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Achieving Her Dreams

FOR EACH ONE OF US, there are one or more junctures in our life when we need compassion, support, and a point in the right direction. Roxanne Bochek, 20, found exactly that when she walked through the doors of Partners in Employment (Partners) in Regina.

Roxanne turned to Partners in August 2008 for assistance to find full-time employment. Roxanne was nervous in her first meeting with Dean Pelzer, Supervisor. She explained that she has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and talked about the challenges she has faced, in particular with employment. Roxanne had not been living in Regina very long and had only recently found a part-time job; she was homeless and did not have a support network.

Without hesitation, Dean and the other staff members stepped up to provide emergency services to Roxanne that were beyond the usual scope of their jobs. Initially, temporary residence was secured at a motel and later at the YWCA. Partners staff members voluntarily provided outreach assistance to help Roxanne settle into her new environment.

Since Roxanne had already secured part-time employment on her own, Partners staff members began to provide job maintenance and development to Roxanne. She continued to grow professionally by demonstrating skill and initiative and it earned her a full-time position. Stable employment allowed her to keep moving forward and the Partners team continued to act as Roxanne’s support network. They helped Roxanne find an apartment, establish a bank account, and connect her to other support agencies.

Today Roxanne is a strong and confident young woman who flourishes in her new surroundings. She thrives at a new full-time job; she has a place to call home and a network of friends and supporters in her life.

Roxanne has taught the Partners team to never underestimate someone who is motivated to achieve their dreams. She is a shining example of what is possible when we believe in ourselves and when others believe in us.