Robin is a First Nations single parent who left high school in grade 11. This education gap became readily apparent when writing and working in the office on computer oriented tasks. Her confidence level and the ability to write something from her personal voice became an extremely daunting task and therefore one which was developed throughout the program.

Being part of the internship, Robin was able to cease being on welfare which was an extremely gratifying concept and one which raised her confidence level to new heights. Through the program, Robin has excelled. She has decided to return to school to finish her General Education Development (GED) to get her high school diploma. To further her career, she would like to continue with post secondary education in early childhood education. Robin continues to work for the Firehall Arts Centre in the box office, bar and front of house. Her maturity, positive attitude and desire to better herself for her family and for her personal well-being, translate into a determination to pursue her goals to create a life which is both happy and healthy.

“This program has been nothing but great. It’s really awesome that there has been an opportunity like this one in this community!”

Alex came to the Firehall training program with some scepticism about what she would be able to accomplish within the four short months at the Firehall. Having completed a similar program that had not led to future work placements, she voiced her hesitancy at completing another program of this kind. In these few short months, Alex excelled at every task that was placed before her and her enthusiasm regarding the program continued to increase throughout.

Alex demonstrated natural leadership skills and through gaining the respect of her peers, naturally became a group leader within the program, taking on many tasks of organizing, scheduling and developing work plans for individual events.

Alex was hired right after the program to become the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for the Dancing on the Edge Contemporary Dance Festival, which took place at over nine different venues throughout Vancouver. She took a lead role in scheduling volunteers at the multiple venues, acclimating new volunteers to their positions as well as creating a festival flyer for outreach to the community surrounding Queen Elizabeth Park for Dusk Dances, a free evening dance event happening throughout the park.