To work is to learn

This supported employment program meets some very special needs

Rachel Gutwald, sitting at the mayor's desk at Castlegar City Hall, enjoys the many duties she performs for Carolyn Rempel and Mayor Lawrence Chernoff with the assistance of Bernice Beckstead (right). —

Photo courtesy Judy Gutwald

A few years ago, 24-year-old Rachel Gutwald was hired for her first job. Today, she holds down two part-time jobs. She's a hard worker who earns the praise of employers and co-workers alike. She also happens to have Down syndrome. Kootenay Business spoke with Rachel and her mom, Judy Gutwald, and discovered that what defines Rachel's life is her pride in a job well done and her enjoyment of life in the Castlegar community she calls home. We asked Rachel some questions, then got some comments from Judy as well about the Kootenay Society for Community Living's supported employment program and the difference it has made in Rachel's life.

When did you begin your jobs in Castlegar?

I started working at Kootenay Family Place three years ago and at Castlegar City Hall two years ago.

Tell us what you do at your current jobs.

At Kootenay Family Place I disinfect toys, clean the tables and chairs, water the plants, shred papers, do photocopying and collect recycling. Then we go over to the other building (physiotherapist) and do some more cleaning for the things the kids use.

When I go to city hall I collect recycling, water plants, do some shredding, photocopying, and fold papers and put them in envelopes. Sometimes we go to a different office where they have meetings and clean the counters and organize it all.

Why do you like working?

I remember my brother and sister used to work and I wanted to have a job too. Now I can make money for myself and I like helping people. I meet a lot of new people to talk to and they tell me I'm doing a good job.

What are your favourite things to do at your jobs?

At Kootenay Family Place I like to keep the toys clean for the kids so they will stay healthy. The thing I liked best at city hall was folding Christmas cards and wrapping the boxes for the Christmas party. I feel good that everyone will be happy that I did this.

What do you do if they ask you to do something new?

Bernice, my job coach, is always there to help me out or show me how to do it. After a while I don't need much help and I just do it myself. I like to learn new things!

How many hours a day, or days a week, do you work?

On Mondays I work at Kootenay Family Place for two hours in the morning. I work at city hall for two hours in the afternoon on Wednesdays. I would like to work a little bit more because I am such a hard worker.

Do you work mainly for the mayor? What's that like?

I help a lot of different people but I like to talk to the mayor. I water the plants and do the recycling in his office. He always asks how I'm doing and tells me I'm doing a great job.

What jobs have you had before?

When I was younger I worked in the cafeteria in my high school and I worked at some banquets. Now I also do recycling at Selkirk College and church cleaning.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

Every day I go to C.O. (Community Options program offered through Kootenay Society for Community Living). We do some work, go to Curves, do cooking program, learn new things and have lots of fun. On Saturdays we go with adult group to do activities together.

My favourite things are singing, dancing, making bracelets from yarn and necklaces from beads. I also like to watch movies and go on my laptop computer. Before I used to do Special Olympics swimming and now I do bowling. I have a lot of medals.

I love to hang out with my family and have sleepovers with my friends.

What kind of dancing do you like?

I like to dance hip-hop and jazz. (Judy added that Rachel has entered dance competitions and is a very accomplished dancer).

What do you like most about living in Castlegar?

It's a nice size and not too big. There are lots of things to do, like movies and hanging out with my family and friends.

What do you want to do when you get older?

I want to have the same things when I get older. I love my life because I have lots of fun things to do and good friends and family.

And now, some comments from Judy Gutwald:

As a parent, what would you describe as the main benefit of the supported employment program for Rachel?

I would have to say that Rachel's overall confidence level in both completing tasks and socializing has really increased. She is excited to share her accomplishments and experiences at her jobs and looks forward to her work days each week.

The people involved in the program, both at Kootenay Society for Community Living and at her jobs, have continually reinforced her capabilities, which have made her feel important and included, along with helping her realize that she is a valuable part of her community.

Has the program made a difference in Rachel's life outside of the job? How so?

Quite simply, in every way. She shows a great deal more initiative to face new day-to-day challenges independently and willingly accepts and learns from direction when she needs it. She keeps telling me, "I'm always learning, right?"

Having these jobs has exposed her to so many wonderful people and it is heartwarming to see how comfortable she is when she runs into them in the community. I truly believe that the supported employment program has had a strong influence in her rising to an overall new level of maturity.

If other employers are interested in the program, who should they contact?

The best person to contact in Castlegar would be Betsy Goolieff, KSCL executive director, at 250-365-2624, ext. 3. I encourage employers to get involved in this very worthwhile program.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Just that we feel very fortunate to be living in a community that has so many wonderful programs available to those with developmental challenges. One of the biggest fears for a parent when you realize that your child has special needs is that they may not be afforded the same opportunities and experiences as other typical children.

Kootenay Society for Community Living has been amazing in their commitment to enhancing the lives of these individuals, and the supported employment program is definitely one way that has helped to achieve this.