The Agilec Hamilton team is proud to highlight a remarkable candidate, Jonathan, whose journey showcases resilience, dedication, and the power of community collaboration.
Jonathan first connected with Agilec Hamilton in 2023 and has been working closely with his Employment Consultant through various programs to gain valuable skills and work experience. His employment journey began with the Paving a Path program through the March of Dimes, where he was introduced to employment services. He then progressed to the Goodwill TEAMS program, gaining hands-on experience in entry-level roles such as janitorial work, cashiering, customer service, and stocking. Through this program, he received evaluations that helped him identify his strengths and areas for growth.
Determined to build on his experience, Jonathan then enrolled in the YWCA TOP program, where he earned certifications in First Aid, AODA, Health and Safety, and WHMIS. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of his Employment Consultant and the YWCA TOP team, Jonathan secured a placement at the Good Shepherd Venture Centre. This opportunity placed him in an inclusive and supportive environment where he could develop hands-on skills, work alongside understanding peers, and gain tangible work experience.
To ensure Jonathan’s success, Agilec Hamilton and YWCA TOP provided ongoing support, including weekly on-site job coaching and additional training. Recognizing Jonathan’s potential, Agilec’s Program Manager facilitated access to a pilot job coaching initiative through the Vocational Rehabilitation team at Agilec. Throughout December and January, this partnership – including Agilec Employment Services, Agilec Vocational Rehabilitation team, YWCA TOP, and Jonathan’s parents – worked together to provide tailored coaching, skill development, and employer communication support.
Thanks to his hard work and the dedicated efforts of his support team, Jonathan successfully transitioned into an independent job placement with increased hours and continued positive employer feedback. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of strong community partnerships.
This journey reflects Agilec’s core values—person-centered, inclusive, empowering, team, excellence, and integrity. A special thank you goes to Justine Primeau, Program Manager, and Kelsey Leedale, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant for their dedication and commitment to making a difference. Stories like Jonathan’s remind us that the work we do truly changes lives.
Congratulations, Jonathan!
See Jonathan at work in the video below:
