Our eldest daughter has been partnering with Work BC for several months since being laid off from her previous and up-to-now only job as a greenhouse worker. They have provided workshops regarding resume writing and interview skills as well as a complete vocational and interest assessment. They really have been very attentive and thorough! As she has decided to work in the area of pet care going forward, there is still much to learn and experience to gain. My husband and I have been life-long dog owners but there are practical health and safety issues to be considered. Several small but regular cat-sitting and dog-sitting jobs have filled the time in between SOBC basketball, long walks with our own dog and volunteer work. Our daughter now truly feels ready to begin the next chapter of her life.
Yesterday she spoke to me about how difficult it is to be atypical in a world where differences are not always celebrated. As a young woman with an intellectual disability, our daughter knows that what is most important to her is to have meaningful work: a job with regular hours where she can feel valued and make a reasonable wage while still enjoying the small pleasures life can offer like friendship, family and time to enjoy them. And while she is so appreciative of the work that she has done so far, she is ready, willing and able to do more now. My husband and I are proud to have raised such a well-grounded, friendly and hard-working young woman. We're all looking forward to what comes next!
