Building Endurance
Sally Myers says that the Goals and Plans for Success (GPS) Program at Being Human Services was “a light at the end of the tunnel” for her.
When approaching Alberta Works for a referral to the program, Sally described herself as “despondent” about not being able to find fulfilling work. In the GPS program, Sally was able to take stock of the many skills and abilities she had acquired in her previous jobs. These strengths and assets were still very much a part of what she brought to the labour market, despite her physical limitations. The Team at Being Human Services helped to identify employment options as well as to recognize the supports she would need to bring about success in a new career.
Sally began a work experience at Mac Design. With the help of a supportive employer, Krista Pettyjohn, Sally was able to build her endurance, learn how to operate the equipment, and to gain the skills and confidence she needed. Sally is now working 26 to 30 hours a week and loving her job saying “I couldn’t have wished for a nicer company to work for.” Sally’s employer says: “Sally came in wanting to do this job and quickly proved she could.” Sally was recently recognized as “Employee of the Month” at Mac Design.
"Sally came in wanting to do this job and quickly proved that she could."
Improving Job Skills
Jade was referred to Being Human Services from Alberta Works. She was unemployed with minimal income and needed a job. She called lots of places and no one called back. Jade says that she was shy, didn't know very much about herself, and her resume needed work. She had a driver's license and a car, but did not know how to land a job.
Being Human services helped her to learn more about herself and improve her job skills. On November 10th, 2014, Being Human Services helped her find a job at Best Western Hotel as a room attendant. She says that earning money makes her more confident. "My life is a lot better now. I am happier". Jade loves having a job that she likes that has benefits.
Success Stories: Goals and Plans for Success (GPS) Program
We are privileged to work with and then share the Success Stories of many individuals who find find employment though the assistance of our Goals and Plans for Success Program. This program is designed to provide employment designed to provide employment supports for Persons with Physical Disabilities (must be documented by a physician and may include mental conditions). Read more about our GPS Program here.
"My life is a lot better now. I am happier."
Overcoming challenges
Wendy, a single mother of two children, had spent years assisting children and adults living with disabilities. The work was rewarding, but physically taxing. Health issues sidelined Wendy’s career for eight years. When she finally felt well enough, Wendy wanted to get back to work, but she was facing a number of challenges, including: limited mobility, inability to lift clients, fatigue, high stress levels and frequent medical appointments. Wendy turned to Being Human Services for help.
“Being Human Services helped me transition from medical patient to employee. They opened my eyes to a variety of career options that I was interested in and qualified to do. They helped me adjust my routine, build up my physical stamina, and confront my fears. They also advocated for me—finding employers willing to work around my challenges.”
Wendy had always enjoyed working in a day care setting—she says she feels complete there.
Being Human Services helped Wendy find a job at a day care that includes no heavy lifting, time to rest, and flexibility to attend her medical appointments.
Wendy has been working full-time for six months now. Her employer is giving her opportunities to continue her education and her health benefits will be starting soon.
New Beginnings
Being 18 is tough enough these days, having physical limitations makes it that much more daunting. In looking for a job for the first time, Cassidy had to overcome the challenges of her disability, Spina Bifida, as well as the lack of confidence she had job searching. She benefited greatly from attending the Being Human Services G.P.S. (Goals and Plans for Success) program. Her confidence grew each day as a result of the support she received from the staff as well as the individuals she was in the program with.
After the 9 weeks of the program, Cassidy did a Work Experience at a library and discovered she would like to pursue further education to pursue a career in that field. Seeking a way to earn money for the education she requires, she met with staff at the local McDonalds to see if there was something she could do there. McDonalds staff were very understanding and accommodating for Cassidy. They found a position in their drive-thru that she could do with minimal walking around and were very cognizant of letting her rest when she needed it. Being Human Services also provided Cassidy a Job Coach to assist her and the McDonalds staff with any concerns that arose. The Job Coach was there everyday in the beginning, but now only comes in if Cassidy or the McDonald’s Managers request it.
The owners of the McDonalds cannot stop praising how much Cassidy has grown in the last 4 months and that she has come out of her shell; “She has begun making friends with all the staff, she is no longer scared to talk with her managers or the owners and she smiles a lot more and we couldn’t be happier with her and Being Human Services.”
“I no longer am scared to go to work and even look forward to it. I am more confident in who I am and my abilities to work. Not sure if I could have done this on my own and thank Being Human Services and all their staff for all they have done!”
“I am proud of my accomplishments and proud that I am able to support my family. I love waking up in the morning and having a place to go where I feel valued as an employee and I am grateful Being Human Services has been there to provide supports throughout this process."