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She's A Winner; A Client Success Story

This is a story about Cheryl and what she imagines for herself but it is also about the people in her life who believe in her. Within this story is also a bigger message about what is possible when we see what people can do instead of what they cannot.

In many ways, Cheryl Shankoff is just like everyone else. She lives on her own, works two jobs, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

But, in many other ways, Cheryl is not just like everyone else. She communicates through sign language because of a hearing impairment; she also has cerebral palsy and a mental illness.

Our interview with Cheryl was not like other interviews. She enthusiastically used sign language while an interpreter both signed our questions to her and relayed her responses back. She started the interview by telling us that she attended the Saskatoon School for the Deaf and how proud she was to graduate from grade 12.

Since 1999, Cheryl has had a relationship with the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Cheryl’s dream was to have a job. She started working in the Sewing Department of the Saskatoon Training Centre but says, “I did not like sewing.” She was then given a janitorial position in the Plant Maintenance Department and has been there ever since. This is where she thrives. Cheryl gets great satisfaction from seeing that things are clean. For her outstanding work, Cheryl has been awarded the Client Recognition Award three times.

Cheryl has become this outstanding employee because of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council’s many services. Most notably is the First Impressions program. It is a four week program that prepares clients for competitive employment by working on areas such as self-awareness, assertiveness, confidence, and how to have a professional conversation. According to Lynn Peterson, Client Services Coordinator, Saskatoon Branch, this program provided a turning point for Cheryl. It enabled her to see that a goal of employment could be realized.

Although it has not been easy to fulfill this goal, Cheryl’s hard work paid off. Two years ago, Cheryl was referred from the Training Centre program to Partners in Employment Work Experience. Partners arranged janitorial work placements for Cheryl with various employers including Winners. It was at Winners where Cheryl took another leap toward her goal; she was offered a job.

Cheryl now works part-time at Winners but chooses to keep her connection to the Council. She continues to work in the Plant Maintenance Department on a part-time basis. Why she maintains this relationship is simple. She says, “I like it here. Wow. It’s a beautiful place.”
Recognizing Cheryl’s zest for life makes it easy for her network of people to support her. Lynn Peterson says that while flexibility and open-mindedness have all been important qualities for the people at the Council who work with her, the root of Cheryl’s success has been “our faith in what she can do.” She adds, “We are committed to supporting her in the life she wants to live.”

When asked to reflect on how her jobs have changed her, Cheryl says, “Before I was so-so. Now I am successful. It’s inspiring.”

Heather Kuttai, Human Resources, Marketing, and Communications Manager
Tracy Smith, Marketing and Communications Coordinator