Monthly Newsletters

March 2008

Journey by Daniel Nayanookeesic

I grew up in Dryden and moved to Thunder Bay in 1993 when I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. I have worked part-time jobs on and off at Old Fort William, ACT Team and Clubhouse TEs. I have also attended the Adult Learning Centre, taking computer courses at Confederation College.

I have been active with CMHA Clubhouse for over 10 years. I have become involved in the STEPS To Employment Program on 2 occasions, first in 2005 and again this past year. As a result from my disability, it has been difficult for me to find and keep a job due to my anxiety and panic attacks.

On a regular basis I have attended drumming sessions, workshops and events at Anishnawbe Mushkiki and have become more independent over the past few years. I feel I have been ready to work competitively for sometime, but just needed the right opportunity.

“My mental health is better because of work.”

I successfully completed STEPS and was hired through a program funded by Matawa to gain work experience and training on a paid contract at Anishnawbe Mushkiki. I was hired on a 4 month contract as a Program Helper to set-up for drum teaching. This included making coffee and tea, setting up tables and chairs, all cleaning and other duties as needed by the program coordinator. I worked on average about 15 hours per week.

This experience kept me busy and helped me get back into the real world of work. From this, I was able to secure a permanent part-time position with Paul Davis Systems as a General Labourer. My boss would describe me as a hard worker who is willing to do whatever is asked.

My mental health is better because of work. There are no more racing thoughts, I’m more focused, life is better, as I’m accomplishing something and a part of the community.

I have come a long way with my mental health and have accomplished a lot!

Editor’s note: STEPS to Employment is a partnership of Ontario March of Dimes and Canadian Mental Health Association.

Ability rather than Disability

We at OMOD focus on a person’s ABILITY rather than their DISABILITY. Through our assessment process we determine a person’s reliability, dependability, motivation, interests, skills and capabilities.

We help employers by talking to them so we fully understand their needs. Solutions are provided with a match that will suit the employer. We only recommend someone for a job who meets or exceeds the employer’s requirements.

April 2008

PDF copy of April newsletter

Making a Difference

First and foremost, on behalf of everyone at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, I would like to express a huge thank you for thinking of us with regards to a placement for RKW. He’s a gem to work with.

“...he genuinely loves helping out.”

Second, I wanted to take this welcome opportunity to describe how important he’s become to us here. In a short period of time, RKW has negotiated his way at the front desk (he’s brilliant at managing incoming calls and his phone manner is excellent); he helps out with the exhibit installations and art class preparations (he thrives in environments where here can make a noticeable difference in a specific period of time); and he’s learned how to use Excel spreadsheets to track and manage our database of contacts.

The absolute best thing about having RKW on board with us here, though, is quite simple: he genuinely loves helping out. He’s quick to learn new skills, extremely flexible with his schedule, and generous with his time. Gallery visitors enjoy his affable manner at reception and Gallery staff appreciate his top notch work ethic. What more could you ask for in an addition to the team?

We are very grateful to have RKW on our team. And thankful for the Ontario March of Dimes’ Achieving Success Program for its involvement in making this happen. Thank you!

Warm regards,

Socorro Kelly
Development Officer

Editor’s note: RKW asked that his name be removed from this letter.

Free is Good!

Are you interested in free software that can replace Microsoft Office? Well, there is a great product called OpenOffice. It is totally free of charge; no catches! It can easily replace Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint with Writer, Calc, Base, and Impress. It is designed by the makers of Java who are respectable software developers.

Worried about all your current Microsoft Office documents? Have no worries. OpenOffice will open and save your documents using Microsoft’s formats. You can also create PDF’s directly within OpenOffice software without purchasing Adobe Acrobat or installing extra software. To find out more about how to get the software and to try it, check out our free workshop April 30th. Give us a call at 345-6595 for more information.

May 2008

PDF copy of newsletter

Work Integration and Transition Supports - WITS

This Innovations project started in November, 2007 and focuses on providing consumers with supports to address employment goals, taking a multi-level transition approach to addressing needs and determining realistic employment ability. Our services take a 4 step approach to service as follows:

Stage 1: Intake and work development is an individualized process. Participants will work one on one with a Case Manager to develop an action plan that will assist in the transition to the next stage of the program.

Stage 2: Participants will have an opportunity for active participation in a range of program components that over a 4 week period will learn new skills (computer and life skills) as well as to enhance existing skills to assist in the engagement to work process.

Key points in this session will include:

Elements to finding and keeping a job
Listening Skills (active listening, stress management, problem solving)
Relationship Building (getting to know others)
Employment considerations (goal setting, time management, employer expectations)
Getting that Job (resumes, customer service, using the telephone effectively, job leads)

Stage 3: Transition will take place during a 2 week unpaid work trial that will allow integration into an employment situation, with the goal of active participation and to assess employment skills.

Stage 4: Participants will move into the final component of service with the transition to a 12 week community placement with possibility of on going employment. The Case Manager will develop a working relationship with the participant and the employer for the duration of the placement to ensure that supports needs are addressed.

Interested clients must be eligible for ODSP Employment Supports. Please contact Karen Wood at (807) 345-6595 ext 116 for further information.

Thanks for Listening

The individual personal support with a real person has helped me. Thanks for listening and helping me to find my path to follow.

“I can see someone immediately”

Stress causes you to lose your way.The help with housing, family matters and the information resources and programs has been very useful. The fact that I can see someone immediately, without a referral makes a big difference!

Way to go March of Dimes!!!,
Catherine

Ontario March of Dimes has a new approach to providing assistance.

The Community Support Liaison provides advocacy, information and referral, counseling and support to clients who have a variety of problems which may prevent them from moving forward.

For more information, contact Susan Ward Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 4p.m., at 345- 6595 ext 126.

June 2008

A Decent Pair of Shoes

PDF copy of newsletter

I would wholeheartedly like to thank you for your support and assistance with getting a new pair of shoes. In Canada, most people would assume that it is the basic right of everyone to own a decent pair of shoes, yet fail to understand just how challenging this may be for some. I have been in this challenging category for some of my 55 years, and can honestly say that for a variety of reasons, it has never been an easy accomplishment. In recent times, the major barrier has been financial. As you know, the current pair (that is three pairs with one build-up on a left), is costing almost $900. I have not been able to afford this and frankly not sure when I will be in more favourable financial circumstances.

“my self-esteem raises with new shoes”

At this time, Thunder Bay Orthopedic have special ordered three pair of shoes. I have tried them on, and currently, they are proceeding to build up one left shoe. It will probably be ready at some point over the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to this as it is a significant event. What might be considered a necessary accessory by most, for me, shoes have always been a part of my core identity. I always feel more confident, and my self-esteem raises with new shoes. Simply, I stand and walk more assuredly.

For me, this is an accomplishment.

Over the twenty-five years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, this is the first time I have received any assistance with this matter. It moves me that you made the effort to initiate a series of processes so that I get what I need. Furthermore, I thank you for recognizing and seizing an opportunity to make a very positive difference in someone’s life.

Many Regards,

Lorne Glena

Submission of a Job Developer

“benefits both his business and the new employees he hires.”

The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites have been extremely supportive of OMOD Employment Programs for many years. Mr. Jari Pulkkinen, Executive Chef for the hotel and Portside Restaurant is a great supporter in working with individuals of all skill levels. He has been terrific in training and orientating people to the behind the scenes activities of a kitchen. His patience, understanding and overall insight into the needs of his staff and the kitchen have enabled several individuals the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed in various positions.

The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites has been a very positive role model, in demonstrating how a business and community work together in achieving both the goals of the hotel/restaurant and the participants of the employment programs at OMOD.

It takes community minded supervisors like Mr. Pulkkinen to see the value in working together to achieve a good working relationship that benefits both his business and the new employees he hires.

As a Job Developer with OMOD, it is a pleasure working with Mr. Pulkkinen and the staff at the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites.

Thanks for all your continued support and for making Thunder Bay a better place to work and play.

July 2008

PDF copy of newsletter

To Whom It May Concern

I was referred to the Achieving Success Program by a vocational therapist. I was seeking treatment for anxiety and depression and looking for a solution to the problems I was facing with employment because of my “disability”. I had a job working at a greenhouse that I enjoyed and was quite capable of, but once I was laid off I was unsure what to do and feeling very unwell.

OMOD and their employees made me feel very comfortable in the classroom setting, which is unusual for me. The exercises we did made me feel more confident in myself in general, and of course with my ability to gain suitable employment. Although I didn’t find long lasting employment from the program, it was not for lack of professionalism and assistance from Satu and Georgia. They gave me every opportunity available and I did gain meaningful experience from the time I did spend with employers. They helped me seek out placements that were fitted to my personal needs. It was only due to outstanding unrelated factors in my life at the time that I was unable to make the most of this wonderful program.

“The exercises we did made me feel more confident ...with my ability to gain suitable employment”

I am now working at the greenhouse again for the season, and am glad of it, but I plan to stay in touch to use the services available at OMOD in the future if necessary. I have also referred friends to the program, and am still unsure if any of them have pursued it as of yet.

Thank you for providing me with these opportunities.

Recognizing an Employer

“Allan cares not only about his community but the people who are in it.”

I would like to introduce you to an employer who I believe exhibits outstanding leadership qualities. I have worked with Allan Oger, owner of the Westfort Tavern, Brown Street Station. Allan supports Ontario March of Dimes by offering employment opportunities and was one of the largest supporters for Ontario March of Dimes when we participated in the Great Billboard Challenge for the United Way. Allan cares not only about his community but the people who are in it.

I would like to recognize Allan Oger for all the work that he does and thank him and his staff for the continued support of Ontario March of Dimes employment programs.

August 2008

Coming August 2008