#UNSTOPPABLETM IMPACT STORIES: Kyle K.
(Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador)
According to statistics and studies, many adults who are living with disabilities face multiple barriers and challenges in securing employment. Easter Seals provides employment services and skills training, and on-the-job learning opportunities through social enterprise initiatives that assist adults in developing valuable and transferable workplace skills which they can utilize to secure meaningful and gainful employment in a number of different industries and in their career of choice.
Learn more about Easter Seals programs and services.
A close-up image of Kyle K.
Newfoundland & Labrador, 2018 – Kyle joined the Horizons Work Experience Program offered by Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador in August 2017 with the goal of securing his first ever job. He wanted to gain employability skills, learn about professional dynamics and meet friends, all while completing his university degree.
“When I first started the Horizons Program, I must admit I really didn’t know what to expect,” says Kyle. “From day one, however, I knew it would be life changing, and an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. There were so many things I learned and I met so many wonderful people throughout the program that have helped me both in the workplace and everyday life. Even though I have a formal education, I don’t think I had enough ‘street smarts’ or social skills to make it in the working world. This program gave me that and more; from first aid training to learning how to better budget both my time and money.”
“One of my favourite activities that will stay with me for the rest of my life was the invaluable experience I gained through the mock interview process. Volunteers from the St. John’s Board of Trade came to help with our skills training session, to better prepare us for the questions that could be asked during an interview and help us with the interpersonal skills that are needed while at work.”
“There were so many things I learned and I met so many wonderful people throughout the program that helped me both in the workplace and everyday life.” – Kyle K.
Kyle made great progress throughout his time in the program, and through a lot of hard work, patience and perseverance, he secured a full-time, permanent position in his field with a local business. He graduated from Horizons in March 2018, and has not let up since. His colleagues praise his work ethic and positive attitude, and we at Easter Seals are incredibly happy for Kyle and all of his success.
“All of the training and support from the coordinators and staff who help run the Horizons Program was key… [they helped me secure] a work term which has now become a full-time job. This is where I use not only what I have learned from my formal education, but also the lessons and skills I was taught throughout the program, and I will always be grateful for that.”
