Archive for the ‘Success Stories’ Category

A Participant Gives Back

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Phil, a former Computer Comfort participant, is now a Computer Comfort volunteer. He wanted to do “something hands on” to give back to the Neil Squire Neil Squire Society (new window) after 6 months of participation in the Computer Comfort Program.

Originally from Bombay, India (new window), Phil came to Canada by way of Tanzania (new window) where he was a school teacher for 16 years in the 1950’s and 60’s. He lived in Merit, British Columbia (new window), but moved to Vancouver to be nearer to a proper hospital when his wife began having heart trouble.

After Phil’s wife passed away, about three years ago, he began to spend his time volunteering. Besides computer tutoring for the Neil Squire Society (new window), he also volunteers at Amica at Rideau Manor (new window) and participates in the choir at the Confederation Centre in Burnaby (new window). He learned about the Neil Squire Society (new window) from one of his fellow volunteers.

Phil, who suffers from arthritis (new window), already had some basic computer skills when he joined the Computer Comfort Program. However, when he tried teaching himself anything beyond searching the internet and using email he felt like he was “groping around in the dark.” He has come a long way! During his time as a Computer Comfort participant he learned how to upload and manage photos and how to make basic budgets. Now, as a volunteer, he is learning “the intricacies of computers, including hardware.”

We are very pleased to have someone with Phil’s teaching experience volunteering in the Computer Comfort Program!

“I have accomplished lots more than I thought”

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Florence comes from “a hard working background” and although she loves to help people less fortunate than herself, she lives with mental health issues that make it difficult to retain information. These issues have made employment difficult for her and she knew she needed to sharpen her skills.

Florence told Marie, an employee at the mental health clinic she attends, that she was looking for a place to help her improve her job skills. Marie suggested she join the Neil Squire Society (new window)’s Employ-Ability Program.

The Employ-Ability Program was a very positive experience for Florence. She learned “that even with a disability we can all still achieve better health and get a job so we have more self esteem.” The module on health and nutrition was her favorite but she also enjoyed learning how to write cover letters, something she had never done before. She was also impressed by the ergonomic workstations that allowed her to “learn about computers without getting sore.”

After finishing the Program, Florence completed a four week work placement at Regina Pioneer Village (new window), a long term care facility. With her new knowledge of resumes and cover letters she has landed a few housekeeping jobs and she now intends to look into training to become a nurse’s aid.

“Through this course I have accomplished lots more than I thought. I recommend it to my family and my friends,” says Florence.

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Florence, you may do so here.

Meaghan Achieves Two Goals

Monday, December 19th, 2011

When Meaghan first visited the Neil Squire Society (new window) she had two goals. The first was to find employment that she enjoyed and which challenged her. The second was to live independently in an apartment of her own.

Meaghan faces many challenges including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) (new window) a defect of the connective tissue that causes pain and fatigue, dyslexia (new window), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (new window). She was also recently diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (new window). To cope, Meaghan has learned strategies such as color coding, keeping an agenda and staying organized, which she applies to everyday life.

While participating in our Employ-Ability Program, Meaghan was determined to enhance the skills that would help her both professionally and personally. Meaghan enjoyed learning about Positive Communication Skills, Energy Conservation, Conflict and Anger Management, and Job Search Techniques.

Meaghan is now working part-time with the Phoenix Centre (new window), an organization that provides family support services. In her role, she is responsible for entering information into a data base and organizing the Centre’s resource library. “It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and become familiar with an office setting,” shares Meaghan.

Meaghan achieved her first goal and moved quickly toward her second. With the same determination, one week after securing employment, Meaghan moved into her own apartment.

Meaghan expressed her gratitude to Neil Squire Society stating, “I always enjoyed coming to the Neil Squire Society (new window). The support I felt and information I learned helped me achieve my goals. It gave me the confidence and self-esteem to stay positive even during the difficult times.”

Way to go, Meaghan!

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Meaghan, you may do so here.