Jacob was a participant in the most recent YESS-In Motion & Momentum+ Program in Owen Sound. Before starting the program in April, 2025, Jacob had been out of work for over a year.

When Jacob started the program, his only goal was to improve his drawing skills. As the program progressed and Jacob started to discover some of his strengths and the barriers standing in his way, he adapted his goal to include finding a job and working on his health issues. With the support of the group, Jacob started exercising and focusing on his health as well as sharing the drawings he was working on. Jacob ended up playing a key role in the Community Project, which was to create unique Care Cards for family members and caregivers of patients in care at the Grey Bruce Hospice. Jacob’s beautiful drawings were used for many of the Care Cards that were eventually delivered in person to Staff and caregivers at the Hospice.

As Jacob gained confidence, he took part in Interview Preparation workshops through YESS-In Motion & Momentum+ and participated actively in role-play scenarios where he worked through how to handle conflicts with customers and other staff as well as workshops on workplace professionalism and mental health. As a group, we prepared for the upcoming Freshco Job Fair being held at the YMCA Employment Office in Owen Sound. In addition to prior workshops, Jake arrived early in the morning to run through potential interview questions. He attended the Job Fair looking professional and was successful in his interview, securing a position at Freshco. Today, in addition to continuing to work on his art and health, Jake is completing his training at Freshco and looks forward to starting a new career there.

“IM&M has been a fun and educational 10 weeks full of team building and self-discovery. Being here has helped me better understand my goals and skills.”