Archive for the ‘Success Stories’ Category

Brain Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley Partnership

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

The ‘home delivery’ style of facilitating Employ-Ability workshops grew after Makeda Cosper-Robertson, Program Manager of the Step Up Work Centre (new window), visited the Neil Squire Society’s Ottawa (new window), Ontario (new window) office. Makeda was sure the Step Up Work Centre members would find many of our Employ-Ability workshop topics interesting, but she felt that most members would be unable to attend our Monday afternoon workshops due to other commitments, energy levels and difficulties with transportation.

The Step Up Work Centre is a member run day program for adults with acquired brain injury (new window) facilitated by the Brain Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley. (new window)Membership at the Step Up Work Centre is voluntary, without time limits and most importantly, members choose the way they utilize the Centre.

Makeda took the idea to run some of our Employ-Ability workshops at the Centre to a Step Up Work Centre consensus meeting. The response from members was great and they came up with topics that they felt would be beneficial. The members chose a number of workshops including: Teamwork (new window), Conflict & Anger Management, and Time Management (new window) & Organizational Skills.

“Gaining teamwork skills helps to combat isolation, promotes inclusion and builds strong support networks,” explains Makeda, “Learning about Conflict & Anger highlights the importance of being self-aware and self-regulating as well as how to avoid and or diffuse situations. And, members are always looking for better ways to stay organized especially given that using time wisely and prioritizing is a key consideration in light of brain injuries.”

Eleven Step Up members participated in the February 1^st Teamwork workshop facilitated by Polly Beach, Employ-Ability Program Facilitator (new window). Feedback from the members was very positive: “I was surprised I was able to focus for the whole workshop”, “I better understand [that] everyone being different is valuable especially in a team situation”, “I now know that better listening skills are so important to working in team”, “I’m more ready to work through any challenges to make things better”, “I feel Step Up Work Centre members have molded together and become family.”

The Conflict & Anger Management workshop was held on March 14^th. Ten members shared openly around this difficult topic and reported many ‘ah ha’ moments. One member was struck by the strategy to focus on the problem or the ‘nuts and bolts’ of an area of conflict rather than the person. Another was keen to go home and run some of the ideas by his partner. Others were going to try and see conflict from the other person’s point of view, take a step back and stay positive.

After the first workshop, one past participant of the Employ-Ability Program returned for one-on-one job search support. Having gained skills at the Step Up Work Centre, this person felt much more prepared to tackle a targeted job search. A second participant has decided to join in some of the Employ-Ability workshops at the Neil Squire Society (new window) as part of the journey back to job readiness.

The partnership (new window) between the Brain Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley and Neil Squire Society has only just begun but it already feels like family – family sitting round the table enjoying ‘home delivery’.

A Double Win Thanks To Best Buy

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

James, a Best Buy (new window) Manager of Operations, has been volunteering as an online computer tutor with the Neil Squire Society (new window) since April 2011. James has donated 60 hours of his time providing computer tutoring to people in their homes for two hours a week as part the Neil Squire Society’s Distance Computer Comfort pilot program.

James worked closely with clients and helped these individuals become more independent and confident when using a computer. He left such a positive impression on his clients that they would voluntarily write to the Neil Squire Society complementing James on his knowledge and his dedication to helping them learn.

Here are some quotes from two of James’ clients:

“I would like to thank you for all the time you have spent with me, and it is great to know how to use the computer. You are a great teacher, and I wish you all the best in your career.” – Jackie

“I really enjoyed my session today with James, and I look forward to next week’s as well. Thank you. If my past schooling was this much fun, I know I would have stayed in school longer.” - Brian

James has been a tremendous help to the Neil Squire Society and on top of his volunteer hours, he nominated Neil Squire Society for Best Buy’s Community Partner Award (new window). The Community Partner Award is a $1,000 donation given to an organization that has had a Best Buy employee volunteer over 40 hours a year.

The Neil Squire Society is always looking for more dedicated volunteers. (new window) If you want to contribute as a computer tutor like James, contact Chad Leaman at the Neil Squire Society.  Thank you James for all your help!

Chad Leaman – e-Learning Manager
chadl@neilsquire.ca
T 604.473.9363 x173

Flexibility Is The Key To Success For Steve

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Steve struggled with his disabilities for quite some time and was finding it very challenging to maintain employment and his health at the same time. He felt that he needed to work full time, yet he was unable to manage because of his physical challenges.

After participating in the Employ-Ability Program, Steve discovered that his best course of action was to find a part-time job that had flexible hours. Thanks to the Tumble Store Emporium, he found just that opportunity. The Tumble Store Emporium sells supplies for rock hounds (new window) and crystal collectors. This store is a convenient commute for Steve and he currently works on an on call basis, working approximately 2 days a week.

Steve has a lot of knowledge about stones (new window) and crystals (new window) and he enjoys learning more about them all the time. With Steve’s great personality and his broad knowledge, we know he’s going to be very successful in his new job!

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