Success Stories
Read success stories about
our clients.
Client: James B.
Employer: Bentley’s Leather
Position: Store Manager
James was encouraged by a Community Supports Program to obtain
Employment Supports thru the Job Quest Program.
James suffers from ADHD (attention deficient hyper disorder) having
this may cause attention to detail to be limited; depression as well
as low self-esteem. James other barrier is Bi-polar disorder
which can cause your emotions to go up and down and result in poor
job performance. Having these two barriers has made it
difficult for James but he has been able to over come those barriers
with the support of Job Quest and others.
It was first thought that because of James’s diagnosis that he
should apply for ODSP Income Supports and then look into employment
options with the help of Job Quest.
However after further discussions with James he was very determined
to first find employment so that he could support his 2 young sons
who had recently started living with him.
James and his Employment Counsellor, Gloria Clark started
investigating what employment skills James had and what
opportunities were available in Lindsay. James had an extensive
background in sales and expressed the desire to pursue it.
After a few meetings with Gloria he was informed that Bentley’s was
hiring, James and his worker both felt that he was prepared enough
to start actively job searching as he had been equipped with all the
necessary tools and techniques that would help him market himself.
James felt a bit at ease with approaching the Store Manager at
Bentley’s as he was familiar with the manager. Right away James
prepared himself for this first initial meeting and with his resume
in hand off he went…
This may sound like a fairly easy thing to due but not for James.
In James case he experienced a high level of stress and anxiety as
he initially felt it would be difficult to be accepted with his
barriers. He had the constant thought that he needed to prove
himself to the other staff as well as his manager that he could
perform the duties and be a great sales person despite this barrier.
The next day James returned to Job Quest with the great news that he
was successful in obtaining a graduated part time position at
Bentley’s. During his first few weeks at his new job his hard work
and determination paid off as the store and district manager had
noticed his strong sales techniques and his dedication to the job.
Job Quest was always there to provide James with the supports and
commitment that required but in the end it was James that proved to
the world that he could do it, even months after his promotion he’s
still working hard and providing for his family as the Store Manager
of the Bentley’s in Lindsay.
Job Quest is happy to have been able to provide Job Coaching,
Employment Support, Resume assistance, employer negotiation and
continued supports to James to ensure that he has continued success.
Since James has become the Manger he has been able to provide
another Job Quest Client with the opportunity to prove his skills
and abilities and is also now part of the Bentley’s Team.
We are all proud of your accomplishments James, keep in touch!!!!
Client Success Story
A pleasant young woman came to Job Quest seeking part time
employment in the winter of 2008. She was a single mom who had not
been employed in 5 years. Dealing with a mental illness felt like a
huge barrier for this client in regards to job searching, although
she exhibited no signs of her illness for many years. She had been
incarcerated for a short time during one of her episodes after being
charged with a criminal offence many years ago and the embarrassment
of the charge weighed heavily on her. Her greatest fear in seeking
employment was that the employer would find out her past. Filling
out employment applications and talking to employers was a difficult
task in which she felt employers would find out the truth about her
dark secret.
This client’s past work history speaks for itself. She had long term
employment for many years and had great references from her past
employers. She had many valuable transferable skills that Job Quest
was ready to promote on her behalf. Getting past her own shame
stemming from her mental illness was her only barrier.
After completing her resume and a few Life Skill sessions she was
work ready.
Job Quest assisted by driving the client job developing. She was
shown effective ways of introducing herself to the employer when
submitting her resume. She quickly became her own self advocate
simply by being given the tools. In addition, Job Quest met with
potential employers advocating for this client.
In a very short time she secured an interview and was provided with
interview preparation which included a mock interview. After her
interview together we wrote a Thank You not for the interviewer and
hand delivered it. She was successful in getting the job and was
required to start immediately. Job Quest requested ESUB on her
behalf for required clothing and shoes for her new position in a
restaurant as well as assisted her in shopping for her new clothing.
The client commented on her experience with Job Quest that " Job
Quest has a relaxing atmosphere and the counsellors are very
knowledgeable and helpful in every aspect from start to finish" . I
will definitely be a repeat participant if necessary. I would also
promote Job Quest to other people" .
She continues to enjoy her job and said that " working has given me
a social connection again as well as being a productive member of
the community" . This is apparent when you meet her. She exudes self
confidence and pride and looks forward to going to work each day.
Success Story
When John Doe first approached Job Quest, he was in his final
year of high school and was approaching graduation. He now
admits that he wasn’t sure what to expect and was fairly hesitant.
But all that would change very quickly.
John Doe had always enjoyed working with his hands, and really
wanted a career that would allow him to use his muscles as well as
his mind. However, he had struggled academically due to
ADD and had essentially given up hope of ever going to college.
John Doe met with his Employment Counsellor who helped him create a plan of
action for his Career Goals. Armed with a new resume
and some advice on how to job search, John quickly found a
job with a local Tree Service company. For the first
time in his life, he had a job which fit his skills, and he
flourished immediately. Job Quest was also able to
provide him with the necessary safety gear, and kept in
touch to make sure things were going well.
In the off-season, John took a chain-saw course, and started to
look into some post-secondary education. With the help of his
employment counsellor and through parental support, John has been
accepted into the Arboriculture program at Sir Sandford Fleming
College, with a grant through the Opportunities Fund. Looking
back over 12 short months, John can hardly believe the steps he has
taken. His Employment Counsellor, Andrew, says " John had that
spark and enthusiasm from the first time I met with him. He’s
not had the easiest road to where he is now, but thanks to his hard
work and determination he is rising up to meet his potential.
I couldn’t be more proud of him!"