Mack LaPlante isnB次元官网网址檛 supposed to be working today, but heB次元官网网址檚 scrubbing the sink anyway.

Unable to take a last-minute shift at Glenwood Meats this evening, the 20-year-old Colwood resident says he feels bad about the predicament, so he scrubs and sprays, donning blue gloves and an apron prepping for a maintenance crew coming in later in the day. His boss and store owner Rick Fisher says, LaPlante has become a welcome member of the team.

B次元官网网址淲e enjoy having (Mack) around, he is good to get along with, very polite, and like I say, he gets along with everyone ... just an all-around great guy,B次元官网网址� Fisher said.

B次元官网网址淛ust the fact that he is born with a little bit of what we could call a B次元官网网址榙isability,B次元官网网址� I look at him and see all kinds of things going for him that other kids donB次元官网网址檛 have. For some reason, certain people are classified in a different category. (Mack) is great.B次元官网网址�

Fisher hired LaPlante through WorkLink, a Work BC employment service centre, and their Supported Employment program. The program works with those with challenges, or identifying as someone with B次元官网网址榙iverse abilitiesB次元官网网址� including LaPlante, who describes himself as a high-functioning autistic.

The West Shore resident, who bikes to Glenwood Meats three times a week for the part-time job, said finding work has been challenging. He credits Fisher for giving him the opportunity and those from WorkLink, who he said go above and beyond to make a difference for himself and others.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 hard for a young person who hasnB次元官网网址檛 been to any post-secondary to find a job, even if itB次元官网网址檚 just some part-time labour,B次元官网网址� LaPlante said.

B次元官网网址淚f you need a job (employers want) experience (but) if you need experience you need a job. At WorkLink they part the waves and give you a direct entrance.B次元官网网址�

WorkLinkB次元官网网址檚 Kim Dillon, a job coach for the program, said Mack is not alone. The West Shore community, where many of the clients are from, have been an invaluable partner in making a difference, she said.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just neat to hear people feeling like they can be included and enjoy the self-esteem and status that goes along with a paycheque,B次元官网网址� Dillon said.

B次元官网网址淲ork is so much more than work, itB次元官网网址檚 our reason to get up in the morning and it can tell us we are people and we are worth it. It is neat to see the confidence that blossoms from the people we serve.B次元官网网址�

She said businesses large and small have rallied behind the 30 to 50 clients the program serves B次元官网网址� from those identifying with diverse abilities, including autism, mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, to those living with addictions and looking to overcome adversity.

B次元官网网址淭he reason our program is so successful is because we do a ton of background work with people we serve. We spend hours and hours with them and get to know what makes them shine as an individual and the support needs they have, so they can be an asset to the employer,B次元官网网址� Dillon said. B次元官网网址淭hat takes time.B次元官网网址�

On top of Glenwood Meats, she said local businesses, from Royal Bay Bakery, EvedarB次元官网网址檚 Bistro and Pilgrim Coffee to larger outfits such as A&W, Westshore Town Centre, Quality Foods, Winners Homesense, Sooke Home Hardware, Designer Shoe Warehouse, MarkB次元官网网址檚 Work Wearhouse and MB次元官网网址檃kola ILBC Housing Society, Jesken Aerie are among many they partner with to place those looking for work.

B次元官网网址淭o be honest, most employers like the idea that they get a hard-working, loyal person who really appreciates the job and the chance to work,B次元官网网址� Dillon said.

B次元官网网址淭he other thing that is really wonderful is the people on the ground, the front-line workers ... (they) often feel more invested in the company they work for when that company values inclusion and diversity in the workplace, so it can really raise morale.B次元官网网址�

Laplante said for him, it is about roots.

B次元官网网址淭rying to get a job with (just) a resume is quite difficult,B次元官网网址� he said.

B次元官网网址淲e should all be very thankful there are all these opportunities and organizations that are willing to lend people a hand. That lets me dig my roots in there, lets me make sure I have my foot in the door and lets me know I have more of a fighting opportunity. I really appreciate that; I like that I have my job here and itB次元官网网址檚 because of them.B次元官网网址�

alim@goldstreamgazette.com