Delta Community Living Society's LEAP employment program has made a big difference for Shawn Leese, 17.
"(The program) has been invaluable to us," said Shawn's mom Linda, speaking at an event earlier this month at the society's Solutions Employment Services in Ladner.
The LEAP (Leading Employment Achieving Possibilities) pilot project supports young adults who are transitioning from school to work.
"Employment really is the bridge to a life, it's just so important," she said.
Shawn got to a point where he wasn't really attending high school, she said.
But in the last four months, with support from the program, the Delta school district, his employer and manager, he's found great success and has changed so much, his mom said.
Shawn, who has special needs, is working five days a week, can't wait to be completely involved in activities with his peers and is increasing his communication skills, she said.
"He's going to be a contributing member of society. He's going to have his work. He's going to be paying taxes. He's going to be spending money in a community. It's a dream I never thought would be possible, and I was told not to expect really," she said.
Shawn works at SolutionCo., a technology solutions business in Ladner.
He's doing a fantastic job, said SolutionCo. manager Lance Bowick. Shawn's somebody who wants to be there, who's committed and someone who's eager to learn, Bowick said.
"It's just been an absolute pleasure having him," he said.
DCLS employment strategy manager Annette Borrows discussed the society's employment services, Solutions and LEAP, at the event, attended by B.C. Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility Linda Larson and Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton.
The purpose behind LEAP is for youth with disabilities to be employed in a meaningful way before transitioning from school to work, she said.
"We know that there's huge benefits to this happening.
It provides functional and meaningful skills that carry over into adult life."
Borrows said peer mentors make the program a little bit unique.
The peer mentors' role is to create greater independence and self-determination for the individual they support, she explained.
Shawn said his peer mentor told him what things to say, and what not to say, in an interview, how to dress appropriately and helped him with hygiene.
The peer mentors and program participants met for the first time at a retreat on Hatzic Lake and took part in a variety of inclusive activities.
For more on Delta Community Living Society, which offers a wide range of services, visit dcls.ca.
The province recognizes October as Community Living Month.
