SUCCESS STORY - SANDRA BROWN
 I came to Transitional Living Centres (TLC) as a client at the beginning of March; about 13 weeks ago. What an empowering voyage the 13 weeks have been. TLC supports independent living by focusing on each participant’s goals as directed by their Case Managers.
Crediting the staff, each goal is certainly being achieved. I will share my awesome experience week by week, which is enabling me to maximize my potential to be independent and return to my residence. I have selected a significant word for each week to honour it.
My first week was a trip to the bank with the TLC Manager, Markos Tegegn, to open an account. It was terrific to have my own account again and be able to pay bills. My case manager also was able to gain information that I wanted from my Public Trustee. Before moving to TLC, I had been in the Victoria Hospital for 6 months. I had made several phone calls to my Public Trustee with questions that I had. She had not returned a phone call and I needed my questions answered. When my case manager received and shared the information with me I felt a great deal of dignity. Dignity also with opening a bank account.
Week 2 - I highlight my shopping trip. My Primary Worker, Cavin, takes me every 2 weeks. It is super to have all the food I need. He makes me a dedicated shopper. I make a list and add up the groceries as we shop to make sure I am staying within my budget. I enjoy spending time with him. Shopping is a great outing.
Week 3 - I started my Exercise Program with the TLC In-House Exercise Program Coordinator, Eric. I go every Tuesday and Thursday. Eric is well aware of my ongoing back pain and offers his session in a very sincere way. We have a good workout and talk a lot. We end the session with a game of bowling or baseball on the Wii. What self discovery to acknowledge I could do the exercises and learn about the Wii game. Also, this time I started to attend Stretching Classes lead by Heather Fletcher on Sunday and Tuesday. Heather conducts a very enjoyable stretch class. It feels so good. What an inspiring way to end the weekend.
My birthday occurred during week 4. Birthdays at TLC are truly an ethereal occasion. The staff and management supply a cake and other program participants gather together to celebrate the person’s birthday. We are a group supporting each other as we sing Happy Birthday and present the cake. How ethereal and special on my birthday to feel so important and cared for.
Something that has totally changed my life happened during week 5. I was into completing crosswords and Sudoku at the Victoria Hospital. Having brought my computer from home I was playing Solitaire on it. What I guess I would call the “original solitaire”. A care support worker named Thomas Tito came in for a visit with me and noticed I was playing Solitaire. He asked me if I ever played “Spider Solitaire”. I didn’t know the game so he taught it to me. I am absolutely hooked on it! It is such a sensational game. I play it constantly and I have won all the levels. So addicted to it, I play all the levels again, shooting for the big win.
Week 6 - I am going to identify laundry. Together with a TLC worker, I do this once a week. It is an opportunity to show responsibility for chores and household duties. Also, a chance to visit with and get to know the workers here at TLC such as Richelle, Fahim, Filmon, Gizelle, Meliza and Annabelle. My last laundry I did with Bill, a new TLC worker here. He attended Gordon Bell High School where both my father and his brother attended. Many years ago the then current school principal was a close family friend. I know he would be pleased with Bill’s accomplishments. It is no surprise that Markos Tegegn hired him; another brilliant action by the manager.
The trip to the Beauty Salon is week 7. I went to get my hair cut. Thank goodness! Looking better enhanced my confidence. It also provided me the opportunity to go to the shopping centre.
The highlight for week 8 was my trip to the Seven Oaks Hospital. The TLC Manager suggested I go to the hospital if my back pain was unmanageable. My husband David took me to the Seven Oaks Hospital. My experience there was very hopeful. The doctor in the emergency referred me to the Pain Clinic. This really raised my spirits. However I was disappointed because the wait time is 6-9 months, but at least my name is in.
Week 9 - I saw my evaluation of my safety skills in the apartment. The TLC Manager came in the evening to observe my safety skills in the kitchen. While I was cooking, a TLC worker came to take me for my daily walk. I explained I couldn’t go for a walk because I was cooking and being evaluated. The worker was totally adamant about the walk. Unable to dissuade her, I turned off the pork chops that were frying on the stove and the element which was bringing the vegetables to a boil. I explained to the Manager what was going on saying I’d be back in 15 minutes. At this point the Manager laughed, informing me that he had set up the worker to come so he could evaluate my safety skills. He was impressed with me turning off the frying pan and the veggie pot. This action came instantly to me demonstrating my responsibility to safety. It was a triumph to display my control and responsibility.
I was so moved by the next two activities that I am targeting for week 10. Administration at TLC arranged for me to be driven to an AA meeting and to my church. How delightful! The interaction with other people and my interaction with the community really gave me a feeling of power. How terrific to interact with special people and friends. With attending church, it was a special reward to be able to worship with the accompaniment of TLC workers such as Richelle, Filmon, Gizelle, Alfred, Tracy and Gashaw.
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