Healthy Communities • Y Stories • YMCA Employment Programs
How Dana found a job--and her purpose in life
27 October 2016 - by June Findlay
The YMCA’s employment centres help youth aged 15 – 30 facing multiple barriers to employment find a job. Hundreds of youth attend life skills and pre-employment workshops, and receive job counselling from YMCA staff as they prepare for entry into the workforce. Dana came to the Y’s employment centre needing help after a rough patch in her life. Here’s her Y story:
Before I joined the Y, my life was a complete mess.
I had jobs here and there, but I never seemed to keep them because they were either seasonal, or I was laid off. This made me frustrated because I was always reliable and hardworking, and had never been fired or let go in a negative way. After being laid off from yet another job, I spent a year applying for as many jobs as I possibly could — but the only thing I got were interviews. I became so depressed and angry at the world that I stopped looking for work for another two years. I felt that all my hard work was in vain and that there was simply no point anymore.
Fortunately, I discovered the YMCA’s employment services. What resonated with me the most is how hard the instructors worked to help people find employment. If it weren’t for them, I would likely not have a job right now. They gave me an opportunity that I could have easily refused but I made a choice to grasp that opportunity to improve my life.
Through the program, I was able to redevelop my communications skills. When I was unemployed, I was very isolated and distanced myself from people. My YMCA team helped me form a routine and develop time management skills. Spending a month waking up early, packing a lunch, going to a class or workshops, and then heading home to prepare another day really helped me to get where I am today —I’m in a better position to cope with reality.
Keisha was my amazing job developer, and stuck with me even after my placement ended to make sure I kept working. She’s very professional and very good at her job. I also have a lot of respect for Brittany, my instructor. They have a lot of patience and are extremely caring people who inspire me to be as successful as they are — strong, smart women who help many people in need.
I’m currently working in the fast food industry, and it’s a great stepping stone to build experience and save for college. The YMCA helped me during the lowest point in my life, and they can help you too — but you have to do your part. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will seem stressful at first. But to reap great rewards, you have to work hard, and they will help you every step of the way.
For more information on how we can help you or someone you know find a job, visit our website.
Before I joined the Y, my life was a complete mess.
I had jobs here and there, but I never seemed to keep them because they were either seasonal, or I was laid off. This made me frustrated because I was always reliable and hardworking, and had never been fired or let go in a negative way. After being laid off from yet another job, I spent a year applying for as many jobs as I possibly could — but the only thing I got were interviews. I became so depressed and angry at the world that I stopped looking for work for another two years. I felt that all my hard work was in vain and that there was simply no point anymore.
Fortunately, I discovered the YMCA’s employment services. What resonated with me the most is how hard the instructors worked to help people find employment. If it weren’t for them, I would likely not have a job right now. They gave me an opportunity that I could have easily refused but I made a choice to grasp that opportunity to improve my life.
Through the program, I was able to redevelop my communications skills. When I was unemployed, I was very isolated and distanced myself from people. My YMCA team helped me form a routine and develop time management skills. Spending a month waking up early, packing a lunch, going to a class or workshops, and then heading home to prepare another day really helped me to get where I am today —I’m in a better position to cope with reality.
Keisha was my amazing job developer, and stuck with me even after my placement ended to make sure I kept working. She’s very professional and very good at her job. I also have a lot of respect for Brittany, my instructor. They have a lot of patience and are extremely caring people who inspire me to be as successful as they are — strong, smart women who help many people in need.
I’m currently working in the fast food industry, and it’s a great stepping stone to build experience and save for college. The YMCA helped me during the lowest point in my life, and they can help you too — but you have to do your part. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will seem stressful at first. But to reap great rewards, you have to work hard, and they will help you every step of the way.
For more information on how we can help you or someone you know find a job, visit our website.
