Creating pathways for transformation
As the Director of Employment Services, the most meaningful part of my role and the work I do is the contribution we make to the lives of our clients. I get to bear witness to the transformation our programs make on individuals who are often the most marginalized and vulnerable members of our society.
From those with multiple challenges such as physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities, lack of housing, poverty, single parents, low skills or dated skills, right through to people who are active substance users, they all want to contribute back to society in a meaningful way but often are at a loss of how to enter or re-enter the job market after years of not working.
Our team gets to develop customized plans that include interventions such as retraining or wage subsidy to assist folks along their continuum to employment. This is very rewarding work.
Why being part of Beacon matters
Being part of Beacon means so much to me. I feel completely aligned with Beacon’s values, mission and visions. Being of service to others is important, as the stronger and more empowered our clients feel, the stronger and more vibrant our communities become.
Working with Beacon is a privilege and I remind myself regularly how fortunate I am to work here.
What makes Beacon unique
What we do we do with heart. Our compassion is what eases people’s journeys, whether it be their journey from unemployment to employment to being housed, to finding daycare and supportive counselling and resources, to being listened to, seen and heard and valued.
There are other agencies who may do similar work but I don’t think there is another agency that has the breadth of services and programs all under one roof.
The problem we solve is providing wholistic caring services and programs in every corner of Beacon and we do it humbly, and without great fanfare. Without us, clients would have to move from agency to agency, which can be very frustrating for folks who just want to find a seamless path forward to their goals.
A message to our donors and supporters
Your contribution makes a huge impact on one person’s life — and many people’s lives — by providing Beacon with the ability to pivot easily to respond to people’s needs in a way that works for them.
Hopes and dreams for the future
More flexibility in providing employment services and programs that are entirely client-focused and client-driven, and not about government needs and agendas.
So much of WorkBC is data driven and this impedes our ability to move quickly and assist clients in the most efficient way possible. BEAMS is the opposite. We get to tailor what we do to what the client’s most pressing needs are and meet those needs quickly to ensure a positive outcome.
I’d like to see that happen for the whole department. More sources of funding could provide us with that ease and flexibility.