Terry Newman loves his new job at Extreme Pita on Bowen Road.

The 39-year old, who has a developmental disability, has some volunteer and piecemeal work experience underneath his belt, but this is his first continuous job. The pride he feels in himself is evident in his smile and in the sparkle in his blue eyes.

Two days a week during the lunch rush, Newman greets customers, clears and washes tables and sweeps the floor in the restaurant. It makes him feel good to be earning his own money and he likes interacting with the customers – he was nervous when he first started last week, but by the end of the first shift, his confidence had already increased.

Newman’s long-term goal is to earn enough money to live independently – right now, he lives with a family paid to support him in whatever way he needs.“I’ve never done it before,” he said, of living independently. “I think it would be fun.”

Doug Carroll, owner/manager at Extreme Pita, hired Newman after meeting Debbie Hastings, an employment specialist with Nanaimo Association for Community Living’s employment program at a Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce meeting.Newman didn’t require extra training compared with his other staff and it was an easy transition, he said. “Terry’s very coachable, and he’s willing to learn,” said Carroll. “He’s capable of doing a lot of the tasks here. It gives us an extra person to do a job that we’d have difficulty covering. The rewards far outweigh what we’ve put in.”

This success story is an example of what Community Living B.C., the provincial agency charged with delivering support and services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families, hopes to see more often. As part of its new employment strategy, which aims to see 1,200 new job opportunities province wide for community living clients open up over the next three years, the agency recently launched three regional pilot projects focused on increasing job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, including one in the central and northern Island region. “More and more people we serve have told us that they want to work,” said David Hurford, CLBC spokesman. “This really for us is a response to that growing demand.”

The project will gather together stakeholders, such as service providers, employers, self-advocates and school district officials on the Island from Duncan to Port Hardy to focus on community planning and building on existing strengths, he said. The group, assisted by a project manager hired by community living, will develop a regional employment plan, set targets and then get to work implementing it, said Hurford. “Part of it is to really educate employers about how easy it is to hire someone with a developmental disability,” he said. “Employers think it’s harder than it actually is.”

The region was chosen because service providers are working well with employers already and there is a strong self-advocate community, said Hurford. Of about 15,000 CLBC clients, about 2,200 had some sort of employment income last year, he added. Hastings said the key is finding the right fit for both employer and client and when this achieved, the results has benefits for both – people will support a business for being inclusive and it helps her clients feel more involved in the community. “It builds self-esteem because they’re doing what they see the rest of their family doing”, she said.

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This video demonstrates the positive employment opportunity at Canadian Superstore for Stephen. Posted with permission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGIu5Wnft9c

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Jai holding up some of the things they sell in the IGA.I had the opportunity to meet with Jai Cairo the other day to hear about his employment experiences.

Jai was excited to tell his story and was a great storyteller. I hope you enjoy his employment success story as much as I did.

Jai has been working for the past year at the IGA in Kitsilano. His job includes a variety of tasks including packing groceries, breaking down boxes, putting baskets away, stocking the ice cream in the cooler, and cleaning the floors.

Jai expressed that many of his tasks are “a good workout” helping to keep him fit and strong. As I got to know Jai throughout our meeting, it also became clear how gifted he was at sales and customer service. After talking with Jai about his experiences, he toured me around the IGA.

Earlier Jai and I discovered that we both have an allergy to wheat. During our tour Jai specifically took me to all of the gluten free products available, offering advice about which ones were the yummiest. He was so enthusiastic about the products that I found myself wanting to buy them all right then and there!

When I asked Jai what he loves most about working at the IGA he shared with a huge smile “it has everything, lots of treats, the best chips in town!” He told me about the perks of having a discount. Jai also shared that he has made many friends at the IGA. He also loves that it is in his neighborhood just a few blocks away from home.

Jai got his job through a friend from his old neighborhood grocery store who now works at the IGA. Jai shared that they “go way back” and bumped into each other in the IGA one day while he was grocery shopping with his family. When Jai told her he was looking for work, she said “why don’t you try here?” He did, and got the job! The owner of the IGA was immediately impressed by Jai when he showed up for his interview wearing a suit and tie and said that his friendly and polite personality sealed the deal.

Jai was thrilled to get the job and shared that to celebrate his family went out for ribs and ice cream. When Jai first started working he had a job coach help him learn the ropes. His job coach had planned on staying to help for eight weeks but after six weeks Jai’s employers let her know that Jai was now part of the IGA team and was ready to work on his own!

Thank you, Jai for sharing your story with us and for inspiring us all to have the courage to put on our best clothes, our biggest smile, and go out there to find that place where we are proud to serve our community.

By Dayna Kneeland

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In addition to his paper routes, Evan wanted to find a permanent job where he could learn new skills.

Despite Evans anxiety, he has been successful in a job that has required him to be in social situations and work in a pre-determined timeframe. In the past, these were two insurmountable challenges that kept Evan from long term and successful employment.

Evan has been in his job at Mother Nature for 7 months now. At Mother Nature Evan has a few duties that are completed on each shift. He completes the recycling, empties the garbage’s, cleans out the fish tanks, and sweeps inside and outside of the store.

Evan’s words - I like to feel proud of doing a good job and look forward to learning new tasks. It feels good to work at a successful business with nice people. I feel respected and have met new friends. I’ve learnt to socialize and help customers. It makes me proud to get all my work done in two hours.

Heather and/or Ron at Mother Nature, 7050 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC 604.485.9878

Employers words (Heather) – Evan is a thorough and conscientious worker. He learns fast and adapts well to change. We can rely on him to do his job and know it will be done well. We love having him!

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Rob McKenzie loves his job at Second Look Thrift Store in Port McNeill. He proudly Pointed out to me his framed 20th Anniversary Employment Award, received five years ago as he has been employed at the Second Look Thrift Store for more than 25 years.

When I approached store manager Tish Tenney and explained I wished to feature Rob’s employment success story in an article, caught off guard. She exclaimed, “Rob? Great! He is my right-hand man!"

The 49-year-old Port McNeill resident has to overcome his challenges on a daily basis, but the pride he feels to have managed to earn enough money to live independently for all those years is obvious in the grin on his face. His goal, first and foremost, is to remain self-sufficient and to live a good life.

When asked what he loves most about working at the thrift sore, Rob answers without hesitation, “I like pretty much everything, the background music, the vacuuming, the cleaning, and helping others.”

“People with disabilities are reliable, flexible, friendly, and above all, hardworking”, says Tenny. Studies and employer experience show adults with disabilities work 98 percent safer, stay on the job five times longer, have 86 percent greater attendance records, create 20 percent higher productivity, and 80 percent of consumers prefer to support businesses with diverse workforces.

In a nutshell, hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense. Businesses that employ people with disabilities are being recognized with a “Diversity @ Work” window sticker. The Second Look Thrift Store proudly display its own sticker, presented for its dedication to and inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. We offer individualized career exploration and job shadowing to ensure that our “protégés” meet their full potential in the workforce. We believe in real work for real pay!

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Joanna works in the office of Pihl Law Corp. in Kelowna. She receives support from TIER.Company website: www.pihl.ca

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In the video, Penny Boxwell talks about both of her jobs: at Denny's Restaurant in Kelowna for many years, and for Dunnenzies Pizza in downtown Kelowna on Ellis St.

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Chris has worked at Vital Waters in Kelowna for several years.

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JEAN’S SUCCESS STORY

FOUR DAYS A WEEK at the crack of dawn while her husband is still asleep in bed, Jean Scriver steps into the morning air, locks the kitchen door and walks to the nearest bus stop 3 blocks away. Jean’s day begins with a 30 minute bus ride through town and up Dragon Lake Hill before disembarking outside the stop at Tim Horton’s.

“The first thing I do every morning is put five sheets of bacon slices in the oven then take it out front to the counter servers.”

The rest of her day consists of clearing off tables, washing the dishes, cleaning and organizing the back stockroom area and taking out the garbage in the morning and again in the afternoon before going home.

Jean is very focused and hard working paying attention to detail and taking pride in her work. Walk inside Tim Horton’s while Jean is on duty and customers will always find clean tables in this busy coffee shop. Says Jean’s employer: “ We really notice a difference when she is not here. She is a very important part of our team.”

Tim Horton’s has woven itself into this country’s fabric. Across this nation Tim Horton’s has become a social meeting place where people meet up and talk face to face – a growing lost art in this electronic age of texting and social media websites. It’s one of the things we “do” that makes us Canadians, eh? What “mom and apple pie” are to Americans, ”ice hockey” and having a “double double” are to Canadians. Perhaps.

Jean says that people are what makes working at Tim Horton’s such a good job experience for her. As a “people person” Jean enjoys working with other staff, saying, “I am honoured in helping my co-workers in any way.” Not only does she like being part of a team and contributing to the store’s overall success, it is the sense of belonging she gets from her co-workers and managers. As Jean puts it: “I like to work with people because everybody likes me!” It’s great people who make a workplace into a great place to work.

Tim Horton’s store manager, Ben, is such a one who makes the difference. Ben has an open door policy and staff appreciate him making himself available and easy to approach. His friendly and humorous way make this Tim Horton’s location special to work in. “He is the funniest person I have ever seen…Ben teases me in a funny friendly way and helps me book time off” says Jean.

A great employer withstanding, the greater purpose and fulfillment employment offers is not lost on Jean. For her working “makes me feel like a part of the community I live in. I feel connected…Look, I just don’t want to sit on my couch and have others do everything for me. I don’t want to be like on of those lazy people who say, “I don’t want a job. I don’t want to do this.” I like to work. I like to get out and do things.”

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Caleb Wacholtz, Terrace BCEmployer: Chances Casino / Gaming CentreEmployment Duration: – currentHours: Monday, Tuesday, WednesdayWage: $12.00 per hourWhen asked what made for successful employment experiences for her son, Caleb’s mother Rita says:* Extra time for training. It took longer than expected to gain speed and the employer accommodated by changing his hours to slower days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).* The work environment is solitary but he can interact with others if he wants.* He gets free food and pop and received guidance on healthy selections and moderation.* Many of the co-workers are young and cool. Tysen, his supervisor has an understanding of autism as him mom works at CLBC.* When the schedule changes he has support available to learn bus schedule changes.* He can crank his tunes in the dish pit and drown out the sound of the slot machines* Family was included in the process.When asked what he likes about his job or what makes it a good experience, he says:* Free food, good pay, nice co-workers.* Good supervisor, boss is easy to talk to.* He likes having his own work area and having music* He likes the amount of work hours.* He says he doesn’t really like doing dishes when they pile up when it’s busy.

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This video is about David Ash's employment at Cineplex Odeon.

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Jennifer Ansems, Terrace BC Employer: Scotiabank Duration: 2000 - present (14 years!) Hours: 2 days per week Wage: (didn’t say but it is a very good wage and she has had regular pay increases since she started)

Jennifer said the following about her job:

• I like working with them at the bank. They are friendly to me. They make me feel being part of the staff. • I’m happy with my pay at the bank. • I work 2 days a week and I am happy with that. • I do filing, and the mailing, stamping envelopes, and passbooks, and inventory and the pennies. • I do the same jobs every week and sometimes other ones. • My supervisor, Val, trains me in the jobs that I could do. • Val is the supervisor at the bank.

Jennifer’s father, Ed said:

• Jennifer’s co-workers have always made her feel as part of the team at the Scotiabank. She attends all social and business functions. Even the provincial management team for the bank knows of Jennifer’s involvement at that bank and always welcomes her to bank functions. This job has been a very positive experience for her. • She works 2 days a week for 2 hours a day. We as parents, feel this is enough time as she ahs many other activities she is involved with. She has worked for 14 years at the bank. • At the bank she is able to ‘dress up’, wear new clothes, try ne hair styles, etc. • She has had regular pay increases since she started at the bank and it is an acceptable wage for what she does and her experience level. • The bank always allows her to do her job on her own for the most part because after her training she does the job well. • Support for her in her position has always been provided for her.

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Krystal loves her job at Game Quest! This video showcases her job and duties at Game Quest.

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Sean shares his community work experience at ACE Courier Services

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Jennifer shares her positive work experience at the Prince George Judo Club. In addition, she explains her work experiences following her graduation from the Pathways to Employment Program.

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AMAC started accessing our services back in 2010.

AMAC is currently in two programs through our agency the Independent Living Program (SILP) as well as the Supported Employment Program (SEP).

AMAC grew up in Shawinigan Lake BC with a passion for life and being very outgoing it was clear from the start that AMAC needed and wanted to work with the public in some way. She expressed that she wanted to live and work in Lake Cowichan.

Speaking with AMAC, we had heard they were building a Tim Horton’s in Lake Cowichan. We made a call to Steve Carlson. We asked him if we could train AMAC at a Duncan location in preparation for the grand opening in Lake Cowichan. He loved the idea. The adventure began with the search for appropriate housing from the SILP team and the training for employment from the SEP team.

Like puzzle pieces it all came together. She found and home close to work and is now working two days a week and has been for the last two years. AMAC regularly tells us how much she enjoys her job and the team expresses how much they love to have her on their team each time we go to see how things are going. AMAC is responsible to maintain a clean lobby and bathrooms. She takes pride in the work she does.

With the joint effort and flexibility of Tim Horton’s, SILP, SEP team and AMACS hard work she was able to achieve the goals of working and living in Lake Cowichan.

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Posted with permission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqDMEMRWxyYNot surprisingly, Adam Schatz favorite thing about working is the paycheque. Adam loves music and saves his money to go to concerts. He has seen Rascal Flatz, Rihanna, Nickelback and Default (he even met the band after the concert). He is also saving up for an electric guitar and recently bought a flat screen TV and a Wii. Adam is a friendly, social 26 year-old who enjoys working with people and helping customers. He has worked at Extra Foods in Aldergrove two days a week since March 31, 2010. Adam likes working at Extra Foods because it is close to home and he gets to work with friends. He sorts labels, stocks shelves, collects buggies and does the compactor.Adam is never late; he always punches in on time. Throughout the years he has only taken one day off to speak at a self advocacy event. He is also a loyal, dedicated employee. He once saw someone stealing from the store and he told his boss, who then caught the thief.“My boss always tells me I’m doing an awesome job,” Adam says with a smile. “He tells me, ‘good show, keep it up.’”Adam also works at Home Hardware one day a week. He stocks paint, cleans the back room, and helps customers. He was originally hired to unload the truck but they gave him extra duties because he was a good worker.Adam graduated from Aldergrove High School, where he gained some work experience in a plant nursery. During high school he also did work experience at a grocery store, A&W and at the bottle depot. He did janitorial work at Flip City and also worked at Valley Therapeutic Equestrian.Throughout all of these work experience positions Adam had a job coach to support him. After high school Adam went to Partners in Employment (an employment service through the Langley Association for Community Living) to find a job.They asked him what kind of work he wanted to do. Together they created an employment plan that laid out his goals and what was needed to achieve them.The Langley school district and Kwantlen College work closely with Partners in Employment to ensure a smooth transition between work experience, post-secondary education and paid employment. With Adam’s consent, the school district referred his work experience records and Individual Education Plan (which showed his skills, interests and goals) to Partners in Employment to help support Adam to get a paid job.When Adam first graduated high school, he wasn't ready to settle down into a job. He was shy, didn't like talking to people and always kept his head down. He rarely left home and spent a lot of time listening to music with his headphones on.“I didn't do too much when I was young,” says Adam. “I didn't talk to friends, I didn't go out. Now I work, go to concerts and comedy shows and I teach other self advocates.”It wasn't long before Adam was ready to work and his first paid job changed his life. Since Adam started working he recognizes people in the streets and they recognize him.Working helped build Adam’s confidence and opened up his personality.His first paid job was at Otter Co-op, where he worked for three years, from 2007-2010.To get the job he wrote a resume (with the help of Partners in Employment) and practiced his interview skills. When he was ready, he had a “meet and greet” with the hiring manager. His preparation paid off; they hired him on the spot.An employment coach came with him to work for the first couple shifts but it didn't take long before Adam was independent on the job and didn't need a coach. A job coach from Partners in Employment checks in with Adam and his employer once a month to make sure everything is going well.“I’m grateful for all the help I get from Partners in Employment,” Adam says. “They have been there for me through it all.”Tami Logan is the Supervisor of Employment Services at Partners in Employment and has known Adam since he first came to them after high school. I asked Tami what helped make Adam’s employment story a successful one.“It needs to be a good match,” she says. “A job should fit that person’s interests and skills. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right match. Adam needed to grow and mature before he found a job he loved.”“Individualized support is important. Some need a little, others need a lot, but that support needs to be available.”Adam doesn’t hesitate when asked if he has any advice for other self advocates looking for work: “if you do your best you can get a job doing what you want to do.” “It’s helpful to have someone come to work with you at the beginning,” he says thoughtfully. “Sometimes it takes time to teach and support someone, showing them the proper ways to do things. That way, if there is an issue, you know someone is there to help.”“I am proud of working. I do the best I can and I know it will work out for me in the long run.”

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The chance to be their own boss is the perfect situation for Aleesa Paterson and Sarah Ross. “I like that it was for us; we could make decisions, we could do what we think is right,” said Ross. “You get to make the choices; that was important to us,” added Paterson.

The pair operate It’s in the Bag.

The business packs breakfast in a bag — usually a large muffin, cereal bar, juice box, fruit and a treat — for a tour bus company. They also pack barbecue lunches, which include uncooked hamburgers and hot dogs, buns, chips, pop and water.

The started the business about six months ago with the help of the Langley Association for Community Living.

A tour bus company had approached the organization, which provides service and support that improve the quality of life for children and youth with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities.

“He was having difficulty finding people so he approached us,” said Tami Logan, the supervisor of employment services for the Langley Association for Community Living. “This was a perfect match for Aleesa and Sarah.

“The opportunity of owning their own business was amazing.”

Every Thursday, Paterson and Ross will pack that weekend’s orders.

The supplies are delivered by Matt Forster, who runs his own business, Odd Jobs Matt. They have one employee who works for them and another who is their back-up worker. Paterson, who is 20, enjoys working in the food industry.

Ross, 27, likes the fact she is dealing with people and the public instead of being in the back of a restaurant preparing food.

Both love the fact they are their own boss.

“The good thing about being your own boss is that the excellence of your business is only limited by how you are able to manage it,” Paterson said.

They are also thankful for the support provided by the Langley Association for Community Living.

“Our role is to provide the support that they need just to make their business as successful as it can be,” said Logan.

She added that their organization does not make any of the business decisions, but rather is there to facilitate to help the owners come to a decision.

“We are just there for guidance and encouragement.”

Both Paterson and Ross would love to expand their business to include more lunches, other tour bus operators, and perhaps even working to provide meals on movie sets since there is so much filming in the area.

by Gary Ahuja - Langley Times

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Meet Nick with the Vancouver Canucks Interview with Nick, a 10 year veteran employee with Canucks Sports and Entertainment.

As an accomplished Special Olympian, avid fan and season ticket holder for the Vancouver Canucks, Nick was the perfect candidate when the Canucks (then Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment) were in need of a fan mail assistant.

Hired to assist with managing the huge volume of player fan mail that the Canucks receives, Nick has to be skilled at managing information, data entry and mail preparation, but more than that, his love of the game and knowledge of the players was paramount. Nick plays a very important role in the communications department.

Nick’s supervisor Tara couldn't manage without him: “I have been Nicolas’ supervisor since day 1 ten years ago. Nicolas without fail always shows up for work; he is reliable and passionate. Nicolas knows more about hockey then some of the employees and everyday he talks about the latest news and statistics about the Canucks.

Nicolas loves talking and joking with his coworkers and has developed friendships with people from all different departments. He is dedicated and contributes a lot. He does the fan mail, helps with charity events. It’s a pleasure working with him” —Tara Clarke

Congratulations Nicolas on reaching 10 years of employment.

Keep up the fan-tastic work! Interviewed by Delia Meinhardt of Jobs West on January 22, 2015 at Rogers Arena

1) Tell me about yourself? I am a Special Olympian. I work with the Canucks 1 day and go to Stage Door Studios 4 days.

2) How did you get started working for the Canucks? Through Jobs West and Special Olympics.

They called my mom and asked if I was interested in working with Canucks.

3) How did Jobs West help you? They helped me on speed and learning the job. I can’t remember it’s been so long

4) What are your duties? It’s all about community, I stuff player cards into envelopes for fans. Sometimes the players autograph the cards. One time I went to the dressing room and helped with the laundry. It was a great experience! I also go to the press box with the Canucks Media team and put together media packages.

5) You have a very important job. What is your favorite part about working for the Canucks? Meeting the Canucks and the coach. My favorite player is Trevor Linden and Henrik Sedin.

Have you met them before? Couple summers ago I met Henrik in the hallway. He was with his family. This past year I met Trevor Linden. Finally after 10 years! We talked and it was an honor to shake his hands. Trevor Linden is now the president.

6) How do you feel about reaching 10 years of employment? It’s a long time.

It’s good. Thank you Nicolas. See you in 10 years so we can celebrate your 20 years!

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Hello, my name is Chris Hanes. I have had a job since grade 9. I found my first job through a friend. His dad had a semi truck that always needed cleaning each week. My friend didn't want to clean his dad’s truck any more so his dad asked me if I would like to have the job. I told him yes I will take the job. I worked at Associated Trucker Supply washing his semi and his 2 other trucks. I worked there from 2000 till 2006.

One day, when I was at with my mom at the Chilliwack Airport Coffee Shop, I saw a sign at the table saying they needed a dishwasher. I brought my resume back to the Airport Coffee Shop and applied for the job. I was interviewed on the spot and the owner was someone I knew from a local hockey league here in Chilliwack. He hired me. I worked at the Airport Coffee Shop from 2006 till 2009. In 2009, I was laid off due to slow times at the coffee shop.

At that time, I went into Career Tracks. They helped me look for a job. I told them I had experience in dishwashing and wanted to keep on dishwashing. Career Tracks helped me by driving me around and helping me drop off resumes. From doing that I got two interviews: one for Dukes of Dublin and another job interview at Bozzini’s. I was hired at Bozzini’s and I worked at there for eleven months.

I went to CLBC with my mom and we talked to a facilitator and she told us about the Supported Employment Program (SEP). My job coach supported me through interviews at Home Depot and Galaxy Theatre. I ended up getting the job at Home Depot. When I found out that I got the job, I was really excited. It has helped me build confidence that I didn’t have before. My job coach helped me buy new work clothing, through contacting STOLO (special funding for people with an aboriginal background) and accessing their disability funds. My job coach supported me by coming to my orientation and training at Home Depot.

I was a little bit nervous but also excited to be working at my new job as a Lot Associate. Some of the things a Lot Associate does is helping out with customer carry outs and helping customers load up any of the products that they’ve bought at Home Depot. I also make sure that the outside is clean, make sure that buggies are put into the right places and garbage cans are in the right places and emptied out at the end of the nights. Lot associates help out other associates by flagging for the forklifts or making sure the aisles are clear for the forklift driver.

Working in the community is great because I get to interact with all the customers that come into Home Depot. I do like working with my employer because if I had any problems or any questions I could always go to my employer and ask. My favorite part of my job is talking with the customers while I help out with the carry out to their vehicle. I have always made someone’s day when I help them out.

I have always got along with all my co workers because we all work so well as a team. I see myself staying at Home Depot because there is a lot of opportunity to move up – right now I am in line for another promotion – and to learn new skills. Usually, if I have any questions about my job, I go to my co-workers and also my supervisors. When there are different events for associates, I am always invited. I have enjoyed the time outside of work getting to know more about my co workers. I have felt really accepted by my co-workers because I feel part of the team. My co-workers and I get along so well and we can joke around and have good laughs.

I work between 4 to 5 days a week and I work about 30 hours per week. After 6 months of working at Home Depot, I received medical and dental benefits. I would like to say working at Home Depot has been exciting and a fun place to work. I have experience that I didn't have before. Also, I have made some new friends and I’m pretty excited about what the future brings me.

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Allan, his worker and employer talk about Allan's work - Allan uses his computer skills to scan items for his clients. Allan receives support from North Island Employment Foundation Society in Campbell River.

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