People
Inclusive Employer Values Mony’s Gifts
Monyca (Mony) loves her job. She works at the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre (FVCDC), a place where she’s able to use her gifts and is supported by the staff team.
She is responsible for a variety of tasks including unlocking and unarming the buildings if she’s first to arrive, and setting up rooms for physiotherapy sessions or group gym classes. Mony sanitizes surfaces, waters plants, and keeps the walkway swept clean. She’s also learning to navigate the organization’s social media platform.
I do a lot of different things. I like that variety. – Mony, centre aide, FVCDC
This employment experience is a way for Mony to give back. FVCDC supported her as a child growing up with disabilities; now she’s able to support other children in the same way.
Amanda de Waal is an employment specialist with Communitas Supportive Care Society. Amanda says that Mony brings a wealth of experience to her role as a centre aide.
“Mony has a passion for working with children. She volunteers with children at her church and loves interacting with nieces and nephews,” Amanda says. “She has a deep desire to learn and has such a positive attitude. She brings a lot to the job.”
When talking about the children who are supported through FVCDC, Mony’s face lights up.
“I love working with the children,” she says. “Last week, I got to help one little boy learn how to crawl. It was so fun.”
Mony came to work at FVCDC in the fall of 2021 through a Canada Youth Employment program grant. An Opportunities Fund program from the BC Centre for Ability has allowed the organization to extend her employment. Don Davis is the Director of Finance and Facilities for FVCDC and is Mony’s supervisor. He says Mony is a valuable team member.
“Mony brings to her work an infectious smile and a friendly greeting to everyone she meets,” Don says. “She is very good at remembering names and takes pride in saying ‘hello’ to all of her co-workers. Mony is enthusiastic about her work and is eager to learn new tasks and take on new responsibilities.”
Lisa Gunn is the Communication and Development manager for FVCDC. She also affirms Mony’s strengths and is grateful for her help with fundraising events.
“Mony is so reliable, she knows how to greet people and make them feel welcome,” Lisa says.
Amanda says FVCDC is an excellent, inclusive employer that truly understands the value of hiring someone for their abilities.
“The staff at FVCDC are beyond inclusive, it truly feels like family when you’re there,” Amanda says. “And the beauty is, they wanted Mony for who she is, not just to fill an empty role.”
The positive partnership between Communitas and FVCDC is felt on both sides. Don is grateful for the support that Amanda has given Mony on her employment journey.
“We’ve been blessed to have Communitas help us to make Mony’s work experience with us as successful as it can be,” he says.
Having a job that uses her gifts, with an employer who understands, encourages, and celebrates her means a lot to Mony. Amanda says she hopes that telling this story will paint a full picture of who Mony really is.
“She is an amazing individual. Yes, I’ve gotten to work behind the scenes to make sure all goes smoothly, but it is Mony who continues to show up and journey towards the goodness in this world. I am so proud.”
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