Heather is a positive, and determined individual. Although she was born blind, she has spent her entire life striving to integrate into mainstream society, whether it be at play, school or work. You might not know Heather personally, but if you’ve ever called our offices at WICA, it’s the friendly voice that answers your call or greets you when you come into our office. Heather has been the receptionist at WICA for the last 25 years.
“Coming into WICA every day, and working makes me feel like a productive member of society because I am helping with the process of finding a volunteer for someone whether it’s taking a referral or calling for their community worker. It’s very rewarding because I’m helping someone in need and starting the process to improve their life. After a few minutes of interaction on the phone, I can see hope start to build.”
Aside from being an employee, Heather is also a protégé, who gets help from a volunteer, Sue, on a regular basis.
“Sue will take me grocery shopping and she is a great friend to talk to about life in general. She helps me problem-solve with other obstacles I have to face, for example, getting things delivered when she’s not available.”
Life doesn’t stop there for Heather. She gives back to the community as a volunteer through the Quebec Federation for the Blind and Placement Potential, who assists the vulnerable to find jobs. Through lawn bowling, she has developed a love for travel as tournaments have taken her to Australia, Malaysia, Scotland, England and many provinces across Canada. A few years ago, her dad and she were a great sight to see on the ski hills, while she also loves to swim and skate. But Heather would tell you that her new-found favorite activity is dragon-boating.
“It’s a wonderful exercise. Our team consists of blind and sighted paddlers and we’re proof that when we work together, we can move forward – literally! We practice on the Lachine canal and we compete at three competitions during the summer.”
Heather leads a very full life. She was raised in a very supportive and loving home that encouraged her and taught her that you can do anything you set your mind to. She briefly attended the Phillips E. Layton School for the blind, and finished her elementary schooling at Windermere Elementary. She went on to Beaconsfield High School, and then Vanier where she completed a DEC in social science and Concordia University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Science. Finally, it was a stage that brought her to the West Island Re-adaptation Center, where she was introduced to WICA and soon thereafter, offered a job.
“During my stage at the re-adaptation center, I was only working two days a week, but I wanted more. A counsellor at the center introduced me to the Director of WICA, and following an interview she offered me a job 3 days a week, which became a full time job within the next two years. This was 25 years ago, and believe it or not, I’m still here.”
Heather is an integral part of the team at WICA. Although she praises the staff she works with, it is the staff who feel lucky to have her.
Marla Newhook, Director of WICA says, “WICA believes in social inclusion. Heather, as a key member of our team, is a perfect example of how community work is about empowering people to have the best quality to life and contributing to the success of our organization.”
The last word goes to Heather, “If it wasn’t for the wonderful supportive staff at WICA, my quality of life would not be what it is. I don’t know what I would be doing if WICA didn’t cross my path. It have given me a sense of purpose, and fulfills my life socially as I get to interact with many people on a daily basis. If luck is on our side, maybe I’ll be here another 25 years!”
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