“I feel proud of myself and good about myself,” says Kyle of Penticton, BC. “I have a reason to get out of bed every day now.”

Kyle has Autism (new window), and this makes it difficult for him to be in large crowds.

With the help of a wage subsidy, the Neil Squire Society’s Working Together program let Kyle enter the work force at a comfortable pace for him to be supported and succeed. He found employment at the Penticton and District Society for Community Living (PDSCL) as a janitor at the Tower Apartments managed by PDSCL.

“When I first met Kyle, I saw a young man full of potential,” explains Tina Whiles, a PDSCL vocational counsellor. “Kyle needed something like this opportunity, something that was positive and provided him the support to see his full potential.”

With a job, Kyle has a newfound sense of confidence and financial independence.

“I have some extra money to purchase an Xbox (new window) and some games, this is my favorite pastime, it makes me happy,” Kyle explains. “It also gives me some simple pleasures of life like being able to go out for a meal with my family and not always relying on them to pay.”

“Kyle is healthier, gets exercise, has a social life and made some new friends and is able to enjoy what life has to offer him,” says Tina. “I have not seen Kyle so happy as he is now.”