Jonathan never lets his disability stop him from going forward.
Like many people with a disability, Jonathan was finding it difficult to find meaningful employment. His Mom, Ada, looked for support to help Jonathan, and they were connected with Agilec.
“And since then, it has been fantastic,” she says with joy.
The Agilec program supports individuals with disabilities by identifying and developing the skills that will help them secure stable employment. Jonathan was also provided with coaching support, including interview assistance.
Additionally, Jonathan’s Employment Consultant at Agilec, Chanelle, had conversations with employers to create non-traditional interview formats. Instead of a sit-down face-to-face chat, they could simulate the way he worked.
This allowed a potential employer to understand what his abilities are and what he was actually bringing to the table.
And it worked! Jonathan has found a role at The Good Shepherd Venture Centre, where people with food insecurity are provided with emergency meals and clothing.
As Chanelle explains, “Good Shepherd Venture Centre was definitely a great fit for Jonathan because of the fact of it being a very inclusive work space, allowing folks who do present with disability to be able to assess what their abilities are, and figure out what works for them.”
Jonathan is loving being able to contribute, “Agilec helped me find a job. Without them, it would be difficult for me to find a job. My favourite thing about being part of the team is being really useful and helping those in need. And since I started working here, I’ve been happier.”
It’s not just Jonathan who’s happy with his new sense of purpose and independence.
His Project Manager at Good Venture, Mark, is full of praise for Jonathan, “He is one for detail. He’s given a task, and he does that task very well. And the feedback that I get from Don and Hannah is that they have watched him improve.”
It’s a dream come true for his Mom, Ada, “For me, seeing Jonathan, this development and this independence, is my dream.”
And for Chantelle, “He was really always just wanting everyone to know that I’m just like everybody else. And, you know, that touched my heart. And I’m just overwhelmed by his success.”
