This is my story of how the Work Initiative Network (WIN) helped me with my journey to a paid, part-time job.

 

I was anxious at first, but I was getting too bored with my life. I needed a challenge. I felt ready to take on the responsibility of a part-time volunteer job.

 

With the help of my case manager, I phoned a small dog groomers to volunteer to work on Friday's from 9:00am-12:00p.m. The employer said yes. The first day I went to work the employer saw that I was able to bathe the dogs without her watching me. She asked to hire me on the spot. I was excited. But I responded by saying I would like to volunteer first for a year. She agreed.

 

In September 2005 I felt ready to work Thursdays and Fridays. WIN staff helped me role play in asking my employer to work two days a week. The following week I had the confidence to ask my employer. She agreed. Which made me feel good. Staff at WIN talked to me about my wages and explained that it would not interfere with my ODSP. I started getting paid in October 2005.

 

Staff from WIN made an appointment with my employer to discuss and negotiate my wages. I was glad that they were there to step in and do the work for me.

 

I get along well with my employer. When it's time to go, my employer says, "you worked hard today, thanks." Which gives me self-esteem to keep up the good work. I'm excited to be getting paid.