Pathways

Skill Development

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • About
    • About Pathways
    • Perspectives
    • Our Leadership Team
    • Board of Directors
    • News and Media
    • Newsletter
  • Meaningful Employment
    • Assisting in Your Job Search
    • Employment Placement
    • Current Employment Opportunities at Pathways
  • Certifications
    • Working at Heights Certification
    • Standard First Aid and CPR Certification
    • Forklift Certification
    • WHMIS Certification
  • Skills Training
    • The On Board Program
    • Administrative and Clerical Training (ACT)
    • Construction Technology Training (CTT)
    • Logistics and Manufacturing Training (LMT)
    • Property Maintenance Training (PMT)
  • Great Employees
  • Stories
  • Social Enterprise
    • About Social Enterprise
    • Clean Works
    • London Community Woodshop
  • Contact Us

Sherrie’s Story: You Never Know Where Life Will Lead You

January 30, 2020 by

“You may go through the storms of tragedy but there is always a rainbow…”

 

My childhood was great! Up until I was five we lived in the country on Oneida Settlement, Ontario. Life was great because we used our imaginations to the fullest. We would pack our own lunches and go on adventures into the nearby woods and trails.

At 6 years of age my siblings and I moved into foster homes in London. I enjoyed it there because the family I was staying with were very nice people who took us camping and did lots of fun things.

But from the age of 8 we went back to live with our mom and step-dad. I hated it there and grew to be angry. I dropped out of school by the time I was 16 and spent mydays partying.

One day, I decided to take control of my life and go back to school. I enrolled at Fanshawe College, where I upgraded to grade 12.

I completed the one year Cabinet Making program and had employment for the next 3 years, bouncing around from one job to the next. I wasn’t able to find a job in furniture building, so I ended up working in a factory for the next 4 years, and eventually I moved to British Columbia. This is when I started to experience hallucinations.

After that it was hard finding a full time job. I lived on Ontario Works for a few years. Then one day, after 6 years of struggling, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I was in my late 40’s by then and it changed my life.

With the support of Roman and Ofsaunee (CMHA), my brother Robin and Pamela (SOHAC), I eventually got the help I needed. My meds were increased gradually and with that I improved miraculously. Now it’s like I was never sick.

Employment was a goal for years during  my illness, and I never gave up on myself. 

In 2018 I enrolled at Pathways for the Property Maintenance Program. A week after graduation I got a job. I am now working in a job I love. It’s provided me with knowledge and skills to persevere.

What does life look like today?

Pathways has given me self-confidence again and I look forward to the future.

I am 55 years old now and plan to go to school to work with people in the future. I feel that with my life experience and some education I can help others. That is my dream.

I have told many people to never give up on your dreams or goals because if I succeeded they will too. Employment was a goal for years during my illness, but I never gave up on myself. You have to want to try and get well again.

It is possible to accomplish anything you want to do. You just have to vision it happening and do it.  

My Advice:

I always say, you never know where life will lead you. You may go through the storms of tragedy but there is always a rainbow at the other end. Life can only teach and reveal what we already have. Take courage.

Related Pages:


  • Misty's Story: Dream BigMisty's Story: Dream Big
  • Darcy's Story:  My First Car in 14 YearsDarcy's Story: My First Car in 14 Years
  • Doug's Story: From Homeless to HopefulDoug's Story: From Homeless to Hopeful
  • Eman's Story: The Confidence I Needed to Reach My GoalsEman's Story: The Confidence I Needed to Reach My Goals
  • London welfare caseloads drop as more giving up benefits find jobsLondon welfare caseloads drop as more giving up…
  • The London Community Woodshop that transforms lives with sawdust and 'therapy'The London Community Woodshop that transforms lives…

Community Partners

  • ontario-trillium-foundation-square-logo-600×600-jpeg
  • LCF logo 369 green
  • city-of-london-logo-square-600×600-jpeg
  • Government of ONtario Logo
  • employment-and-social-development-canada_416x416
  • Westminister College Foundation
  • Agape Logo
  • bl construction logo

CleanWorks

Clean Works is one of Pathways' social enterprise businesses. It is a full-service commercial cleaning company based in London Ontario. We clean commercial office interiors, offer power-washing and graffiti removal services, and more.

We are committed to serving the London and area market with excellence in customer satisfaction and service.
Learn More: Clean Works London

London Community Woodshop

The London Community Woodshop (LCW) is one of Pathways’ social enterprise businesses. LCW is a 3,600 sq. ft. shop full of professional tools. Open 7 days a week, LCW offers affordable memberships, community programs and workshops led by local artisans.

Learn More: London Community Woodshop

CONTACT US

ADDRESS:
205-1 Horton Street East
London Ontario, N6B 1K7

PHONE: 519.667.7795
FAX: 519.667.2256
EMAIL: info@pathways.on.ca
Go to contact form >>

HOURS: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Monday through Friday

Handcrafted by Army Creative. © 2021