Healthy Communities • YMCA Employment Programs
How Nathan’s determination contributes to his well-being
14 December 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Nathan Kim is a recent participant in the YMCA’s SPRING program designed for individuals who need support in seeking employment.
From the moment he participated in the YMCA’s SPRING program, Nathan Kim was determined to find a job that suited him. His autism diagnosis makes it challenging to speak with potential employers — a key skill needed when searching for a job. Fortunately, Nathan connected with SPRING through a mentorship program at York University, where he is a student in the Environmental Studies program.
Through the Y, Nathan got help with his resume and preparation for job interviews along with coaching, advice and strategies to help him with social engagement. “The YMCA helped me overcome my struggle with talking to job managers and helped me be more confident,” Nathan says.
Employment is a key social determinant of health that contributes to people becoming socially and economically included. Through the resources of the YMCA’s SPRING program, people like Nathan can build on their well-being.
One course he is taking offers students the opportunity to travel internationally and to learn abroad. “After weeks of attending job interviews,” Nathan says, “I got a call from the YMCA saying that I finally got a job.” This was one of his most memorable moments because, through his job with a large grocery store, he has now earned enough money to travel to Costa Rica to study plant and animal life. He has met two of his goals: to become more independent and to have enough money to travel for educational purposes.
“Anybody can get a job as long as you’re confident and keep moving forward,” Nathan says, “even with mental or physical limitations.” We couldn’t agree more with Nathan’s positive outlook.
If you are interested in assistance from a YMCA employment specialist, visit one of the YMCA of Greater Toronto employment centres.
From the moment he participated in the YMCA’s SPRING program, Nathan Kim was determined to find a job that suited him. His autism diagnosis makes it challenging to speak with potential employers — a key skill needed when searching for a job. Fortunately, Nathan connected with SPRING through a mentorship program at York University, where he is a student in the Environmental Studies program.
Through the Y, Nathan got help with his resume and preparation for job interviews along with coaching, advice and strategies to help him with social engagement. “The YMCA helped me overcome my struggle with talking to job managers and helped me be more confident,” Nathan says.
Employment is a key social determinant of health that contributes to people becoming socially and economically included. Through the resources of the YMCA’s SPRING program, people like Nathan can build on their well-being.
One course he is taking offers students the opportunity to travel internationally and to learn abroad. “After weeks of attending job interviews,” Nathan says, “I got a call from the YMCA saying that I finally got a job.” This was one of his most memorable moments because, through his job with a large grocery store, he has now earned enough money to travel to Costa Rica to study plant and animal life. He has met two of his goals: to become more independent and to have enough money to travel for educational purposes.
“Anybody can get a job as long as you’re confident and keep moving forward,” Nathan says, “even with mental or physical limitations.” We couldn’t agree more with Nathan’s positive outlook.
If you are interested in assistance from a YMCA employment specialist, visit one of the YMCA of Greater Toronto employment centres.
