As the Program Director of the Connections program, I have been blessed to witness several successes within the last 15th months. Often times the successes come in very different ways.
When I entered the program in March of 2006, “Brenda” was a long time participant. She has become proficient in sewing and had taken on somewhat of a leadership role in the group, opening the current location on quilt days and readying it for the ladies.
“Brenda” was on disability for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and suffered from shortness of breath with little exertion. “Brenda” also smoked at least a pack of cigarettes as day. She was full of life but felt limited by this disability. With much support, “Brenda” began cutting back on her smoking. Her coughing lessened and she began to seem empowered by the changes she had made in her life. One day she arrive to quilt and announced that she would be starting a new job. “Brenda” began a minimum wage, part time job at a local retail chain. She worked her schedule so that she would still be able to attend the Friday sewing groups, which has meant so much to her saying, “I need this. It keeps me grounded. “Brenda” continued to work and soon took on additional employment at the apartment complex that she and her husband lives at. She began cleaning apartments and preparing them for new tenant on her time off from her retail position. When stopping by her place of employment, I saw a woman who was happily working, looking professional and leading other employees. It was apparent how proud she was, and equally apparent how proud I was of her. As her hours increased at her retail position and apartment complex, she needed to cut back on her attendance at Connections but regularly stopped in to say “hi” or to sew for a bit. She shared with the women her successes and struggles.
“Brenda” completed management training in the spring of 2007 and began managing the apartment complex. Along with this promotion came a much-deserved raise in pay. She continues to work part time at her retail position and says that her breathing is much better now that she is so active. “Brenda” is now returning to the Connections Program as a lead volunteer on a newly formed quilt day, affording the same opportunity she had to several other women. She is not only a volunteer but acts as an example of what can be accomplished with determination, perseverance and confidence. “Brenda” has also been asked to become a member of the Advisory Committee that is being currently formed at Connections.
I am honored to have witnessed this transformation and humbled to know such as strong, wonderful woman.
A young woman who was one of the first of our formal Work Experience participants with the program came to us as a referral from the Department of Social Services. “Patty” graduated with a remedial diploma and suffered from carpel tunnel syndrome, which, to her, seemed debilitating. She had lost her last job due to this infliction. “Patty” came to the Connections with little confidence in her abilities and very hesitant to try new things.
“Patty” began learning to sew and her confidence grew. As she began to see that her carpal tunnel was manageable even while doing handwork such as sewing. “Patty” began doing office work with the program and became very proficient with her phone skills. Her new confidence led her to be offered 2 jobs in one day! Suddenly her life, which used to offer very little choices, has led her to choose the job that was right for her! She chose the job in food service. At first “Patty” stopped by the program everyday after work and would even call on her work breaks looking for support. As her comfort level in her job grew, the calls and “drop ins” after work lessened. “Patty” has been employed at the same place for over a year and she often stops by the program to say “hi” and share her successes and struggles. She also serves as an example for everyone what confidence in yourself and your abilities can do for you.
These are just two examples of the successes that Connections has enjoyed over the last year. We have also seen 10 other participants find employment in different areas.
Over the past year it has become apparent that success are not limited to finding employment. Connections also sees successes in those who suffer from mental health issues and have not been an active member in society.
A woman came to our program with PTSD and severe anxiety. She said, “I don’t like people.” She was matter of fact. After sitting and talking with her for several hours she decided that she would come back several days later to the sewing group, although she did not like to sew. Unfortunately, the thought of being immersed with so many people cause a severe anxiety attack that landed her in the hospital. Once home, I continued to stay in contact with her, letting her know that she was welcome. With the support of our counselor, she returned to the program. By then, the program had grown significantly, so there were many more people involved. After another long talk, she decided to stay and work, as long as she could be alone. She began a task of sorting a donation of fabric off to the side by herself. As she became immersed in her work several of the other women in the program came over to help. To stand back and watch this take place was incredible. It happened naturally, without being forced. She began to talk to the women, and although you could see she was stepping out of her comfort zone, she did not run away. This was a major step out of seclusion and loneliness and into society again.
This is an example of a success that is seen daily at Connections. Successes that, to the women we serve, can be life altering. Opening doors which otherwise would remain tightly closed.