Testimonials

Participants Testimonials:

"I kept ending up on the inside because I didn't have a clue how to survive on the outside. It taught me what life could be like, and showed me how to get there. My plan is working!" (Habitual Offender)

"I never had a real job, or did a budget. I felt out of control of my own life. Real Times, Real Life taught me I can build a better life for me and my family." (Former Unemployed Mother of Three)

"I learned even though I dropped out of school, I have transferable skills I can use to open doors in lots of areas. I made a plan I know will get me on the right track. Now I need more skills." (School Drop Out)

"I said things about myself to strangers I never said to anyone before. It was okay to share feelings, because my 'character' was taking the chances, not me. By getting to know each other's characters, we really got to know, and like, and want to help, each other."(Vocational Rehabilitation Client)

"I couldn't have felt worse about myself and my life. Then, in a few hours, I was having fun and feeling maybe I could have a real future. It was a turning point for me." (Former Welfare Recipient)

"I was really down on myself for losing my job. I learned lots of good people lose their jobs too, and it's not their fault. Most important, I learned I could find something better." (Former Unemployed Steelworker)

"I just couldn't see any hope for better days. This program pulled me out of a black hole and let me see new possibilities, to get excited about the future for the first time in a long time." (Laid-Off Office Worker)

"Since my injury, I pretty much gave up hope for a job I liked. Now I'm putting the pieces together for a better life than ever." (Compensation Client)

Facilitators Testimonials:

"My staff look forward to working with this program. Our clients are not an easy group to work with, but this program is productive and enjoyable for both staff and participants. Thanks to the people who created this great program." (Welfare-to-Work Program Administrator)

"It's very hard to motivate clients who are dealing with serious self-esteem problems, and fear, to do career planning. Our clients not only like this program, it gets them exploring options, on their own, talking with their life partners and families, and using other resources in our centre. They develop plans they intend to follow." (One-Stop Community Centre Manager)

"This is the most effective program I have ever used at getting clients to leave their personal "baggage" behind, put on a new, more positive set of glasses, and roll up their sleeves to build a better future for themselves." (Employment Centre Counsellor)

"I really like working with Real Times, Real Life. Participants, even shy and reticent ones, get engaged quickly, then they pretty much carry the program. I just keep them on track as the program unfolds. They are reluctant to leave at the end of a session, and they look forward to coming back for the next. Attendance just isn't a problem." (Career Centre Counsellor, Community College)

"The magic of this program is the way it gets clients out of the hole many see themselves in. They leave behind self-doubts and fears, and lose themselves in an adventure of learning what today's working world is all about. For many, it is the first safe and hopeful place they have found themselves in quite a while. They get to feel good about themselves and life again."
(Job Search Club Facilitator)