The Neil Squire Society’s Atlantic Regional Office values the many community partners who often play a role in helping to promote our services, gain new clients, and offer employment to those we are working with. In Sussex, New Brunswick (new window), Crosswinds Occupational Activity Center (new window) does all of the above.
Crosswinds is an organization that works with people with disabilities in order to help them reach their full potential. Services include independent living skills, recreation, and employment training. Additionally, they have work programs for people with disabilities such as cleaning, snow removal, and lawn care.
Crosswinds and the Neil Squire Society’s Working Together program often collaborate in order to best serve the clients we are both working with. We get referrals of work-ready individuals who can’t always be served at Crosswinds. They’ve been a great resource in connecting us with open-minded employers in the Sussex region. Crosswinds has also hired a number of Working Together clients, including Mary-Jo.
Mary-Jo is a community-minded and caring individual who enjoys volunteering at Drive-in Bingo. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crafting, and writing poetry.
In 2015, Mary-Jo was working as a supervisor at a grocery store when she sustained a shoulder injury on the job. After being without work for two years, Mary-Jo was feeling the strain and depression caused by unemployment. She had developed barriers to employment, given the limitations presented by her injury.
Mary-Jo was supported to return to school at Eastern College (new window), where she successfully completed the Business Administration (new window) program with distinction. Around the same time, the Executive Director at Crosswinds informed Working Together that she was expanding their office and looking to hire an Administrative Assistant. With the support of the Working Together program and Crosswinds, Mary-Jo was able to begin work in her new field.
Mary-Jo has been working with Crosswinds for a year now and is extremely happy to work there. With the help of the Neil Squire Society, she was able to reach her goal of finding a career in her field. She found the Working Together program very interesting and informative in terms of learning about what employers want.
Mary-Jo says she would definitely recommend the Neil Squire Society to anyone who has a disability of any kind, adding, “People with a disability need to keep the faith that there are great and caring people out there that are willing to help you achieve your dreams and goals. I am so appreciative to Neil Squire and your employees for all the help you gave me to achieving my goal. Thank you!”
The Working Together with Employers and Enhancing Employability
program is funded by the Government of Canada’s
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities