Stories

I was able to go to camp the September long weekend and be with my boyfriend and all of the friends I like we got to the camp back of clay burn road back roads so Friday we set up and did check everything out Friday we sang karaoke which was fun then sat around and talked caught up because this first camp.since covid then Saturday am I made everyone breakfast which was eggs with peppers and seasoning then we sat played alot of games and did crafts which was so fun there was cool prizes I am writing this story to let everyone homes camp was this weekend was fun

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I was able to go to camp the September long weekend and be with my boyfriend and all of the friends I like

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My name is Madeleine Wieczorek I have Autism and an intellectual disability. I love to dance and I love everything about Drag, so when UNITI(Semiahmoo House Society) asked me if I wanted to perform as a Drag Queen at a fundraiser I said SURE ! My Drag name was Miss Sassy Pants, I dressed up as Lady Gaga and lip synced to her song "Born This Way" which has special meaning for me. It was amazing and so much fun!
It was a dream come true to be backstage with real Drag Queens, just like the werk room on the TV show RuPaul's Drag Race. Carlotta (a local Drag Queen) did my makeup and lent me one of her wigs. I learned so much from her and watched as she got ready for her performance. Each performer was asked to choose a charity and ask people to pledge money. I chose the White Rock Pride Society because I have friends and family members including myself in the LGBTQIA+ community. I identify as A which means "Asexual" (someone who doesn't feel sexual attraction to either men or women). I am proud to say I raised $1000 for the the White Rock Pride Society which is an organization in my community that promotes inclusiveness, equality and celebrates diversity. This is important to me because all people should be treated with respect and be accepted. It should not matter if you have a disability or if your sexual orientation or identity id different from others, you should be proud of being "Born this way". I think it is important to be involved in community events. Because I love to dance, I enjoyed having the opportunity to perform and show the audience that people with disabilities have diverse abilities and talent. The White Rock Pride Society asked me to give a short speech at their Family Day and also at their big Love is Love Gala, so I felt accepted and included as a member of the community. Would I do it again...Oh YES, I would !

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My story is about FND also known as Functional Neurological Disorder. It is a disorder that is not known a lot about by the medical community or by the general public, yet it is common. This condition falls between two specialties, neurology, and psychology. I hope to raise more awareness of this condition because it is something I deal with daily.

I have included I story and a pome they can be separated if needed.

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This story is to share my experience about taking my bookkeeping course at Vancouver Island University (VIU). I had a personal goal to become an assistant bookkeeper. I was at a self advocacy meeting and I heard about STEPS Forward support for people with intellectual disabilities to attend post-secondary education and also get a bursary to cover the cost of a course and equipment.

My personal experience with taking the course was challenging and rewarding. Two challenges I had taking the course were that I was doing it online to accommodate my learning disability needs and asking my instructor for an extension for more time to understand my work during an assignment. The other challenge I faced was a household emergency that required my attention, while trying to stay on track with my course work. The rewarding part was that I completed my course and have a framed certificate on the wall in my office.

I am happy to say that I am now working as an Assistant Bookkeeper and covering reception at a local agency. My task for the next few weeks will be auding

The agency is an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Story by Miranda Orth, Self Advocate of Nanaimo

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Hello, I’m Laura, I live in Mission, BC, I am 23. I personally struggle with anxiety and depression, and my mental health conditions. I’m a new member at the Mission Self-Advocates, I’m really grateful because I have always wanted to become an advocate but I didn’t know how to start! I am learning a lot, and making new friends with all kinds of life experiences, it makes me so happy to be able to learn more and how to represent those who need advocating for, and voice their needs and rights. I volunteer a lot, currently I volunteer at a Cat Shelter, but I love to get involved with any community events volunteering, especially in the summer time! It makes me gain more confidence and experience to be able to hold down a job with my anxiety in the near future. I am really proud of myself and seeking supports, Mission Mental Health helps me a lot, and Centennial Place Clubhouse (adult mental health resource), is such a dear support and service in the community for me. I would love to advocate for free adult mental health services as well, as there were almost none until recently. Now I am focused on applying for subsidized housing, I live with my family who don’t always quite understand my conditions, so being able to work on self-love and self-acceptance helps me a lot. Also being able to find my voice and advocate for others inspires me. Doing the Mission Bus Strike Protest really helped me know the power of not standing alone. I also try to be kind wherever I go because you never know who might need it, but a good little reminder is that tough times will pass, you are doing your best, and remember to be kind to yourself!

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My Name is Ron Kalsi I come to surrey connections Monday to Friday by handy art. I really enjoyed my schedule doing gym, bingo and other fun activities like going to grouse mountain with my friends. I like going to new place in the community by bus, train and sea bus. I am going to Lonsdale quay on Tuesday and I will buy my lunch there. I like going bowling with my friend Zak. I like going for nature walks at the parks and music at chuck bailey. I enjoyed my days with staff and my friends at surrey connections. My Birthday we did enjoying have fun lot food snack dinner last night Mindy “s his place and then we did went home I did watch drama and Hisense TV Netflix YouTube next month July Zak Ron sim member group getting new schedule Next Friday Staff will give schedule July 2023 Ron will take schedule home full iPad I have it this compass handy card money I may sure keep I want need chicken burger fries one drink coke tomorrow we are going Lonsdale quay bus, sky train , sea bus. buy chicken burger fries coke tomorrow Reid will coming with us that may sure bring money blue compass handy card no bag lunch tomorrow, Wednesday we are going bingo. I am happy to work on my calendar for month of July with Zak. I pick up some activities like going for pottery classes. I ‘’m going to DCLS Picnic July 14. I do won’’t not going bingo no more I am going to Baskeball Floors Hockey once week Wednesday change I have coffee Tim Horizons On Thursday we are having for foods saferty video’’s YouTube Eggs Sandwich I want need take snack yogurt

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Hi! my name is Ashley (I go by the nickname Red)!

Keeping friendships during the pandemic was certainly hard because a lot of people are very social and like to interact with others out in the community. With the advancements of social media and social networking it had made things a little easier to communicate and gave us a chance to be creative with our days and use our imaginations, I found being a social broadcaster gave me the opportunity to make new friends and have meaningful connections with those I cant physically see in person. While being in life share ZOOM has been a huge asset to keeping up to date with everyone on my team and a great way to be able to step away if I felt overwhelmed or upset. With social broadcasting I was able to build a friendship/fan base with people from all walks of life and seeing them root for your success is an incredible feeling and building a friendship. A lot of my friends i made online have become a extended part of my family and make life just a little more tolerable during the pandemic.

My friends I have made still keep in contact to this day and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

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(I had submitted a story not too long ago but I had felt like there was something missing in that one and not well written for my liking. If you can use this one instead I would appreciate it)

Finding Resources during the pandemic was a asset for my basic living needs to be met when times were hard. It was not just resources for myself but for my pets as an option. I was in need of hay and a vet appointment for my pets, The Vancouver Humane Society Mcvities fund had covered their visit + medications that they had needed.

The Nutrition Program with BC farmers market was great because it provided access to fresh veggies instead of paying store prices that were shocking. Unfortunately because I am on PWD, I am no longer eligible to receive from this program. I believe this is unfair but I cant do anything about it. For basic needs like Laundry another that was a asset was Aunt Leah's They have a voucher program to do a load of laundry for Foster Children and former youth in care. They also have a food Security program which helps with providing meals.
Laundry Love is Another, They are the only pilot program here in New Westminster and provide free laundry services for people of low income/homeless. With inflation being at a all time high just doing a load of laundry costs close to $17.00 before taxes, Just being able to clean your clothes has been a hardship, Never had I ever imagined that it would be this expensive in all the 33 years on this earth (Meaning myself). The staff/laundromat owner were so kind and it encourages me to continue coming to the events once a month.

For pet food The Vancouver + Burnaby SPCA helped me with hay and pellets briefly, Due to a lot of surrenders this was a once in a while option. After hearing of the New Westminster Animal Shelter I had reached out and they continued to provide support including gift cards to Bosleys pet store. These resources have made the pandemic a bit easier and now with inflation, My ultimate goal is to find a job that I can excel and grow at so I no longer need to ask these places for assistance. Lastly there is the Greater Vancouver food bank which I am in the process to apply and attend my appointment with them.

I am hoping to gain employment soon now that the pandemic has slowly ended and the labor market is rebuilding.

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I have been working on getting my daughter back from children services for 4 years I have learned a lot and I have come a long ways and I'm growing more with my daughter and it's been a tough go but it's been worth it fighting to get her back

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Lately I've seen lots of awareness and movement on mental health and being there to help one another out. This is great but what do you do when you slip through the cracks?

I've dealt with mental health and depression for as long as I can remember, I've suffered from depression for years and mental health at least for the past 10 years but if I treat my mental health it makes my depression worse and if I treat my depression it makes my mental health worse and due to my condition the hospitals wont even try to treat me anymore, and Professional heal is to expensive to afford.

So this leaves me to battle it by myself I do have some help from friends and some community resources but nothing stable and no way to treat, all I can do is keep getting up in the morning and take it minute by minute or day by day.

So I ask the question... How can we all be working together or helping one another when people desert you in your darkest hour and when you slip through the cracks?

depression, anxiety, and mental health are all very real and very harsh things to deal with.
It's true you never know what is happening behind closed doors, So take the time to reach out to your family and friends and even a stranger and let them know that they matter and that the world still needs them.

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Doing Laundry in BC can be VERY expensive, costs ranging from $4.25 a load to $17.00 for 2. While struggling to have clean clothing this was a huge downturn for my self esteem, Laundry Love is the only pilot program operating here in Canada first starting in the United States. Hearing of this event I was skeptical that there would be a opportunity to get some help. I was very glad to take advantage of this amazing service that was offered to new Westminster residents and their low cost + kindness/welcoming environment encourages me to use machines the future. I want to share this resource with all who are in new Westminster and need access to clean laundry!

You can find Laundry Love on facebook and their next event is in june!

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My story is about my fear about bussing, how I conquered my fears with bussing, and how I feel after bussing.

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Employment

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Being 40 is powerful. Its my dream to be 40, it makes me happy. Turning 40 means freedom to express my feelings inside of my heart. I have experience in independence, art décor fantasy, relationships good and bad. I cut all my hair off and became a new self. I want to have road trips or something adventuring, I want to see oceans, and meditate. I will pick 5 things that I see, hear, smell, feel and I’m grateful for. Then I close my eyes and set a timer for 5 minutes, take a deep breath and breathe out. The sand is nice and soft, the water is cold. This is the beginning of my story being 40. I am going to teach you how to do the 5 things.
First naming 5 things
5 Smell – coffee, food, popcorn, hot tea and perfume
5 See – green trees, blossoms, tulips, daffodils, and rain
5 Hear – heaters buzz, elevator, talking, dangle earrings moving, and tapping nails
5 Feel – happiness, warm, elbows on the table, shoes put on my feet, and excited to go for lunch
5 things I am grateful for:
1. Friends
2. Family
3. Close relationships
4. To go places on my own
5. TV
It is relaxing and makes it smoother for me. It helps anxiety to calm and be relaxing. I learned this in the past 40 years and I want my friends to help me through things from the past and I want to help them too. This helps you deal with problems and deal on your own because you are calm and can make good choice. I hope the 5’s will help me and you.
I like it, being 40!!

Love Stacey

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Employment Success 7 years of employment.

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My Guitar Story By Reid Parkes

Hello my Name is Reid Parkes i First Learned How to Play The Guitar in January 2022 But i also had other Guitars as well my First Guitar i had was from a Relative of mine and
He got me that Christmas Eve 2006 and i Know Everybody Knows that i am into a lot of Music that is why i do Music Jeopardy because i have a lot of Knowledge about Music my
Most Favorite singer is Elvis Preseley. I Got a New Guitar for My Birthday Last year and so i am Learning a lot of Good Music From Diffrent Era's or Genres of Music
Like i did Some Elvis AC/DC Black Sabbath Etc. Well During Covid in 2021 and 2022 After The Music Jeopardy Game i did Name The Tune With Some Groups From Ladner Connections
on my Guitar and They really Thanked me for playing the Name That Tune on my Guitar and they really Liked it so Much they wanted me to do that again and so i did. I Learned
a lot of Tabs on Different songs that i could do Like i can do Smoke On the water, Tnt, I Love N Rock N Roll and also Mamma Mia, i Had 2 other Guitars when i was younger.
I Started Music Jeopardy in June 2020 on Zoom but now we are doing Everything in Person we were using Houseparty for a while Before June 2020 Then after that we were on Zoom
when Everything shut down. We had a Showcase at our Day Program at Surrey in November 2015 and we were showing off our Display of what we did for our Showcase and mine wwas
Music and Then we had our Christmas Potluck December 2015 and it was a lot of fun. At our Day Program we do Karaoke Too. i Like Listening to Music at Home and i like singing as
well. I do The Catergories and the Questions For Music Jeopardy so i can Host that on Friday's. I Take Videos of me playing my Guitar and i Post them on my Social Media for all
of my Friends and my Family To Watch. I Like Learning How to Play my Guitar it's actually a lot of Practice but i still figure it out by Watching Videos or Looking up Tabs.
Music has Been my Favorite since i was younger so i had my First Red Acoustic Guitar and Then a Few years after that i had my Second Guitar. I had Been going to Concerts With
My Brother so i went to Def Leppard Poison and Tesla, Alice Cooper, Tom Jones and Then The Last one i went to Before everything shutted down was The band Kiss But Then i was
Supposed to go back to Alice Cooper with Lita Ford in April 2021 but Then it got Cancelled Due to Covid so That is why i Never Been to a Concert for 4 Years. So yeah i Really
Love Playing my Guitar and showing all of my Friends and Family what songs i can Play. So yeah what i Love Most about My Guitar is Practicing a lot of Different songs and
Getting the Hang of it as well so i hope you Enjoyed Reading my Guitar Story

Thank you fOr Reading this story

By Reid Parkes

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it is about How i play my guitar

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My story is about how my life has had many struggles and hardship's growing up. I always try my best at everything and even then we can't win every battle. I struggled as a child in a bad environment and left to be on my own at just 16. From there on I knew I needed to continue my journey with positivity and success. The story is about my goals, and how I have became the person I always wanted to be. Its about recently having my first child and getting into College not long after. I have just found a job and a great family now. I want to write about how and why I never gave up on my dreams and to share my life with others who may need some encouragement or others who can relate to me and my journey.

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Hello, I am sure everyone has been wondering what I have been up to nowadays. Well, I’d like to update everyone on it. I am back in school again and this is my second year living the campus life, I am taking up the Retail Service Program at the Coast Mountain College in Terrace, BC. I live on campus in the new dormitory building that opened last year, I enjoy it. I also became independent, so I now pay rent, bills and buy groceries. I started learning how to cook, and trust me when I say this. It saves you a lot of money, takeout food is NOT the way to go. Anyways, I am being an adult and I am learning new things in life as I go. School is a start and right now, there is no end to my educational journey right now. I plan to take up the Professional Cook Level 1 program in August, so I’ll be sure to come back to do a story on that when the time comes. I hope everyone is having a Happy New Year 🙂

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IN PROCESS OF COMING A SOCIAL WORKER

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My story is about how i had pulled myself out of a dark place while in the pandemic and maintaining a balance through the ownership of a pet. My animals have kept me out of the psych ward for 2 years ongoing and the simple act of owning a animal has made massive changes in my life for the better.

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During this pandemic I have avoided Covid-19 thank goodness. Mostly avoiding it for loved ones who are either elderly or are immune compromised. The pandemic has been difficult for me because my elderly mother got a stroke in May 2020 and spent her time until her death in a Long Term Care home where she died this August. She was independant before and didn't like her independance curtailed. So I really desperately needed a distraction. I found it in the form of Youtube. I was not familliar with Youtube berfore 2020. Youtube has really helped me keep calm and together. The thing I like about Youtube is that it's free and anyone can access it. It has so may features to it. I had no idea I was missing out before. Now I use Youtube to learn anything and everything. I can look up recipes and watch the making of a dish. I can look at obscure ideas and learn how people manage to do what they are talking about and see if I want to proceed or not. Music videos are the best, however, for distraction just find a playlist you like and you are good to go. One can watch videos from other languages and put on the captions. I used to watch TV before 2020, now I don't watch it anymore. I watch Youtube now. You can go to far away places anytime you want without leaving your community. At a click of a button Youtube can take you to a fashion show in Europe or you can go to the Grand Canyon and see what it looks like instantly without having to hike there. Sunsets, sunrises are so lovely at certain locations that we can't get at home. We can travel there instantly through Youtube. Youtube to me is a lifesaver. I had no idea at all what it was. I had heard about it. I thought it was just regular video that was limited unti I surprisingly came across it one night trying to distract myself from my problems. Youtube fulfilled my distraction problem. I absolutely love it. I cannot say enough good things about it. One just has to avoid what one doesn't want to look at and voila a wonderful evening. I don't want to put a video or photo of myself because I have issues with myself regarding it so I'd prefer not to.

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My story is about my employment challenges during Covid-19 and my success story of finding a new job during the pandemic.

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Fifteen years ago, I got my first camera while on a trip to Thailand and fell in love with the art of photography. After a few years of self-taught photography, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I bought my first good quality camera before a trip to Ireland in 2011. Since then, I have been transforming my hobby into self-employment.
I began my self-employment journey by sharing my artwork with family and friends beginning with my mom’s open studio with Watershed Artworks Society in Delta. From then on, I started looking into bigger opportunities such as making and selling photo note cards to local shops and businesses. The support I received from the local shops in my small town has allowed my business to blossom and take off.
Today, I have my own website that features my best work which includes pet photography, wildlife, flowers, and abstract work. My work is featured in art shows, artisan markets, corporate businesses, and local gift shops. Starting my own business has enhanced my mental health and confidence. When I first started I was very nervous to promote my work and potentially face rejection to the point where I passed up some great opportunities. Over time, I grew more confident and now, I can just strut into any store and offer my photography. The reason I love photography is because it freezes memories for a lifetime and keeps them ageless. By selling my artwork, people have a chance to see the world the way I do and witnessing people’s reactions to my photography makes my day and motivates me to keep improving.

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