One ye
ar ago Tim was overwhelmed by negative experiences and doubt. Today he works at the Wortley Village Y and is an active member of the community!
Before coming to Pathways I was feeling burnt out and hopeless, thinking I’d never find a job I was going to enjoy. I was angry and depressed. Feeling useless. I knew I needed some major help but I didn’t think the kind of help I needed existed.
I had a growing gap in my employment history, transportation issues, and I had exhausted my immediate network for leads and references. I really had a hard time reaching out and trying sell myself as an asset to an employer.
And I had to overcome the challenge of being so introverted and changing my negative attitude. Trying to be positive and have a hopeful outlook.
Those were the most challenging for me.
I’m not 100% sure where I first heard of Pathways. But my OW case worker recommended that I work with them, and my Employment Counselor Leslie recommended I take the Property Maintenance Training (PMT) course.
It was a great class, we had a good group of 6 guys all of different ages and experiences. Getting to work on the offsites was awesome. I really
enjoyed getting around town and getting to work in some unique buildings. The best part of P.M.T. though was the instructor, Chris Goss.
He is one of a kind that’s for sure! If I had to use only five words to describe him they would be: genuine, authentic, inspiring, experienced, and
understanding.
He really brought it all together and showed us how the tips and tricks can be applied to the real world. He also offered some cautionary tales of things to be aware of in the workplace. Overall I’d say he was a key contributor to my success with the program. Thanks Chris!
Changing Perspective
The PMT class really changed my perspective on the industry. Learning the importance of having a clean working environment and the many ways it affects a business. It’s not a glamorous job but it’s important. People are more productive, creative, happy and healthy in a clean environment.
My Job @ the Wortley Y
My job at the Wortley Village Y means so much to me, for so many reasons! I’ve never worked in a place with such a positive culture; the people here are amazing! It feels like a second home with an extended family. We’re all new to the Wortley building and new challenges pop up everyday but the management team here really listens and is willing to let us try anything we think will get the job done best. It’s a freedom most people don’t have in the workplace.
Being part of an organization that has such a positive impact in the community has lots of hidden little perks! I’m not embarrassed to wear
my uniform in public. People see that Y logo and usually will start a conversation or share a Y story or sometimes they just sing the song.
Three things I value greatly about my new job are trust, respect and freedom. It gives me a great sense of duty and loyalty to the YMCA. I’m
forever grateful they took a chance on me. I go in every day and try to do the best I can, stay positive and I believe they really do want me to
have a good day at work. I never thought that was possible!
My Advice
Try Pathways. Once you get there it might be really hard to do but you need to open up and talk to all the great people on who work there. The
more they get to know you the better they can help find you something that’s going to be a good fit for you. If you put in a honest effort you can be working at the end of the program. Enjoy the process!
My favourite inspirational quote…
“It does not matter how slowly you go
as long as you do not stop.”
Confucius
“Fall seven times and stand up eight.”
Japanese Proverb
