Sandra's Story: Finding Stability and Stepping Up

Sandra has lived in the Metro Vancouver area her entire life and described her early years as being easy. She had a strong relationship with her dad and spent much of her childhood playing piano, starting at the age of three, and reached the highest level in the Royal Conservatory. While she doesn’t play professionally now, she does have a keyboard in her studio apartment in Burnaby. Along with the keyboard, she has also taken extra care decorating and creating a space that she loves, so it has been important for her to hold on to her apartment. 

Before finding Mission Possible, Sandra was searching for work because the government assistance she collected wasn’t enough to afford her studio. She says, “If I didn’t, I’d have to move, and I really like my place.” After a referral from WorkBC, Sandra joined our Women’s Team. She was especially glad to find financial stability, “I feel very fortunate to be here and have your services help me.” Sandra also appreciated MP’s emphasis on punctuality and responsibility. It incentivized Sandra to show up, and she rarely missed a shift during her time on the Clean Team. She shared, “I realized it’s kind of important to pull up my socks and be there for my team.”

Due to arthritis in her knees, Sandra worked at a slower pace and experienced flair-ups that could make finishing her workday painful. However, the litter and needle pickup helped Sandra with her fitness and health and also helped her build confidence and independence. While she found the work to be a bit demanding on her body, she felt that it wasn't overwhelmingly challenging and instead provided a great opportunity to stay active.

Sandra completed her six-month contract with the Employment Readiness Program in early 2024, but MP’s one-on-one coaching allowed her to set goals for her time at MP and beyond. When she has needed assistance or direction, she shares, “I feel supported within the Mission Possible community. The coaches have been particularly helpful in guiding me.” One of the goals Sandra accomplished during her contract was to work with her coach and our Employment Engagement Coordinator to update her resume and cover letter. Outside of work, Sandra is proud that, with the help of AA, she hasn’t had a drink in over 25 years! She also takes care of her health by going to the gym and reading at her local park. 

Sandra is a team player with a strong work ethic and hopes to return to work as a care aide in nursing homes one day, a career she feels very passionate about. Currently, Sandra is working with a Peer Support Training program, where she is doing outreach with a community partner. She's shown a lot of desire to learn and use her lived experience to connect and support other peers. Grateful for her experience at MP, Sandra shares, “[MP’s] generosity and the comprehensive range of resources and support they provide, from resources to assistance, are truly exceptional.” 

When Sandra first started with the ERP, she often ate the provided hot lunches. Now, through the stable income provided by MP, Sandra has more food security and can leave the lunches for others in need.