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

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, 19, with the help of his mentor Sam Hahn, has a successful micro business, running a bakery out of the kitchen in the home he still 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.

“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.

“I would love to own a kitchen one day, but it’s very expensive.”

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 was one of 224 applicants in the trust’s most recent round, and received a grant of $2000, the largest allocation.

Pete plans to buy a portable fridge and other items for his business.

“I’m grateful and thankful (to the Trust),” he said. “It’s very helpful.”

Pete’s carer of 12 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 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.”

The DRMT grants - which are in their 21st year - reported the most successful-ever round last September, approving 108 applications – totalling $83,000 in grants, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The grants provide opportunities for young people aged under 30 with a care experience to achieve personal goals, contribute to health and wellbeing, and provide developmental opportunities.

That can include anything from a fridge to set up a new home, to a computer to assist with study, or even funds to maintain a hobby or interest.

The first of this year’s two grant rounds has just opened and closes on Friday 8 March.

More information on the grants, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found here.

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