Linda enrolled in the Neil Squire Society’s Employ-Ability program in Regina, Saskatchewan (new window) in the spring of 2009. “Since the beginning of this program, I have changed,” she says. “The program has made me evaluate myself and made me look at my aspirations for the future. It challenged my views, my wants, and my goals. This program has helped me see that I want to go on, but more importantly that I can go on.”

“I have learned that helping each other is something to be cherished, not only for the person who is being helped, but also for the person who is helping. Another lesson that I knew, but didn’t live by, was that by staying positive, it will help you in not only how you view yourself but how you view the world and others around you,” says Linda.

“I have learned the importance of setting goals as well as identifying barriers. I have learned the value of patience. I have learned that because each person’s disability is unique to them, it is important to understand how it affects them so that we can help them any way we can in their journey.”

After completion of this program, Linda will be volunteering at the Schizophrenia Society (new window) as a speaker. Her speaking engagements will include the University of Regina (new window) and the RCMP (new window). Her goal is to help increase awareness about schizophrenia (new window) and the ‘ins and outs’ of this disability.

Without the help of the staff at the Prairie Region of the Neil Squire Society, “I would not have the confidence or the knowledge of what steps to take,” says Linda. “Thank you for providing me with this opportunity to grow and become a better person.”

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