PCL was recently fortunate to host student volunteer placements from the Social Service Worker program at Conestoga College.  Each of these students worked with us for five weeks in order to learn about our agency and how we provide supports to individuals with developmental disabilities.  As part of their placement they were required to write a paper discussing what they learned during their time with PCL.  One of the students has allowed me to share some of her comments from her assignment.

“I received the opportunity to work at one of their (PCL) homes, not only was i kindly welcomed but i received the opportunity to work with some fantastic women who have taught me the importance of patience and humor.  The skills i obtained in this position will help carry me into my second year, as well as into my future as a social service worker.”

“In addition to developing personal skills, i also came to realize and quickly see the love that the staff felt towards the women in the house. This created a different outlook for me on the overall experience of an individual living in a group home, one that came to surpass my preconceived assumptions.  I had never bee inside a group home or truly understood the way one functions, however I certainly did have preconceived notions of one, based on things I’ve heard from other people or the way the media negatively portrayed it.  But those perceptions were all false.  This  home was about caring for others. The staff is extremely attentive and I could see how that attentiveness influences the women living there, it motivates the women to want to do things that are slightly out of their comfort zone, it empowers them to achieve things on their own and make decisions to be in control of what they want to accomplish.”

“The environment is extremely positive and empowering and one can see how it promotes growth for everyone involved”

“The clients and staff have shown me how a positive and empowering environment can be extremely beneficial to one’s own self development, this experience will remain with me for years to come and I am thankful for it.”

Thanks to Joanna – SSW Student from Conestoga College for these affirming and positive remarks about the supports we provide at PCL and the spirit, independence and intelligence of those we provide supports to.