“I think our mission speaks volumes to who we are as an organization,” he says. In fact, others share his long-term commitment to serving the Thunder Bay community by working at March of Dimes Canada for this very reason. Several of Mike’s colleagues have celebrated more than two decades on the team.

“Nothing’s better than working with my coworkers and staff,” he says. “We support each other and chip in to create a really positive working environment.”

For Mike, our positive and inclusive culture is key. “My journey here has been possible thanks to work-life balance,” he explains. Mike’s extended his passion for his community as a hockey and baseball coach, allowing him to engage with some of our younger clients outside of the office. “I like helping the community and work is just another extension of all that for me,” he adds. “If your number-one priority is to help people, then March of Dimes Canada is the greatest organization on earth to work for.”

The focus on learning is helpful, too. “At March of Dimes Canada, you’re always provided with training opportunities, which is good,” he says. It’s helped Mike avoid stagnation while managing new information and practices. “The more you’re willing to engage in training, the more you’re willing to do, the more courses you’re willing to take, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your career here.”

And change is what she’s helping create by working on the Fundraising and Philanthropy team at March of Dimes Canada. “It’s my role — as a contributing member of society — to ensure that whatever privileges I have, are privileges everyone else has, too,” Berat explains. “It’s what I get to do by helping us hold impactful fundraising events.”

Plus, her role has provided Berat with the opportunity to work on a truly dedicated team. It’s been a big bonus for Berat, knowing her contributions are seen as deeply valued and important. “We’re closely connected at March of Dimes Canada,” she explains. “From the start, I just clicked with everyone — we care about each other, support each other, and grow together,” she says. “It’s a big part of what makes working here feel so special.”

Growing her career with March of Dimes Canada has been a meaningful experience for Berat — one she continues to enjoy. “Being able to give back with the skills that I have — however big or small — it just makes contributing to our shared mission and purpose deeply meaningful to me.”

“I like being able to create a positive impact in our clients’ lives, helping them troubleshoot the problems that they’re facing,” he explains. “That always resonates with me.” Working one-on-one with our clients, Phil listens to their needs, collaborates with them in solutions, and helps them move the dial toward independence.

It’s the personal connections and trust Phil shares with our clients that makes every single day count. “I’ve always believed in creating a more accessible world, so helping people with disabilities is something I’m really passionate about,” he says. “Seeing our clients succeed in their goals and accomplish things that they didn’t before is always super rewarding.”

Phil warmly recalls supporting one client — who has Aphasia and, as a result, had lost the ability to have fluid conversations — in her recovery. Over the course of the Covid-19 Pandemic, he spent about an hour a day with her, helping her recall words and relearn how to spell her name. “It was such a rewarding experience, because I was helping her spell her name for the first time in 20 years,” he recalls. “She was just so ecstatic about that.”

Thinking of March of Dimes Canada as your next career opportunity? Phil offers these words of encouragement: “If you’re looking for a challenge — work that will keep you on your toes, where you use your skills every day — then March of Dimes Canada is the perfect place for you.” And the impact you’ll have on the lives of others? “That’s the best part.”

Tina’s deep belief in our shared efforts for people with disabilities underpins every goal, to-do list, and conversation. “Clients know we support them to grow into who they are, to be the best that they can be,” she explains. “My career has finally met up with my passion.”

The positive response Tina has received when contributing to the Community Support Services’ team’s collective impact has been overwhelming. It’s clear in every meaningful interaction with our clients. “I was off work for two days. When I came back, one of my clients said to me, ‘It’s just so much better when you’re here.’” That gratitude has meant the world to Tina, fueling her efforts to put our clients first in all she does.

It's not just about giving for Tina — she appreciates March of Dimes Canada providing her with an inclusive and supportive work environment. As a queer woman, Tina sometimes feels out of place — but not at work. “Here, I feel I’m truly part of the team and accepted for who I am.”

Tina’s interests and skillset are embraced by her colleagues. “I’ve been able to spread my wings and get involved in so many things here,” explains Tina. When she offered to run a laughter yoga class at work — a fun and engaging activity that allows team members to engage, connect, and have fun — she was immediately encouraged to go for it.

“My team is just so supportive, allowing me to just be me — the unique unicorn I’ve been told I am! My colleagues look at who I am as a strength and have really embraced that.”

To kickstart her career as a valued member of our Community Support Services team, Faye took a Personal Support Worker course, officially applied for the role, and was hired soon after. Today, she looks back on her years at March of Dimes Canada with great pride. Especially when it comes to the impact we’re having on the lives of people with disabilities. “We’re at the leading edge of helping people be independent in their lives,” she says.

Knowing that she’s made a real difference in the lives of our clients has been deeply satisfying for Faye. “It’s deeply satisfying to see the joy that I personally bring to our client’s lives,” she says. “It makes a real difference to them, knowing that we care, that we want to see them happy and thriving.”

A strong believer in the importance of empowering others, Faye finds true joy in seeing the smiles on her clients’ faces after she helps them get ready each morning. “It’s when I hear them say, ‘I'm now able to face the day,’ with confidence that I truly know I’m making a real difference,” she says.

“March of Dimes Canada is out there promoting independence for people with disabilities—our mission matters,” Faye says. “It’s such a proud badge for me to wear.”

For Jamie, her growth at March of Dimes Canada comes down to being part of a caring community that has been there for her, every step of the way. “We're a big organization, but everyone is so supportive here,” she says. “We all know each other and are truly there for each other, championing our collective successes.”

Plus, there’s the many opportunities for professional development she enjoys. “It’s one of the best things about working here,” explains Jamie. Whether taking part in conferences, training opportunities, or skills-enhancing courses, she credits her career mobility in part thanks to such opportunities.

Today, Jamie’s helping deliver our Tech for Good program, ensuring people with disabilities can access the technology they need to succeed. Ultimately, it’s about the impact she’s able to make possible through her work. “Being able to see what an iPad or mobile phone can do for someone in need makes me smile,” she says. “Seeing that difference is why I come to work every day.”

Her aunt was right. Only three months into the job, Jalyssa’s supervisor recognized her boundless potential and sparked a conversation about growth. Promoted into her current role not long after, Jalyssa has enjoyed being an important part of the Community Support Services team ever since. “I was thrilled to advance my career in such a short period of time,” she says. “There’s just so much opportunity here!”

While she didn’t go to school to work in her current field, she’s found that her positive, can-do attitude and desire to move our collective work forward has been a huge asset. “I came to this work fresh, and they really prepared me,” she explains.

“I’ve had opportunities to take part in training and courses that allow me to continue learning on the job,” she adds. Jalyssa has appreciated — and taken advantage of — the extensive courses and training that March of Dimes Canada offers team members who also want to learn, grow, and advance.

Jalyssa’s future with March of Dimes Canada couldn’t be brighter. And — just like her aunt predicted she would when she encouraged her to apply — Jalyssa loves the work. The best part? Knowing her contributions are continuously recognized by everyone around her — especially clients. “I just love being in a position where I can impact people’s lives for the better,” she says. “It’s deeply fulfilling.”