YMCA Hamilton-Burlington

“A Caught in the Act” Story

There is at the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA a team member who seems almost omni-present and yet as a team member seems to fly almost imperceptibly below our awareness. John has been working with the YMCA for about nine years now, under an arrangement with Community Living Hamilton. John does a great deal of the teaching and helps me or reminds me of the importance of the simpler things and values in life. John makes daily rounds greeting staff and members alike, inquiring as to ‘how their day is going’, or ‘how they’re feeling’. I feel badly on those occasions when I find myself too busy to be able to stop and chat but I know that my day would be lesser for his absence. Yet, when you’re busy John understands and withdraws only to show up when you’re less busy to give you his daily greeting

John attends all of the staff and volunteer recognition functions and is volunteering for his third year running with the “Breakfast with Santa” event on November 30th. John talks lovingly of his nephews and nieces but singles out the niece with Downs Syndrome as his favourite with that guileless and infectious grin of his.

Just the other day a shipment of knapsacks arrived for the Daycare Centres and a staff in our office downstairs enlisted John who readily sought out the cart and helped her bring down some 15 boxes to the lower level. He does so without question or complaint and it happens daily with John.

John embodies caring. He respects what we do here at the YMCA. He is responsible in word and deed.

Christopher Cutler
Manager, Career Development and Learning
YMCA of Hamilton-Burlington

Fortinos Hamilton

“The person that we have working here has proven to be a great asset to the store and allows me to focus on more of my managerial duties.”
“We have been associated with Community Living Hamilton for over 15 years. The support we have received is always courteous and professional. I would not hesitate in recommending this valuable resource to any business.”

HAVCO Food Den, Hamilton

“We have been associated with Community Living Hamilton for over 15 years. The support we have received is always courteous and professional. I would not hesitate in recommending this valuable resource to any business.”

Kelsey’s Hamilton

“We at Kelsey’s have a strong belief in the potential of individuals with disabilities. We would like to challenge other businesses in Hamilton to recognize the value of hiring someone with a disability.

Party Packagers, Hamilton

“Having an individual with a disability working for Party Packagers has been an asset to our company. They have proven to be knowledgeable about merchandise, work well with our customers and are dependable.”
“Hiring an individual with an intellectual disability has been a positive experience for Tim Hortons, it’s managers, employees and customers.”

Tim Horton’s, Hamilton

“Hiring an individual with an intellectual disability has been a positive experience for Tim Hortons, it’s managers, employees and customers.”