Jordan McCourt has received his first pay cheque from the Sunshine Shack. He worked four hours every week for a month practising his new skills at the now familiar kiosk at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
McCourt's employment has been facilitated by a training subsidy through a program for people with developmental disabilities organized by Judy Gates of M. Magas and Associates.
Thanks as well to funding support from Community Living B.C., McCourt receives specific training with job coach Jeannie Barwise.
He is learning to operate the cash register, make change and memorize the menu. He is also learning about serving customers and food and workplace safety. His training will take place over the next four months.
Gibsons Family Network (GFN), a non-profit society has operated the Sunshine Shack since the community centre opened. GFN is managed by a board of volunteers and chaired by Pat Stuart. Their mandate is to provide community inclusion and employment for people with disabilities.
The fundamental drive behind this effort is the belief that having a job and being a contributing member of our community makes it a better place for everyone.
Since its opening in April 2008, the Sunshine Shack has enabled 10 young people to receive training and undertake part time employment.
The Sunshine Shack receives tremendous support from the larger community and is grateful to the following businesses for their ongoing contributions. Super Valu provides fruit, milk, beverages and baked goods on a weekly basis, Wheatberries in Sechelt donates ginger gem cookies every week and IGA donates bottled water and provides wraps at a discount. Strait Coffee also provides coffee at a discount.
All the employees at the Sunshine Shack enjoy working in the community centre and they especially appreciate it when people from the community take the time to stop by and say hello.
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