Sam, a young man from Dunnville, Ontario, faced significant barriers to employment due to his intellectual disability and reliance on ODSP for his income. Living in a small town with limited employment opportunities, Sam often relied on informal work like cutting grass and shoveling snow for local residents, using his own equipment. While he enjoyed this work, Sam's options were limited, and he was seeking something more stable and fulfilling.

Sam’s journey took a positive turn when he was introduced to Leap Employment Services. The team at Leap provided him with pre-employment training, helping him build the skills needed to transition into a formal job. With their support, Sam was connected to a temporary greenhouse position. However, he initially struggled with workplace relationships and had difficulty adjusting to the expectations of punctuality and reliability. Sam would sometimes leave work early, which hindered his ability to maintain consistent employment.

Recognizing Sam’s potential and the challenges he was facing, Leap Employment Services provided ongoing job coaching. Ashleigh Shuur, a dedicated job coach, worked closely with Sam to help him understand the responsibilities that come with having a job, including the importance of being dependable and following through with commitments. Despite his challenges, Sam expressed a deep passion for working outdoors, specifically with grass-cutting tasks, and his goal was clear: he simply wanted to cut grass.

In response, Leap Employment Services advocated on Sam’s behalf to a local tree farm, a business that could potentially offer him a position aligned with his interests. The tree farm agreed to give Sam a trial shift to assess his ability to safely cut grass around the saplings without causing damage. Ashleigh accompanied Sam to the trial, providing continuous support and guidance throughout the process.

Sam performed exceptionally well during the trial, impressing the tree farm with his skills and dedication. As a result, he was offered a permanent role cutting grass for the farm. His performance continued to exceed expectations, and his role expanded further. Sam was soon asked to assist with irrigation tasks, and discussions are currently underway to have him join the tree planting crews.

Today, Sam is thriving in his new role and is more confident in his abilities. He is excited about his work and proud of his accomplishments. The support of Leap Employment Services has been invaluable in helping Sam find a job that not only aligns with his skills but also gives him a sense of purpose and pride.

Sam’s story is a powerful example of how personalized support, advocacy, and job coaching can help individuals with intellectual disabilities overcome challenges and find meaningful, long-term employment. With Leap Employment Services by his side, Sam is building a successful career and achieving his goals.