"I am impressed with the passion shown towards their work. Persons with disabilities can contribute positively to the workforce at Costco" 

                                                                                                                  Barb Wilson                                                                                                                                                                             Professional demonstrator manager, Costco

 "The workers have a lot of good output, they get lots done and that helps us get our product out quicker. They are reliable and always here on time and ready to go. Everyone is happy and having fun."

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                                                                                                                  Leanne Weddell

                                                                                                                  Plant Supervisor, NorthAm Brewery 

"Professional, punctual, efficient and reliable. These are high functioning employees who always do good work."

                                                                                                                   Andrew Allan

                                                                                                                   Manager, EMCO Waterworks

"The workers are happy to be at work. This is noticed by customer and staff. They complete our workplace" 

                                                                                                                    Dean Anderson

                                                                                                                    Manager, Starbucks

"AB is extremely proud to be working for Daley and Company and her enthusiasm trickles through to her coworker. She eliminates the tasks that take staff away from their higher skilled positions adding value to our business"

                                                                                                                   Norman Daley

                                                                                                                   Partner, Daley and Company LLP                  

"Having a job gets me out into the community and I get to meet new people. I feel that I'm making a difference and I get a little extra spending money."

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                                                                                                                        Ryan Brown, Downtown street cleanup

"My communication and confidence has changed, I was more shy and quiet and now I am comfortable talking with co-workers or asking questions." 

                                                                                                                        Warehouse Associate, Winners 

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"I like working at MJB because my coworkers are really nice to me and easy to talk to and they are my friends. My co-workers rely on me to do my job to the best of my ability."

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                                                                                                                       Sherri Nuyens, MJB Office Assistant 

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"Working makes me feel like no one judges me and people appreciate the work I do."

                                                                                                                      Brad Smith, Northam Brewery 

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"Working has made me more independent and allowed me to learn new job tasks. I have met new people through my customer contacts".         

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                                                                                                                       Hillary Jeffrey, Fratelli Foods

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Home Hardware Building Centre - A letter of acknowledgement  

Dear Rick Kurzac,     

My name is Bria Gatien and I am an employment counsellor at SMART Options, a

supported employment company, which assists individuals with developmental

disabilities find real work, for real pay. Nels Harestad, an individual I support, was

hired by Shawn Wiesner to work in the yard at Home Hardware. 

    I write to you in acknowledgment of what a positive experience it has been

working with Shawn and the whole Home Hardware staff. The level of respect,

comradery, and pride shown by the staff creates a positive and inclusive work

environment, that is well beyond the status quo. Shawn contributes immensely to

this environment by embodying Home Hardwares principles and leading by

example. Shawn makes everyone feel important, valued, part of the team and

acknowledged for their hard work. Through these key components Home

Hardware is setting people up for success and workplace happiness.

    In addition, by hiring someone with a developmental disability Home Hardware

is contributing to the greater good of the community. Being employed is an

important way most citizens contribute to society. Therefore, by hiring Nels,

Home Hardware has given him a chance for inclusion and full citizenship.

Employment enhances skills and abilities and has the power to impact individuals lives in many ways. Firstly, having an increased income improves quality of life. Secondly, having a job can influence how one thinks and feels about themselves, such as increased self-confidence, happiness and sense of belonging. Thirdly, the individual may benefit from expanded social networks, friendships and the opportunity to meet new people. Lastly, having individuals with disabilities working increases their visibility within the community and changes peoples perception of what people with disabilities are capable of. 

    Thank you Shawn Wiesner and the Home Hardware team, for recognizing the talents and potential of this group and hiring people with developmental disabilities. Employment is a key part of inclusion and full citizenship for all, and has many positive ramification on the individual and the greater community. 

Best regards, 

Bria Gatien, 

SMART Options Inc., Employment Counsellor     

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