Sitter in Brockville, Ontario

Through my education, work experience, volunteer experiences and extra-curricular activities I gained a variety of qualifications that make me suitable to work with children. While completing the Social Service Worker Program I have learned concepts of social justice and power differences between people and communities as well as social justice and diverse populations, and case management. We concentrate on skills and knowledge required to work with groups, individuals and communities in areas like partner and family maltreatment. I became certified in Applied Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and CPR- First Aid Training. The overall emphasis is on team work, ethical conduct and community organizing and advocacy. I was also a leader of Go Girls at Tagwi Secondary School every Thursday after school hours. Go Girls is a group mentoring program for girls ages 12-14. The program consists of 7 mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, after school within school facilities. Each week we empathize on certain topics such as; physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills. We promote the importance of positive mental activity and regular physical exercise; support the development of leadership and life skills. We are friends when the girls need to talk and positive role models throughout our group meetings. I have completed a 4 month placement with Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Cornwall Ontario. I was involved in the In School Mentoring program which provides girls and boys with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences within school grounds. For 5 days a week, 5 student’s day, we met for one hour. I met with my mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts, sports or just hang out in the playground. I provided them with a positive role model and a friend. I support the importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and friends while encouraging leadership skills and independent thinking. Volunteering has benefited my skill set in social service work as well as my knowledge in community service. Volunteering at the Cornwall Bingo Center has allowed me to meet new people and learn new skills. I sell bingo tickets, call out ticket numbers and clean tables after the bingo game. Volunteering with the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church to help disaster relief in Louisiana (March 2007) has expanded my horizons. We helped families whose homes were damaged or destroyed from Hurricane Katrina. The mission group rebuilt homes, pickup debris, and gave local support to the community. As well as volunteering at Henderson Settlement in Kentucky (March 2009). We gave support to the local community people helped put cupboards in homes and re-modeled kitchens. These experiences influenced my ability to handle hardship and gave me an understanding of others and their living conditions. I would like to experience new things, meet new people and make a positive difference for others and I believe I would be able to do so working as a child care provider.