Louise has lower back and leg pain, as well as a learning disability. “It takes me a bit longer to understand things and perform tasks and duties at work,” she says. “The pain means I can only stand for so long”. Despite this, Louise is an active community volunteer. She volunteers at the in Vernon, British Columbia every Tuesday and Thursday.
Louise took the Employ-Ability Program through . She then teamed up with for their employment assistance services. She was seeking “a job I can do and my body is able to handle”. She was looking for a role within a supportive team which would allow her to stay at the same job for a long period of time.
, owned by Dr. Blair Broaderip and Teresa May, has 13 staff members. They were seeking a Certified Dental Assistant, and after taking out an ad, were contacted by Community Futures. Community Futures, and the ճԹ51’s Working Together Program worked in collaboration to secure Louise’s position with Abby Dental Care. “I was actually looking for a job at a theatre when this position came up, and it sparked something in me. It was something that I never thought about,” shares Louise. She was hired as an assistant to the dental assistants and the work includes sterilization of instruments, as well as general cleaning up and assisting. “I go around and help wherever they need help,” she says.
“Louise is a lady with the right attitude,” says Teresa. “She would put in extra effort and stay the course. There were moments of chaos where she could remain calm and she was able to take advice well and not as criticisms. Louise does not mind working hard; in fact she feels that it makes time go by quickly. She is willing to learn; just her willingness itself is a good attitude.”
Louise enjoys the work. “I always have new tasks to learn. The other staff members are great to work with and I do what I can do to help them. Abby Dental Care takes the time to understand my disabilities and they help me to find better ways to do my tasks so it’s better for my body. They modify tasks so I can accomplish them,” says Louise.
“There is always such a great feeling we get when we can give someone an opportunity, a small chance that could open a door of a greater dream,” says Teresa. “This program [Working Together] is amazing as it proves that accepting differences in people could make such a difference in our community. I am proud to have Louise working for us and know that this will be a long term relationship.” Teresa highly recommends the Working Together Program to other businesses as it’s beneficial to both the business and the employee. “The name could not be more appropriate, it is about working together. Together we are better!”
“Working has given me a great boost in self-esteem and I take pride in what I do,” says Louise. “The Working Together Program has been a very good program. I would really like to thank the , Upper Room Mission, Independent Living Vernon, Community Futures, and the ճԹ51. It’s like that saying; it takes a community to raise a child. In my case it’s taken a community got me to this point in my life. The community has made me a better person!”
