Cameshia found a group of people who supported her – and step by step helped her through a long tunnel of challenges. Today she sees herself in an entirely new light!
Life before I met my OW Caseworker Christine, was a daily struggle. We had a hard time making ends meet and carried a lot of stress and negativity toward life. We were living in a revolving cycle of not knowing what was coming our way and how we would handle what we were dealing with.
My husband lost his job of 10 years and I was a stay at home mom to help cut the cost for daycare. With 3 children we just couldn’t afford it. My husband also has epilepsy. With only one income, three children, so many bills and not enough healthcare coverage, it was hard to get ahead and not feel overwhelmed.
When we moved to London and applied for OW I met an amazing person by the name of Christine who told me about Pathways. At first I was a bit skeptical. Hearing the word workshop I didn’t know what to expect. I was a bit nervous about the whole thing.
But I was determined to try anything; I needed to feel better about myself and help my family. I learned so much in the ACT program. I had been out of work for many years so the refresher and the ability to expand the skills I already had was amazing.
Today I have a college certificate that I worked very hard to get. I no longer feel as angry and frustrated, and I can see a difference in how I feel about myself and my contribution to my family. It is an amazing feeling to be hired by an employer for a position that I never even thought I could get before.
It is an amazing feeling to be hired by an employer for a position that I never even thought I could get before.
“I can see a difference in how I feel about myself and my contribution to my family.”
My Support Network:
- The first person is Christine, my OW worker. She was very welcoming, easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable
- Then Kimberly, the ACT Facilitator, showed me that no matter who you are in life everyone has struggles. She showed us inspirational videos that made me look at life in a different way.
- My Mother always told me that you are only given what you can handle, and to remember that others are in a worse situation.
- My Husband, Adam, always encourages me to see the brighter side of things.
- And last but not least Sandi, my Employment Placement Specialist. She tells it to you straight, with an attitude that makes you want to try harder and fight more. She was always encouraging and positive, no matter what the situation
To all the people I met in the workshops and ACT class – I carry your kind works with me and hope to have your friendship for a life time. And to my Co-op Supervisor, Iva, and Employer, Abell Pest Control – I am grateful for your support and belief in me
My Takeaway:
The biggest lesson that I learned was to never give up and to stay positive. That if I wanted something good to happen I had to break down all the barriers that were in my way. Sandi told me every day “to hang in there, something good will happen. Don’t be discouraged.” My advice is to keep fighting for what you want. And if what you want is a better life – you have to learn to be patient and put in the work.
