John entered the Neil Squire Society’s (new window) Employ-Ability Program (now known as the Working Together Program) without a clear idea of what type of career he should pursue. The program helped him identify his skills and abilities, as well as occupations that might be a good fit for him. He has an innate ability to connect with people, thanks in part to his previous experience with non-violent communication skills. For John, finding a position where he could utilize this skill to help people became his main goal.

John, who’s intelligent, articulate and picks things up very quickly, found himself with three new positions within a week of completing the Employ-Ability Program.

John gained a paid position with Community Outreach Vancouver (new window), an organization that provides solutions with a positive impact. He also secured two volunteer positions, one with Vancouver Coastal Health (new window), at their Pender Street Needle Exchange (new window), working as a Harm Reduction Coordinator in the downtown eastside, and another as a SMART group facilitator. The SMART group (new window) is an addiction support service where volunteers provide emotional support and social contact in a peer group setting.

But John hasn’t stopped there, he plans on starting the Community Counselling program at Vancouver Community College (new window) this coming January.

Congratulations, John!