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Triumph Vocational Services Success Grows from Teamwork A Triumph Vocational Services™ Success Story • February, 2005 Jan wanted to work, but her disability kept her from achieving that goal. At Triumph Vocational Services, she found people who understood and would help her.Jan wanted to write for a living, a choice that fit well with her disability. She had earned a writing certificate from Simon Fraser University, but her disability isolated her at home. She jumped at the opportunity to participate in Triumph, which helps people with disabilities find work. Cindy, Jan’s Triumph job coach, quickly realized that the perfect work experience placement for Jan would be at Artemis PR & Design, the Victoria-based public relations firm affiliated with Triumph. Cindy recognized in Jan the need to have a greater purpose in her work, and she knew Artemis believed in helping the community. It seemed a perfect match. Jan researched Artemis online, and happily found she could identify with their mission statement. A few days later, Birgit, her Triumph job developer, had set up a work experience placement for Jan at Artemis. “I couldn’t believe it—the type of work I wanted to do with the type of business I wanted to work for,” Jan says. At Artemis, Jan soon received compliments on her writing. She was elated. She hardly had time to settle down from the excitement when she was offered contract work with Artemis. “It was a dream come true,” says Jan. Today, Jan is working her way towards complete independence from disability benefits. She quickly acknowledges that she wouldn’t be living her dream without the hard work of her Triumph team. “Cindy and Birgit did for me what I couldn’t do for myself,” says Jan. “At Triumph, they really know what they’re doing.” His lowest moment was being turned away from an interview upon first sight, without even a chance to demonstrate his abilities.The Lanes took this in stride and decided to “just not eat there anymore.” Fortunately, Chris was directed towards Triumph Vocational Services where he found a broad range of services, including disability management, assertiveness training, career exploration and job placement. “Triumph was dynamic in encouraging Chris and finding him employment on his own terms,” says Trevor Lane, Chris’s father. “They have an awful lot of experience finding the right match” Triumph’s Norm Attwell worked closely with Chris to find the right fit, coaching him through interviews and building his self-confidence. “It was a real pleasure working with Chris,” he says. Within a short time, Norm secured Chris a part-time position in the Griffin’s kitchen. “We had originally approached the employer to provide Chris with work experience so he could demonstrate his abilities and enthusiasm for the job. It turned out they hired him on a permanent part-time basis.” Working has done wonders for Chris’ self-esteem and gives him the camaraderie and social integration that was missing from his everyday life. Many individuals with myotonic MD require more sleep than usual, and this job gives him a reason to get up in the morning. “We are indebted to Norm Attwell and Triumph for giving Chris this chance in life,” explains Trevor. “The true value is not money he is making, but in the real-life experiences he is gaining.” Chris dreams of working as a chef at a ski resort. An avid member of the Vancouver Island Skiing for Disabled Society, Chris gets in as many ski days as possible. “Mount Washington has offered me a job as breakfast cook based on my credentials and experience,” explains Chris. “Triumph opened the door for me, and now I am following my dreams. I feel great about myself, and am moving forward in life.” “I couldn’t believe it—the type of work I wanted to do with the type of business I wanted to work for." Success on your own terms |