Tamara

“Work gives me a purpose in life. The people at Sodexo are caring and understanding and I like that. They treat me like any other employee.”

Tamara started as a DaCapo Disability Services client in 2018, and LFS has supported her to connect with employers, find a job, and succeed at work.

Her job with Sodexo Canada involves cleaning the communal spaces and offices of Chinook Regional Hospital. She cleans areas that were previously being missed, which has opened staff capacity so other workers feel less overwhelmed. “They love me because I’ve made it easier for everyone else. They are nice people to work with; they help you if you need it, and my managers and supervisors are very supportive.”

The search was challenging. Not every employer is inclusive when hiring; it can be hard to get past the stigma. “I was confident I could work 4 days a week, but not everyone believed I could. It’s hard to prove to people that I can do it, but I know I can.”

Work has given Tamara more confidence in her abilities. “I feel like my job has helped me learn, it’s even helped my cleaning at home!” She can also interact more with people in the community. “Sometimes familiar people from the hospital catch the bus with me, and I get to know them."

Tamara does a lot of advocacy—she’s involved with the Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA), Mission Thrift Store, and the local transit committee to help improve routes and transit processes for everyone.

She likes coming to DaCapo after work for the one-on-one services and activities with staff and other clients. Her job allows for a healthy work-life balance and time for self-care. When we chatted with Tamara she was excited about upcoming holidays to Kelowna. Work allows her to have more money to travel.

“I take one day at a time, because you don’t know what tomorrow brings.”

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