With excitement, Arazo talks about her work: “My co-workers are great; [we] get along well. It feels like another home; it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve learned new techniques, worked more with women’s hair; I’ve got to know inches when cutting hair, I’m better at money counting – I’m no longer using a calculator to count the money! I’m also making transactions and selling products to customers. I was anxious and fearful at first, but now I’m able to communicate with people with ease…” Arazo is looking forward to being able to help her parents financially if needed, while also “saving and purchasing her first cellphone!” |
Spencer talks about his future: “The future looks good,” Spencer states, “I have a job that I enjoy, and hope to keep while I gain skills and experience for advancement. I look forward to coming into work, and I’m happy to be using my training from school. I’m more comfortable meeting new people, and find it easier to talk to them than I did before coming to Leads.” |
July 11, 2019 Employment and Skills Development Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Program. Letter of Support for Leads Employment Services - OPTIONS In 2019, I participated in the Options Program at Leads Employment Services and It is my pleasure to provide this letter of support for this program and it’s genuinely compassionate and welcoming staff. During my time there, I had the chance to meet great people, participate in engaging team exercises and learn from some of the most intelligent and relatable people that I have had the privilege to meet. The environment at first, was a little overwhelming since one of my personal barriers is my mental health. Mainly anxiety. It can feel like an undefeatable monster at times. Even under these extremely diverse circumstances, the staff was excellent at figuring out how to engage a wide range of individuals all with their own personal barriers. I was beyond surprised and impressed as I slowly realized how comfortable I became and how I actually started to look forward to waking up to attend the group. The activities not only got me engaged in the group but also in the community. It made me feel like I had a larger purpose here. That I was a part of something genuinely special. In addition to the great staff and people, I also had the chance to grow and self-reflect to define where I want to be and, in a way, who I want to be. I became more comfortable and confident in interviews, learned about food and health safety, received my smart serve, became more educated in psychology and personality traits, recognizing where my strengths and weaknesses lie. All this, on top of a multitude of other things, helped me learn and grow as an individual as well as a member of society. I found an interest in automotive, which is something I never thought would interest me. They helped me expand my horizons and now, thanks to this program and the individuals facilitating it, I have had the opportunity to get a foot in the door in this field. I, now, work at a Mr. Lube. Just passed my 3-month probational period and I absolutely love it here. I fit in with the people and I love the work. I learn something on a daily basis and I get to help other people in the process. As a result, I am very pleased to recommend Leads in their application for the OPTIONS Program funded through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. Sincerely, Paul A. Pierce Jr. |