Staff
Employment a STEP on the Journey to Mental Wellness
Jenn looks through the sparkling clean window she just finished wiping down and feels that sense of satisfaction of a job well done. Cleaning windows is one of her specialties. She also loves dealing with garbage and recycling but the best part of her job is working with trainees. Jenn is a shift leader in Janitorial Services at Communitas. It’s work she loves, for an organization for which she is grateful.
“Communitas has been my rock. The people I’ve met, the staff, everyone has been so amazing, so encouraging,” Jenn says.
Jenn’s journey has had its challenges. Jen lives with mental health challenges that began in her youth, and which left her feeling isolated and uncertain of her own abilities. She was diagnosed with depression and schizoaffective disorder, which was difficult.
“I wasn’t really living in reality. I didn’t have many friends, I was a loner, and then I got in with the wrong crowd,” she remembers.
All of that changed when she moved to Abbotsford in hopes of a fresh start. She found a new doctor and connected with mental health services in community. She credits her doctor, who was firm with her, for helping her take the first steps to regaining control of her life.
“He said ‘it’s twenty percent medication and eighty percent you’, reminding me that I had to make an effort,” Jenn says. “That made a big difference to me.”
Medication helped but so did therapy: Dialectical behavioural therapy and Cognitive behavioural therapy made an enormous difference. Jenn began to practice mindfulness. Slowly, things began to change.
Jenn’s caseworker suggested that finding employment might help build her confidence and self-esteem. She directed Jenn to Communitas’ Support Towards Employment Program (STEP) and it changed Jenn’s life.
She began with short shifts at Communitas’ shredding enterprise but found the noise very difficult to handle. Still, her supervisor was very encouraging, cheering her on each successful step. Over time, Jenn realized that she did have abilities and was learning skills that she could use in the workforce. Having a safe environment and an employer who understands gave Jenn the confidence to keep going.
People here are so friendly, they understand what it’s like to have a bad day, so you feel like you’re not alone – that’s super helpful for me.
Jenn – Shift Leader, Janitorial Services, Communitas
Matt Dirks is currently the chief innovation officer for Communitas but he managed Communitas Social Enterprises when he first started with the organization. He remembers Jenn’s first shift with STEP.
“At first, Jenn didn’t think she’d make it through her first shift,” Matt remembers. “But she kept coming back and with each shift she progressed and gained confidence. It is so inspiring to see her develop in terms of her resiliency and in her relationships.”
When she moved to Communitas’ Janitorial Services, she found her home. Jenn loves cleaning, so the work comes naturally to her. Her first challenge was working alongside others but as her confidence grew, she overcame her shyness and now, it’s one of her favourite parts of the job.
Jenn feels that employment is an important part of recovery in one’s journey towards mental wellness as it gives one a sense of purpose. Having a steady paycheque helps you regain your independence and gives you the ability to do things you may not have been able to afford to do. And it turns out that Jenn’s caseworker was right: employment did help her build up her self esteem and regain her confidence.
“I’m a shift leader now and it’s awesome,” Jenn says with a smile. “When Matt phoned to tell me that I got the job, I was so proud of myself! Without Communitas, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”
Stacey Murdoch manages STEP and says Jenn is an asset to the Janitorial Services team and to the organization. She praises Jenn for her ability to connect with trainees and employees alike.
“No one understands the people we serve like Jenn does,” Stacey says. “She has incredible insight and is just abounding in love and care for her team. Everyone knows that they are accepted.”
The highlight of Jenn’s work today is the opportunity to share her journey with her trainees. She can see when someone is struggling and she understands. Her personal experience enables her to offer encouragement – just as others have done for her.
For anyone struggling with their mental health, Jenn offers the same advice that her caseworker gave her: try to find a place to work or to volunteer with an employer who is understanding. Perseverance is key.
“Never give up. If you don’t get it the first time, try again. If something doesn’t work, try something else. Keep trying until you find what works for you,” she says.
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