Stories

Employment Success 7 years of employment.

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My Guitar Story By Reid Parkes

Hello my Name is Reid Parkes i First Learned How to Play The Guitar in January 2022 But i also had other Guitars as well my First Guitar i had was from a Relative of mine and
He got me that Christmas Eve 2006 and i Know Everybody Knows that i am into a lot of Music that is why i do Music Jeopardy because i have a lot of Knowledge about Music my
Most Favorite singer is Elvis Preseley. I Got a New Guitar for My Birthday Last year and so i am Learning a lot of Good Music From Diffrent Era's or Genres of Music
Like i did Some Elvis AC/DC Black Sabbath Etc. Well During Covid in 2021 and 2022 After The Music Jeopardy Game i did Name The Tune With Some Groups From Ladner Connections
on my Guitar and They really Thanked me for playing the Name That Tune on my Guitar and they really Liked it so Much they wanted me to do that again and so i did. I Learned
a lot of Tabs on Different songs that i could do Like i can do Smoke On the water, Tnt, I Love N Rock N Roll and also Mamma Mia, i Had 2 other Guitars when i was younger.
I Started Music Jeopardy in June 2020 on Zoom but now we are doing Everything in Person we were using Houseparty for a while Before June 2020 Then after that we were on Zoom
when Everything shut down. We had a Showcase at our Day Program at Surrey in November 2015 and we were showing off our Display of what we did for our Showcase and mine wwas
Music and Then we had our Christmas Potluck December 2015 and it was a lot of fun. At our Day Program we do Karaoke Too. i Like Listening to Music at Home and i like singing as
well. I do The Catergories and the Questions For Music Jeopardy so i can Host that on Friday's. I Take Videos of me playing my Guitar and i Post them on my Social Media for all
of my Friends and my Family To Watch. I Like Learning How to Play my Guitar it's actually a lot of Practice but i still figure it out by Watching Videos or Looking up Tabs.
Music has Been my Favorite since i was younger so i had my First Red Acoustic Guitar and Then a Few years after that i had my Second Guitar. I had Been going to Concerts With
My Brother so i went to Def Leppard Poison and Tesla, Alice Cooper, Tom Jones and Then The Last one i went to Before everything shutted down was The band Kiss But Then i was
Supposed to go back to Alice Cooper with Lita Ford in April 2021 but Then it got Cancelled Due to Covid so That is why i Never Been to a Concert for 4 Years. So yeah i Really
Love Playing my Guitar and showing all of my Friends and Family what songs i can Play. So yeah what i Love Most about My Guitar is Practicing a lot of Different songs and
Getting the Hang of it as well so i hope you Enjoyed Reading my Guitar Story

Thank you fOr Reading this story

By Reid Parkes

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it is about How i play my guitar

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My story is about how my life has had many struggles and hardship's growing up. I always try my best at everything and even then we can't win every battle. I struggled as a child in a bad environment and left to be on my own at just 16. From there on I knew I needed to continue my journey with positivity and success. The story is about my goals, and how I have became the person I always wanted to be. Its about recently having my first child and getting into College not long after. I have just found a job and a great family now. I want to write about how and why I never gave up on my dreams and to share my life with others who may need some encouragement or others who can relate to me and my journey.

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Hello, I am sure everyone has been wondering what I have been up to nowadays. Well, I’d like to update everyone on it. I am back in school again and this is my second year living the campus life, I am taking up the Retail Service Program at the Coast Mountain College in Terrace, BC. I live on campus in the new dormitory building that opened last year, I enjoy it. I also became independent, so I now pay rent, bills and buy groceries. I started learning how to cook, and trust me when I say this. It saves you a lot of money, takeout food is NOT the way to go. Anyways, I am being an adult and I am learning new things in life as I go. School is a start and right now, there is no end to my educational journey right now. I plan to take up the Professional Cook Level 1 program in August, so I’ll be sure to come back to do a story on that when the time comes. I hope everyone is having a Happy New Year 🙂

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IN PROCESS OF COMING A SOCIAL WORKER

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My story is about how i had pulled myself out of a dark place while in the pandemic and maintaining a balance through the ownership of a pet. My animals have kept me out of the psych ward for 2 years ongoing and the simple act of owning a animal has made massive changes in my life for the better.

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During this pandemic I have avoided Covid-19 thank goodness. Mostly avoiding it for loved ones who are either elderly or are immune compromised. The pandemic has been difficult for me because my elderly mother got a stroke in May 2020 and spent her time until her death in a Long Term Care home where she died this August. She was independant before and didn't like her independance curtailed. So I really desperately needed a distraction. I found it in the form of Youtube. I was not familliar with Youtube berfore 2020. Youtube has really helped me keep calm and together. The thing I like about Youtube is that it's free and anyone can access it. It has so may features to it. I had no idea I was missing out before. Now I use Youtube to learn anything and everything. I can look up recipes and watch the making of a dish. I can look at obscure ideas and learn how people manage to do what they are talking about and see if I want to proceed or not. Music videos are the best, however, for distraction just find a playlist you like and you are good to go. One can watch videos from other languages and put on the captions. I used to watch TV before 2020, now I don't watch it anymore. I watch Youtube now. You can go to far away places anytime you want without leaving your community. At a click of a button Youtube can take you to a fashion show in Europe or you can go to the Grand Canyon and see what it looks like instantly without having to hike there. Sunsets, sunrises are so lovely at certain locations that we can't get at home. We can travel there instantly through Youtube. Youtube to me is a lifesaver. I had no idea at all what it was. I had heard about it. I thought it was just regular video that was limited unti I surprisingly came across it one night trying to distract myself from my problems. Youtube fulfilled my distraction problem. I absolutely love it. I cannot say enough good things about it. One just has to avoid what one doesn't want to look at and voila a wonderful evening. I don't want to put a video or photo of myself because I have issues with myself regarding it so I'd prefer not to.

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My story is about my employment challenges during Covid-19 and my success story of finding a new job during the pandemic.

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Fifteen years ago, I got my first camera while on a trip to Thailand and fell in love with the art of photography. After a few years of self-taught photography, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I bought my first good quality camera before a trip to Ireland in 2011. Since then, I have been transforming my hobby into self-employment.
I began my self-employment journey by sharing my artwork with family and friends beginning with my mom’s open studio with Watershed Artworks Society in Delta. From then on, I started looking into bigger opportunities such as making and selling photo note cards to local shops and businesses. The support I received from the local shops in my small town has allowed my business to blossom and take off.
Today, I have my own website that features my best work which includes pet photography, wildlife, flowers, and abstract work. My work is featured in art shows, artisan markets, corporate businesses, and local gift shops. Starting my own business has enhanced my mental health and confidence. When I first started I was very nervous to promote my work and potentially face rejection to the point where I passed up some great opportunities. Over time, I grew more confident and now, I can just strut into any store and offer my photography. The reason I love photography is because it freezes memories for a lifetime and keeps them ageless. By selling my artwork, people have a chance to see the world the way I do and witnessing people’s reactions to my photography makes my day and motivates me to keep improving.

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In May 2022, Kevin, Respite Manager of Aspire Richmond, approached me to see if I would be interested in joining the Include Me Committee. I said, “Yes!” because when we meet every month we get paid for the meeting! Before, it was volunteer time for self-advocates joining things. Everyone likes money, nothing is free, including your time. Kevin advocated for all self-advocates at Aspire Richmond to be paid for their time on committees because everyone else at the table is paid. The Directors and CEO discussed this and made it happen. Self-advocates can now join committees they are passionate about. It feels wonderful because I feel like I’m at work and contributing and helping our society get better. I look forward to having the meeting every month. For the October meeting I am co-facilitating with Kevin. I asked our self-advocate group, “What does community mean to you?”. I will be sharing what our self-advocate group came up with. Back in 2019, our agency participated in the Include Me Quality of Life Initiative with CLBC. We received the results in May 2020. Starting June 2022, we formed a small committee to look at the results. Our goal is to look at areas we need to make improvements on to serve individuals better, such as rights, social inclusion, personal development, material well-being, emotional well-being, and others. For me being on this committee, I am going to learn how to communicate with another participant who is non-verbal. I’m also personally gaining more skills for my own life. I like to teach other people and share my opinions. And of course, I’m looking forward to the cash so I can pay for things I need or want to buy. It makes me feel warm inside when I share how I feel.

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My story is about doing a project important to me about happiness and how I did it all with some help.

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My story is about a goal that I achieved and worked towards and made a presentation on and got paid for projects!

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I am a person who lives with Schizophrenia. It has been a difficult journey. I started having symptoms in my early 20’s and maintaining employment or going to school has been a tremendous challenge. That all changed this year though. After 14 years of not working full-time, I took the plunge. I was recently hired as a Peer Support Worker with Fraser Health. I do Harm Reduction outreach and it has been a dream job. I’m only two months in but everything has changed. I’m not terrified of losing my disability cheque anymore. I can survive on my own. I’m not afraid of my retirement. If I can work, I can earn a pension. Many medications I take were not covered by the disability medical plan that I was a part of. However, my employment benefits cover them. Working has provided me the kind of freedom that I haven’t experienced in my life. Peer support worker’s, in general, do not give advice. I’m not going to, but I can say that achieving any kind of independence in my life brought with it such an enormous amount of reduced stress that it allowed me to take on other projects and achieve even more. At the core of why I didn’t work for so long was an inner belief that I couldn’t. I didn’t believe that I had the capacity emotionally or physically to take on responsibilities. Turns out I was wrong. When I got into working, everyone I worked with turned out to be human too. We all have limitations and a limited capacity. Working together though, we were able to achieve much. It’s surprising how forgiving the work world can be of imperfection. I thought I had to be a star performer just to get a job, but again, showing up and doing the work was all that was necessary. I look forward to my next journey, whatever that may be. I never thought I would be a ladder climber, but I have stepped on the first rung and want more.

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Moving out on my own during Covid-19
- Nick’s hand written story attached
- Nick’s photo submitted separately

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My story is about how the isolation of covid affected me and what healthy distractions I created and participated in to create a positive social, and mental environment.

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My Blog About my Life

Recently, I did Equally Empowered, and a Film Festival. I also did an Inclusion BC Conference presentation and volunteering, all between October 2021 and May 2022.
Do you want to know what Equally Empowered is? Let me tell you what it is. It’s a program where adult self-advocates with disabilities get to be leaders by going to schools and teaching students how to be leaders too. We talk about inclusion, accessibility, standing up for yourself and community. It’s a lot to talk about. We had a lot of fun playing social bingo, art, and poetry to learn more about these topics.
Now let me talk about the Film Festival! This was a part of Equally Empowered but we only worked with grade 7 students. We watched and rated short videos. We picked the best ones to be in the film festival for grade 7’s to show all the students, teachers and important people from the community.
Next, I did the Inclusion BC Conference. I was nervous but it was good to do it with Tara and she was happy for me. It’s a conference to have presentations about the disability movement. That’s why I did it! I taught people how they can empower others to be inclusive leaders. I volunteered at the Inclusion BC Conference by giving people their name tags and showing them to lunch.
I feel amazing that I got to do these things!
By Alexa Lehwald

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My name is Robyn and I have had lots of family and friends help me through the covid pandemic. I have been really busy and out and about with my mom and dad and my program in Sooke. I have been doing a digital literacy course with my employment counsellor, I’m living healthier than ever before, and I’m learning new skills for work and at home.

I’m taking the C.A.S.E.digital literacy course and learning a lot about Microsoft, about what Is out there and how to be safe on line, and using face time and zoom on my own.

For the past couple of years, I have enjoyed being out side with family and friends.im talking more about my feelings and not keeping them inside. I have changed to be gluten free. I got new braces for my teeth. I go walking more and started going to the horse barn and spending time out side.

Some of the things I have been learning at home are sorting my laundry and learning more about the settings . I’m learning new cooking and baking recipes. I’m doing office work like sorting the papers for shredding and deciding what binders and folders to keep or throw away. I’m doing arts and crafts with my Cricut machine.

Before my course I didn’t know much about computers like I do now. it keeps my brain busy and I only need a little help If I get really stuck. I’m really happy and proud of how far have come. The pandemic changed our lives and a lot of ways even I f it was hard I can look back at all the good times and be proud of everything.

thank you Robyn Appleton

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My story is about being happy after Covid made me sad, at first. I am hard of hearing and sight, and wearing a mask made it hard to read peoples lips and it made my glasses so foggy I couldn't see. My favourite things to do all stopped. I learned why it was important to be safe and then I learned how to keep busy and find new things to keep me busy and happy instead of being sad about the old things I couldn't do anymore. Here is my story:

How to be happy when times are tough!

My name is Janeen, I’m 48 and live in a small town in BC. I love going to the library, movies, restaurants, parties and the yearly Blossom Festival parade, but all my fun things stopped in March 2020 when Covid germ came. I didn’t understand why. My favourite restaurant closed. The movie theatre closed and my friends couldn't come over. When I did go shopping I had to wear a mask. I don't like wearing a mask because it makes my glasses foggy and I can’t read lips when talking to other people. But a friend gave me a book about what this germ was about. I started understanding. My caregiver helped me keep busy by learning sign language because I’m hard of hearing and have friends that are the same. I have learned lots of words now. Then I got a soft-tip dart board and started practicing everyday! I am getting good at it and play with my foster brother. Now I use my iPad to write down five good things that happen each day and that makes me feel very happy before I go to sleep. Here is what I wrote last night:
1) Rescued cat from the shelter after he was abandoned. He was skinny and scared. Today he sat on my lap and watched bird videos on my iPad with me because he loves me so much!
2) Celebrated my 21st Anniversary living with my caregivers and we had a little party with pizza, pop, cheesecake and dancing!
3) Made a new friend. She is in a wheelchair. We both like the same music - ABBA!
4) Went to the Blossom Festival Parade finally! It was cancelled for 2 years so this made me very happy.
5) Got email from my sister! I learning how to get emails and download family photos.
So if you were like me, and were upset about not being able to do all the old things you like, try something new! Learning a new language, new game, making new friends and remembering good things that happen each day helps me stay happy!

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My story is about teaching myself sign language during the pandemic and then sharing the skill with my peers.
It was really important to me because it helped me feel less alone and I was still accomplishing new things. I believe learning this universal language is helpful during world crisis.

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Learning to speak in front of people with the help of Toastmaster's

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I stood at the counter at the general store. She said something to me. I asked her again and she answered. But I still did not know what she was saying. I agreed to whatever it was, paid and walked away. I have a severe hearing loss in my left ear and only 70% audible in my right ear- with a hearing aid. I am only 19 and rely on lip-reading to get a lot of information about what you might be saying. The teller that stood in front of me was MASKED. So, this pandemic has tuned me from a hearing person to a very deaf human. For the past two years, everything I worked for in learning skills was stripped away from me. Socializing was impossible except with my family. So PLEASE TAKE OFF YOUR MASK !

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I want to write about my caregiver who i lived with 8 years and how i have a big change on moving this week

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It's about a moderately autistic boy of Chinese origin named Cheng Yuan. He talks by sign language to his family. They discourage him from things and he believes he's incapable of anything. However, his grandmother Ming encourages him. Cheng decides to cook a dinner for his mother's 40th birthday. When the family see his mother's favourite home cooked Chinese food and taste it, they're surprised. In the end, Cheng's parents and older twin brothers finally believe in him, including himself.

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The use of technology and expressing our thoughts and feelings

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