Linda came to the Neil Squire Society’s Job Focus program in December of 2008, after moving to British Columbia from Nova Scotia. Linda has mobility issues related to arthritis (new window). Upon arriving on the west coast Linda immediately began searching for work but found herself “redirected constantly” from one agency to another.

Linda held many different jobs in Nova Scotia, including a clerical position at an auto parts store and running her own consignment clothing store, however she had spent the last several years looking after family.

Linda knew that her mobility issues meant any future job she might take would require her to use a computer. She was feeling nervous around them as she hadn’t been in the work force for a number of years, so in 2010 the Job Focus program’s Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant referred her to the Computer Comfort program.

Since joining the Computer Comfort program, Linda has been learning how to use programs such as Microsoft Excel (new window) and Word (new window), as well as the social networking site Facebook (new window). Working on computers has also given her the opportunity to work on her problem-solving skills. “They have been so patient. They got me to try different things and increased my level of comfort with many different programs. They simplify everything, there is no point where you feel stupid,” says Linda of the volunteers at the Computer Comfort program. “I can’t say enough about how they’ve treated me!”

With the help of the Neil Squire Society’s Employee Specialist Michael Broderick, she has found a weekly volunteer position, located only blocks from her home at the Burquitlam Lions Care Centre (new window). She enjoys her work there as a Special Case Person, talking to new or nervous residents of the Centre, making them comfortable with their new surroundings and “sharing a laugh”. She sees this position as the perfect stepping stone to eventual employment.

Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do Linda!

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