Upon completion of the Employ-Ability program in Regina, Saskatchewan (new window), Gloria took the time to write her own success story:

I have several chronic conditions that make it impossible for me to work in the fields where I was previously employed. I have high blood pressure (new window), asthma (new window), osteoarthritis (new window) in my knees, left shoulder and hands, and I also have diabetes (new window). My former occupations were physically demanding. I worked as a construction worker, and have held several positions in the hospitality industry.

After my oldest daughter was born, I started to have health issues, but went ahead and had two more girls. Once my youngest daughter was born, my health deteriorated even further. So, I decided to stay at home and raise my girls.

A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes and hit a wall of depression. I had almost given up on life completely. I went from being an outgoing, fun loving person to sitting in front of the television all day. I became a shut in. Grocery shopping and doctors appointments were the extent of my outings.

I could see that the rut I had allowed myself to fall into was affecting, not only me, but was having a very negative effect on my daughters as well. I knew I had to pick myself up and try to do something.

I have a fair amount of education and was thinking about trying to get back into university, but financially that isn’t possible right now. Yet I knew I didn’t want to sit on welfare doing nothing for the rest of my life.

One Sunday afternoon I was reading the newspaper and I saw an article about the Neil Squire Society and how they have helped many people with disabilities return to work. I thought maybe I will have a chance to start living again.

I can’t say that coming to Employ-Ability class every day has been easy for me. I’m still struggling with the tail end of a very long depression. I know I still haven’t been able to accept that this is my life; I will never be able to get off the daily medications that I take.

However, I now have a glimmer of hope. Although I will not be able to return to the life I once knew, I will be able to contribute to society and make a better life for my daughters and for myself. I am looking forward to the future, to getting a job, and being able to support my family.

Thanks to the Neil Squire Society, once the program is finished I plan to look for a full time position in an office setting or as a research assistant.

The Employ-Ability program has helped me in several ways. First, it has helped bring me out of my shell and make it possible for me to even consider trying to get back to work. I have made some new friends and have finally begun to get some relief from a two year depression. It has helped to restore some of the self confidence I once possessed. I would recommend this program to anyone with disabilities.

– Gloria

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