Life Directions Newsletter

Charting Your Course: June's Pathway

Empower your teams with ODEN's specialized Disability Awareness and Confidence Learning for Business Owners and Senior Leaders. Choose a webinar date:

• Webinar Training: Business Owners and Senior Leaders choose your date: June 26, July 10th, or September 11.

To register click here or contact Randy Schoch, Life Directions Business Engagement Specialist by email: Randy Schoch, Business Engagement Specialist or call 226-750-2710.

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Job Seeker Feature

Circulate by Randy Bross

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I have to make myself,

Get out there.

Turn around, Circulate.

I need to better prepare,

Ready to commit to it.

Show I am up for the possibilities, Circulate.

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I have to enjoy,

Where I find I am found.

Go out and mingle, Circulate.

I need to take in,

Breathe in the spectacle.

Participate, be active in the circus, Circulate.

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I promise myself,

To do whatever to be ready.

To feel good, Circulate.

I accept,

That the habit I see.

Is for ourselves to be social, the trend is, Circulate.

MentorAbility is a leading national initiative to promote employment among Canadians with disabilities. It allows job seekers to connect for a full or half-day mentoring experience, explore career possibilities, and forge valuable networks. To become a Mentee, email LDWorkshops@segss.com or lifedirections@segss.com and visit the CASE Website!
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Reflect on the memorable events of May with us!

Men's Group Testimony:

"I have been struggling for a while to find employment, and the men’s group has become a place where I can go for healing and to know that I am not alone. The group leader is incredible; his knowledge could help anyone who feels alone in this world. The leader and the other men are very kind and compassionate towards anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or anything else within those guidelines. Some of us have angry thoughts, but we are a tight-knit group that supports and encourages everyone to share. Through the group, I have learned how to deal with people in my life that I thought I couldn't. I will always sign up for another men’s group, and I encourage anyone to try it and see how it works for them."

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jobPath Workshops In Full Swing!​
Finding and keeping a job is a complex task, requiring a skill set that evolves over time. jobPath, initiated by Community Living in Sarnia, is designed to assist young job seekers in overcoming challenges and harnessing the skills necessary for success in the workforce. This program provides a series of eleven two-hour weekly workshops, each tailored to meet the unique needs and barriers of its attendees. Many of the students attending experience barriers to employment and the curriculum is adaptable to suit their goals and skill levels. Whether you're entering the job market for the first time or facing obstacles, jobPath equips you with motivation, reliability, and determination to explore fulfilling career opportunities.

~ Paul Wagenaar, Career Advisor

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Pre-employment Corner

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• Come Visit Us! Life Directions Locations​
• Workshop - JobPath​
• March of Dimes: Skilling Up​
• We have partnered with Recreational Respite to offer pre-employment workshops. Check out their event calendar and contact your career advisor to register.

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Employer Corner

Upcoming training & workshops: Enhance Your Team's skills!

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Branching Out Support Services: "Dimensions of Neurodiversity Training for Teams" – A workshop with Sara Clarke and Kimberly Van Ryn to foster inclusive environments for neurodiverse customers and team members.

The Space Between with Alicia: "Letting Go of Judgment" – Transformative workshop focused on embracing diversity and releasing judgment for a more inclusive workplace.

St. John Ambulance: "Mental Health and Wellness for the Workplace" – Developed with TEMA Foundation to recognize and respond to mental health injuries in the workplace.

CMHA Grey Bruce: "Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)" – Learn to identify and provide early intervention for mental health issues, supporting recovery and resilience.

Canadian Association for Supported Employment: "Preparing to be a Mentor" – Learn the value of mentorship, the benefits for both mentees and mentors, and the details of the MentorAbility Canada initiative.

Self-Assessment Test: Gauge your understanding of inclusive practices and identify areas for improvement through our Self-Assessment Test.

HR Inclusive Policy Toolkit: Developed for SMEs to integrate skilled individuals with disabilities into their workforce with guidance from the supported employment service provider community.

Contact Randy Schoch, Life Directions Business Engagement Specialist, for sponsorship opportunities to access these trainings, often at no cost. Email LDBusiness@segss.com or book a meeting with Randy Schoch, Business Engagement Specialist ​

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Lunch 'n' Learn: One-Minute Takeaways "Program Delivery" Branching Out Support Services

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Community Partnership EVENTS

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At Life Directions, we're proud to collaborate with local agencies, fostering community engagement through skill-building and educational endeavors.

• LaunchPad Events Calendar​
• South East Grey Community Health Centre: SEGCHC link to events calendar​
• Local Library Events: Southgate, Grey Highlands, Meaford, West Grey
• Check out JunCtian Community Initiatives Calendar​
• ​ODEN Calendar​
• ​CASE Calendar​

Disability Awareness Month: Tourettes Syndrome

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This June, we recognize Tourettes Syndrome Awareness Month, shedding light on a condition that affects millions worldwide. As employers, it's our opportunity to understand Tourettes Syndrome and create supportive environments that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion.

1. Flexible Scheduling: Allow flexible work hours or breaks to manage tics and stress.
2. Quiet Workspace: Provide a quiet, low-stress environment to reduce triggers.
3. Clear Communication: Use clear, direct communication to ensure understanding and reduce misunderstandings.
4. Private Space: Offer access to a private area for when tics are more pronounced.
5. Assistive Technology: Utilize noise-canceling headphones or other assistive devices as needed.
6. Supportive Culture: Foster an inclusive and understanding workplace culture through education and awareness.
7. Job Coaching: Provide access to a job coach or mentor to help navigate workplace challenges.

By integrating these accommodations, we not only support our colleagues affected by Tourettes Syndrome but also enrich our workplace with a culture of understanding and respect.

Together, we can make a difference, one accommodation at a time. For helpful information, visit JAN (Job Accommodation Network).

Coming in june

• Check out the Life Directions Events Calendar for our upcoming June Events!
• Family Support Network Sessions
• ​BDE Drivers Training: World Class Driving School BDE in-class courses in Flesherton during July and August. Connect with your Career Advisor for prerequisites and sign-up.