianca shares. ‘Yet in the first six months after opening, I had about 20 people approach me in desperate need of work.’

And it wasn’t only potential employees looking to get their foot in the door. The Balaclava faithful came out in full force for All Things Equal’s launch.

‘Our community backed us right from the start. They’ve been so patient while we continue to improve and perfect our training program,’ says Bianca.

And it was only up from there.

 

 

Branching out: Sustaining an evergreen business model

Today, after fewer than three years of being in business, All Things Equal’s branches have spread far and wide – and its roots in the community run deeper than ever.

There’s the flagship café in Balaclava. A smaller café in Windsor. Canteens in collaboration with AJAX Junior Football Club. And a Balaclava-based cooking school, complete with 1:1 tailored support, delicious dishes, and a dinner party to finish.

And the enterprise is ever-growing.

‘We’re developing a catering component of All Things Equal,’ Bianca says. ‘It’s a whole new pathway that will help us get even more individuals with disability into work.

‘But it’s also something we can provide to our community. The more we can offer them, the more sustainable, as a business, we become.’

And, with a demand – a need – as high as All Things Equal’s, sustainability is a top priority.

 

 

The future of business: What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise exists to create a fairer, more sustainable world.

In All Things Equal’s case, it’s to prove that people with a disability are ready to, willing to, and absolutely capable of work – and deserving of equal pay.

So, what is the disability pay disparity?

‘In Australia, there’s something considered a supported wage,’ Bianca explains. ‘Which means employers can pay an individual with a disability $2 an hour for their work.

‘At All Things Equal, we pay the full café restaurant award wage – that is, the minimum pay entitlement – of $26 (and up) per hour.’

The only problem? The waitlist of 50 to 60 people in desperate need of their first-ever paid job.

‘Social enterprises are the future of business,’ says Bianca. ‘But we need people to get on board.

‘So if you’re tossing up between two services with competitive prices and the same quality food – but one is a social enterprise – why wouldn’t you put your money towards a greater purpose?’

All Things Equal has already employed 25 young adults with disability to date – and paid over $220,000 in award wages to those individuals.

And with your help, they can make even more of an impact.

 

 

Ripples of change: Your role in uplifting a community

Disability in the workplace has been a taboo topic for too many years.

But All Things Equal continues to prove that with inclusion comes capable contributors to society. And it’s always looking for people to join it on the journey.

‘We’re moving away from this approach of us being an equal employer alone, to actually being a training ground for people with a disability,’ says Bianca. ‘Where they can learn everything they need about the workforce before taking their place in it.’

All Things Equal is always looking for support. So how can you play a role?

It could be as simple as hiring All Things Equal’s catering service for your next event. Working with the team – even approaching them to say hello or ask what they’re up to.

And if you run a business, you could also offer work experience – or even equal employment – to the All Things Equal team members.

Your contribution won’t go unnoticed. And its ripple effect will travel further than you’ll ever know.

‘When a person with a disability is offered employment, it uplifts more people than only them,’ Bianca shares. ‘It also supports their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.’

Because nothing is more powerful than purpose.

 

So, what’s on the menu?

Amazing mission aside, All Things Equal is also serving up amazing food.

Inclusive in more ways than one, this classic Melbourne-style brunch café is vegetarian, pescetarian, and – in order to meet the needs of its local community – kosher certified.

With so many options, Bianca finds it hard to choose a favourite.

‘Well, the classic toasties are delicious,’ she recommends. ‘Our shakshuka is really good, too. Oh! And the poke bowls!

‘But if I had to choose a favourite, it’d be the Avo Green Benny.’

All delicious choices. But when we’re ordering, it’s hard to go past the ricotta hotcakes. Enjoy!

 

 

Want to get involved in a mission that doesn’t just feel good – but tastes good, too? Head to All Things Equal’s website to find out more.

Already ready to help bridge the gap between people with a disability and the wider community? Email hello@allthingsequal.com.au to take the first step!