Summer 2012 - Richmond Society for Community Living

I have a job and I love it!
At a recent fundraising event for RSCL, Rhianna Coyle shared her
story which included the value of our Youth Employment Program
in helping her to create an independent and fulfilling life:
Hi my name is Rhianna Coyle. I live in Steveston with my parents. I
live downstairs with a big bedroom and bathroom to myself so I
have space to be by myself. I have wanted a job for a long me. It
has been very hard to get one. In high school I did work experience
but I wanted a real paying job. RSCL worked with me to give me pre
employment skills so I would be be er prepared for a real job.
I had supported employment with the Richmond Handy Crew for a
couple of years. I cleaned the head office for a training wage. I
learned to be on me, be a self starter, to be responsible, and get
along with my work friends. But I s ll wanted a real job. RSCL
worked very hard to get me a job, but no one would hire me. I did
get lots of interviews but I s ll wasn't hired. Lots of months went by
and I didn't have a job. I was feeling down and bummed.
Then Audi at the Richmond Auto Mall wanted me to scan their
documents. I tried it out to see if I could do it. I have to unstaple
the papers, I type the number of the paper into the computer, then
copy it, push process documents, push paste, save it, and then I
scan it. It seemed complicated at first, but soon I found it easy.
Audi must sell a lot of cars because there are always a lot of
documents!
Now I work two days a week, for 5 and a half hours a day. It is a long
day for me because I have to take a bus to the mall, and then the
Automall shu le to Audi. It takes me over an hour to get there, but
it is worth it.
Having this job makes me feel important, and useful. I feel more
independent. I enjoy mee ng new people at my job and my
manager and boss are really nice. They give me compliments on
the work I do and it makes me feel awesome.
Having my own money gives me more independence and freedom.
I have bought an iPod, and am looking at a new TV for my room. I
want a big one! It is nice to be able to buy things for my family too. I
was able to buy nice Christmas gi s for them, and that was a great
feeling.
When I am not working I am at Quantam day services, or
volunteering at the Richmond Animal Shelter. I have a great life,
with Quantam, volunteering and now having a job makes my life
complete.
As a major sponsor for our Secret Garden event in
February, we have included the attached
advertisement for Cowell Motors.
Rhianna with her mom and Mark Madryga.
3rd Annual RSCL Staff Conference
In March, RSCL hosted our third annual All‐Staff
Conference at the Execu ve Airport Plaza Hotel. With a
theme of Wellness – Balancing Body, Mind and Spirit, this
two‐day conference provided staff with break‐out
sessions focusing on a range of topics including Non‐
Violent Communica on, Advocacy, the Joy of Working
and Personal Support Networks.
The staff conference offers an opportunity for more than
100 permanent staff (and some relief staff and
caregivers) to get to know one another be er, to learn
together, and to laugh together. This improved sense of
community within RSCL results in an improved ability for
staff to work together to provide the best possible
programs for the individuals that are supported, and for
their families.
The highlight of the conference was our closing keynote
speaker Michael Bortolo o, an mo va onal speaker
who was born with cerebral palsy. His message of
overcoming adversity by challenging internal and
external limita ons and barriers was inspiring for all in
a endance.
Immediately following the
conference, RSCL hosted a Staff
Apprecia on Event which
recognized staff who have
worked with the agency for 5,
10, 15 and 20 years.
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 14