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Midlife Career Change Brings New Opportunities
Vancouver, British Columbia—Sylvia Matthies enjoyed a long and successful career as a children’s entertainer in Vancouver. Over time, she found herself unable to twist and shape the balloon creations that she was known for due to a serious repetitive stress injury. The number of events she attended gradually dwindled as she fought bouts of pain after every performance and her doctor advised her to change her occupation. At the age of 52 and facing additional challenges with English as a second language, Sylvia applied for vocational training support.
The Opportunities Fund program offers funding for local, regional, and national projects. It helps recipient organizations create projects and deliver eligible activities and supports to individuals with disabilities, giving them the tools to maximize their potential and regain their financial independence. The program helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Approved applicants can receive sponsorship for training or a wage subsidy for on-the-job training.
After thoroughly investigating new career options through the Opportunities Fund program with the BC Centre for Ability, Sylvia decided to train to become a certified career development practitioner and was able to embark on a new career. “[I] must say that I enjoy facilitating,” says Sylvia. “I give it my all and always use success stories to motivate the students. I am deeply grateful for the chance that was given to me …. My life changed more than I ever imagined.”
Sandy Liles, Community Coordinator, Opportunities Fund Program at the BC Centre for Ability, says that Sylvia’s positive, upbeat personality that previously endeared her to children shines through in her work with unemployed adults. She notes that clients like Sylvia, who return to work after long periods of unemployment, gain a new-found independence and sense of worth by becoming contributing members of society. “Through re-employment, individuals become not only contributing taxpayers, but they also reduce or eliminate reliance on income and other support services,” Sandy explains.
“Sylvia’s belief in change and self-improvement is infectious,” says Sandy. “She was a delight to work with—diligent, reliable, and always wanting to give back in some way. She was so very appreciative of the funding she received [through the Opportunities Fund program].”
The Government of Canada’s top priority is jobs and the economic recovery and, in today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market. The Opportunities Fund is part of the Government’s strategy aimed at building the most educated, skilled and flexible workforce in the world. By supporting projects such as this, the Government is helping Canadians with disabilities to maximize their potential and independence.