_{Peter Griffiths of Pete’s Tasty treats and his mentor Sam Hahn}

All Peter Griffiths wanted was a job.

But his disability and the covid pandemic just seemed to stifle his every move.

So Pete, who grew up in foster care, made a decision that would profoundly change his life – he created his own.

Now Pete, 20, with the help of his mentor Sam Hahn, has a successful micro business called Pete’s Tasty Treats, running a bakery out of the kitchen in the home he shares with long-term carer Belinda.

He’s been inundated with orders for his cupcakes, birthday cakes, slices and biscuits, and is considering expanding to supply local cafes.

Earlier this month, he sold his sweet treats the Amplifii Music Festival in Port Adelaide.

“I keep very busy – I’m cooking every day,” he said.

“I like baking because it’s my favourite thing to do. I love my business.”

Pete reflected on his time in care – and life with his long-term foster carer Belinda ahead of World Care Day on 21 February. The theme for 2025 is ‘Celebrate Every Journey’.

“I like being a part of a loving family and to go to family parties and have people to call nana and poppa, aunty and uncle, and to have cousins,” he says.

“I may have difficulties with some things it doesn't mean I can't be like others. I just wanted someone to believe in me and give me a loving home and treat me like any other person.

“I have a job, I own my own business and I am famous.”

Pete was given a helping hand when he received a grant from the Dame Roma Mitchell Trust, which assists young people transition out of the care system.

The trust has now distributed more than $1 million in grants since the Department for Child Protection took responsibility for the fund in 2018.

Pete used the grant to buy a portable fridge and other items for his business.

Pete’s carer of 14 years Belinda said the turning point came for Pete when he took part in a program with disability support provider Rapid Enterprise Development, about setting up a micro business.

“They asked him what he wanted to do,” she said.

“He wanted to create sausage rolls but you need a professional kitchen for that, so he decided to make cakes, slices and biscuits.

“He’s been absolutely inundated. He’s got 2500 followers on Facebook, so it’s going very well.

“People place their orders and he makes them.”

Belinda, who Pete calls his mum, also cares for a 10-year-old boy, who lives with a disability as well.

“They’re like brothers,” she said proudly.

Belinda admits it was a big decision to take Pete in as a seven-year-old.

“I was doing a bit of respite care work before that,” she said.

“I was just seeing more and more kids with disabilities lost in the system.”

Pete’s Tasty Treats can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

To find out more about World Care Day, visit the CREATE Foundation website.