Hired News
SPRING 2019
Highlight: What I am most proud of
I will Overcome
SHERRIE'S STORY "You
may
go
the
storms
but
there
rainbow."
through
of
is
tragedy
always
a
SPRING ISSUE
HIRED NEWS LETTER >
At every staff meeting we sit as a team and share stories. The stories that impact us and inspire us to do what we do each day. And underneath each of those stories are the pillars of our mission enacted. For us to achieve our mission, it takes a group of dedicated people who share a common vision to step up and put that vision into action each day. We are fortunate to live in a community filled with organizations that do this every single day, and at Pathways we are proud to be among them. The stories in this issue exemplify the things we are most proud of. They show us that regardless of the barriers a person faces, it is possible to build a new future. They give us hope. I hope you enjoy this issue of Hired News! Sarah Gastle Business Development Coordinator
Hired News | Spring Issue | page 1
WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME
Graduation is a time of celebration with family, friends and everyone who helped along the way!
“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” - Michael Josephson Photos: Administrative & Clerical and Construction Technology Graduation Ceremonies, April 2019
DETAIL >
ONE WORD
What one word describes Pathways?
I am Most Proud of... We recently surveyed the team to see what they were most proud of in their work! Here are a few answers:
"Watching my
"How we treat people
students surprise
with dignity and see
themselves,
the potential in each
especially when
person to move
I've told them from
forward."
"
the first day that they could do something and
"Our Clients "My co-workers hearts and
they didn't believe
."
me
."
determination
"I am most proud of how "When we see a client who has been struggling to complete workshops or a skills program finish it, are proud of themselves and you can see how their confidence has grown over their time with us. And then when they go out and get a job, and you can see that
even after the client has completed their training here they still find us a comfortable place to come back to when they are in need of additional
pride they feel having accomplished
assistance."
their goal."
"I'm most proud of how dedicated this team is to serving our clients and the community. We consistently go above and beyond our roles to ensure that
"Graduation Day"
clients are receiving the best possible care we can provide."
HIRED NEWS FEATURE
YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE WILL LEAD YOU "You may go through the storms of tragedy but there is always a rainbow..."
SHERRIE CLEANING PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE OF: Property Maintenance Training (PMT)
M
y childhood was great! Up until I was five we lived in the country on Oneida Settlement, Ontario. Life was great because we used our imaginations to the fullest. We would pack our own lunches and go on adventures into the nearby woods and trails. At 6 years of age my siblings and I moved into foster homes in London. I enjoyed it there because the family I was staying with were very nice people who took us camping and did lots of fun things. But from the age of 8 we went back to live with our mom and step-dad. I hated it there and grew to be angry.
I dropped out of school by the time I was 16 and spent my days partying. One day, I decided to take control of my life and go back to school. I enrolled at Fanshawe College, where I upgraded to grade 12. I completed the one year Cabinet Making program and had employment for the next 3 years, bouncing around from one job to the next. I wasn't able to find a job in furniture building, so I ended up working in a factory for the next 4 years, and eventually I moved to British Columbia. This is when I started to experience hallucinations.
After that it was hard finding a full time job. I lived on Ontario Works for a few years. Then one day, after 6 years of struggling, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I was in my late 40's by then and it changed my life. With the support of Roman and Ofsaunee (CMHA), my brother Robin and Pamela (SOHAC), I eventually got the help I needed. My meds were increased gradually and with that I improved miraculously. Now it's like I was never sick.
EMPLOYMENT WAS A GOAL FOR YEARS DURING MY ILLNESS, AND I NEVER GAVE UP ON MYSELF.
HIRED NEWS FEATURE
In 2018 I enrolled at Pathways for the Property Maintenance Program. A week after graduation I got a job. I am now working in a job I love. It's provided me with knowledge and skills to persevere.
What does life look like today?
DIANE
Pathways has given me selfconfidence again and I look forward to the future. I am 55 years old now and plan to go to school to work with people in the future. I feel that with my life experience and some education I can help others. That is my dream. I have told many people to never give up on your dreams or goals because if I succeeded they will too. Employment was a goal for years during my illness, but I never gave up on myself. You have to want to try and get well again.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO. YOU JUST HAVE TO VISION IT HAPPENING AND DO IT.
Next PMT Class Starts June 10 SEATS STILL AVAILABLE!
My Advice: I always say, you never know where life will lead you. You may go through the storms of tragedy but there is always a rainbow at the other end. Life can only teach and reveal what we already have. Take courage.
Since I first met Sherrie, she has impressed me with her determination, willingness to learn and eagerness to move forward in her life. She always arrived at Pathways ready to take on whatever challenges the day had in store. It was a pleasure working with her during the Property Maintenance Program and assisting her with finding employment afterward. I am thrilled that she found a job that she enjoys, where she is able to use many of the skills she gained in the Property Maintenance Training program at Pathways. Sherrie’s employer has told me many times how impressed he is with her work ethic, reliability and cleaning skills. I am confident that Sherrie will achieve all of her dreams with the courage and resilience that she demonstrates every day. -Laurie Rintoul, Pathways Employment Specialist
STAFF PROFILE
BECKY STRONG FROM SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DIRECTOR TO EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
You previously worked at Pathways and recently returned in a new role - what brought you back? My previous role was the Director Of Operations for Clean Works London, which is a social enterprise affiliated with Pathways. I led Clean Works for 8 years. Now I am an Employment Specialist and I work closely with people who are job searching, specifically with those enrolled in the Construction Technology Training(CTT) course. I assist with their co-op placements, mentoring and job search and support. As for what brought me back.... Pathways is an organization that truly cares about the people who walk through their doors. After I left Pathways I discovered how important direct contact with people is to my job satisfaction. When the opportunity came up, knowing what Pathways does to assist individuals plus my familiarity with the programs and processes, I jumped at the chance to return. From your perspective, what makes Pathways different? Pathways is a place that is accepting of every individual who comes through the door, and the team truly works together to create a network that is focused on success. We are also governed by a Board of Directors that are truly invested and believe in the work that we are doing in the community. This is an integral part of the organizational design and management team. What do you love about your new role?
Photo Above: Becky, Snapshot of Clean Works Impact under Becky's Leadership
I love working with people and supporting them. Being involved with Pathways allows me to do both of those things. I love to help people find solutions and resources to overcome barriers so that they can move forward with their life goals. I also love investing in people so that they can start to believe in their true potential.
JALAL'S STORY! ON MY WAY!
A few months ago getting out of bed was a chore. I was unemployed and had no life. Living off OW was the only thing that kept me alive. With all that said, it's easy to say that I was depressed. After many failed attempts to land a job, my caseworker referred me to Pathways to brush up my interview skills. At Pathways, I was fortunate to meet Leslie (Employment Counselor) during my first appointment. There are certain people that can bring out the best in someone, and for me that person was Leslie. She set me up with a plan and convinced me to stay focused towards completing the three week Fundamental Employment Services program. In the workshops I learned how to properly manage time, money, priorities and answer interview questions with confidence. Now my goal is to complete the LMT course offered at Pathways and find a career as a forklift operator. A quote I use to stay motivated:
My advice to other people who face the same situation I did: Don't give up.
Upcoming Courses & Workshops Skills Training Courses Property Maintenance Training (PMT) - June 10 & August 19 Administrative & Clerical Training (ACT) - July 8 & August 5 Logistics & Manufacturing Training (LMT) - August 19 Construction Technology Training (CTT) - July 22
Employment Preparation Workshops Getting Ready Getting the Interview Getting the Job
Reserve your spot today. Give us a call!
519-667-7795 info@pathways.on.ca 205 Horton Street East, London