The Neil Squire Society has had a partnership with the Katimavik Youth program (new window) for over three years. Our most recent Katimavik volunteer (new window) , Marissa, a bright and enthusiastic 20 year old from London, Ontario, has been with the Neil Squire Society since March of this year. “I am happy to have the opportunity to volunteer here at the Neil Squire Society,” says Marissa. “It’s wonderful. It’s a good fit for me.” Marissa has been helping participants increase their computer skills in the Computer Comfort program as well as observing and assisting Employ-Ability program participants.

Marissa was studying Social Justice and Peace Studies, when she decided to take a break from school and try something new in order to figure out what she wanted to do in the next phase of (new window) her life. A friend of the family suggested she try the Katimavik Youth program (new window). According to Marissa, this time has largely been about soul searching. “I haven’t found that one thing that I am passionate about, but what better way to gain some exposure?”

The Neil Squire Society has been a very positive experience for Marissa, who has been learning something from our participants almost every day. One of the biggest lessons she has learned is that there are “invisible disabilities” and that you cannot make assumptions about the challenges people face or about their strengths. She has also learned that there are many ways to make life easier for people. “As someone without a physical disability, it’s not something I would have thought twice about in my day to day life. I now realize there is a whole different world of technology available to help people”, says Marissa. “It’s good to see people walk through life independently while being themselves.”

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Marissa, you may do so here.