Building community, one DEAM at a time!

When Kem Young first started working in supportive employment services, she had never dreamed what the future would hold.

Fast forward 18 years later, Kem has remained the driving force behind the Green Bay Community Employment Corporation, an organization serving Springdale, and surrounding communities, located in Newfoundland and Labrador. When GB Community Employment Corporation initially began in 2001, Kem spent the first five years hitting the streets and getting to know the business community, and by doing presentations to educate the public on all the benefits that come from hiring those with diverse abilities, Kem was able to create a community connection that would span 18 plus years, and serve hundreds, if not thousands of community members.

In all her years at Green Bay Community Employment Corporation, Kem has had the opportunity to meet so many other like-minded individuals that believe in creating and establishing a community partnership. Each year Kem makes it a point to celebrate DEAM to highlight her appreciation and support for her community members. For DEAM 2019, Kem pulled out all the stops and coordinated Motivational Speaker, Michael Gaultoisto come and speak to upwards of 250 students at Indian River Highschool, on how he personally overcame his own barriers, and he left them with the vital message, “you should never judge anyone by their visual appearance, it is important to be inclusive and accepting to all.” It was said that throughout his presentation all the students were engaged and participating, and in a room of 250 students, you could actually hear a pin drop. Can you imagine all of the great young minds that were inspired that day!

(Left to right: Home Hardware store Owner and Champion Employer, Chris Morgan; Long time Employee, Brandon Oxford and Kem Young, Green Bay Community Employment Corporation)

Kem also makes it a point each year to acknowledge the amazing work being done within her community, and this year she decided to highlight, among others, Brandon Oxford, a super star employee that has been working for a local champion employer, Home Hardware, located in Springdale, NL. He has been employed there since he finished high school over seven years ago. Brandon’s colleagues have described him as "an awesome colleague and an important part of the team" and some have been heard saying that they would be lost without him! Kudos to you Brandon, and to the team and community in Springdale, NL, for recognizing the greatness that can come from believing in others. We thank you for highlighting this during the month of DEAM! #DEAM2020

If you would like to highlight a champion in your neck of the woods, why not drop us a line at: contact@supportedemployment.ca