Fran suffers from chronic pain brought on by migraines, fibromyalgia (new window) and arthritis (new window). “I was feeling defeated and at my wits end about ever being able to return to the workforce or have any kind of meaningful life outside my home” says Fran. This was particularly frustrating for Fran, a university graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a certificate in addiction studies, who had to leave her career when she became ill. It was a career that she loved and gained a tremendous satisfaction from.

“I thought that surely life must hold more for me than just going home and resting. But I never would have believed just how much until I met the good people at the Neil Squire Society” says Fran, who joined the Employ-Ability Program in Regina, Saskatchewan. “I liked the attitude and disposition of the staff. I found them to be helpful, understanding, patient, courteous and fun to be in class with”.

After completing the Employ-Ability Program, Fran immediately became a volunteer in the Computer Comfort program at the Neil Squire Society’s Regina office. She began teaching basic computer skills to other people with disabilities. She was able to not only apply, but pass on the very skills that she had relearned while in the Employ-Ability Program.

After one month of computer tutoring, Fran was offered a contract position with the Neil Squire Society to tutor clients in the Employ-Ability Program. “This job offer suited me very well as an entry level position as I have been out of the work force for a number of years and do not see myself ready for a full-time position as of yet” explains Fran, “I am enjoying this position immensely as it fits all of my wants and needs for a job and the Neil Squire Society is a very nurturing work place. I have a renewed zest for life that I have not felt for a long time”.

Congratulations, Fran!

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