Every Journey Starts Somewhere
For Deandra, returning to the workforce was about more than finding a job. After spending time as a stay-at-home mom, she was ready to create greater stability for herself and her children, but she knew she could use some support along the way.
To take the next step, Deandra connected with YMCA Employment Services.
Strengthening Skills
When Deandra first connected with the YMCA, she was ready to work and eager to learn more about navigating the Canadian job market. She participated in Job Search and Interview Skills workshops, where she gained practical tools to strengthen her résumé, apply for positions, prepare for interviews, and confidently speak with potential employers.
“I attended the Job Search and Interview skills workshop. It was very informative and I learned alot on how to apply for jobs here in Canada. I also learned how to successfully pass an interview.”
Those new skills quickly made an impact.
Deandra put what she had learned into practice during her first job interview, approaching the opportunity with enthusiasm, preparation, and confidence. Her prospective employer noticed. She received a job offer following that very first interview.
Opening the Door
Finding employment was an important milestone, but Deandra’s experience with YMCA Employment Services did not end when she received her job offer.
As she prepared to begin her new role, the YMCA team helped with some of the practical costs that can make starting a new job challenging, including support for work uniforms, footwear, and a monthly bus pass.
Having those pieces in place helped Deandra focus on her next chapter.
Today, she is proud to be able to manage her bills and provide for her children. She has also found a workplace where her previous experience in cash handling and shop management serves her well, and where teamwork has become one of her favourite parts of the job.
“I am so happy at where I am right now in my life looking at how hard it was in the past to me now being able to handle my bills and provide for my children.”
She especially appreciates the people around her, describing her coworkers as friendly, supportive, and willing to work together to get the job done.
Support Beyond Employment
Looking back, Deandra describes her experience with YMCA Employment Services as life-changing. Along with gaining practical employment skills, she found people who believed in her goals and continued to offer support after she was hired.
And when Deandra talks about that experience herself, it is the people who stand out.
“I just want to thank all the beautiful people down at the YMCA, I felt the love from when I first walked through their doors.”
Most importantly, Deandra can see how far she has come.
Her story is a reminder that finding employment is not always simply a matter of submitting a résumé. Sometimes, moving forward means building confidence, developing new skills, overcoming practical barriers, and having the right support in your corner.
Through her own determination, experience, and newly strengthened skills, Deandra turned that support into a successful new chapter for herself and her family.
YMCA Employment Services helps people across Niagara build skills, explore employment opportunities, and move forward in their career journeys. Whether you are returning to the workforce, looking for a new opportunity, or unsure where to begin, support is available to help you take your next step.