Empowered Community Services

Empowered Community Services supports people with mental health diagnoses, autism and other disabilities across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to connect with their community and live more independently. Founded in 2017 by Jonathon Power, Empowered began with a simple belief: people deserve more than one hour of community access and a rotating roster of unfamiliar staff. Growing up with both parents living with lifelong disabilities, and later working in SIL while studying psychology, Jonathon saw how meaningful support depends on time, rapport and consistency. Today, that belief shapes everything we do. Our team delivers community access, group programs, mental health supports, respite, SIL and support coordination. We work with people at all stages of their NDIS journey — from building confidence to leave the house, to developing daily living skills, making friends, or stepping toward greater independence. What makes us different is the way we support both Participants and Support Workers. Over half our office team have worked as Support Workers themselves, and every new staff member completes our in-house training covering disability awareness, mental health, inclusion and person-centred practice. Our Team Leaders stay closely connected with Participants, families and Support Coordinators, checking in early, resolving issues quickly and making sure everyone has the information they need. Support doesn’t happen in isolation — and no one is left to navigate the NDIS alone. At Empowered, our focus is people. We support individuals to live, work, play and thrive in their community, with services built around what matters most to them.