Guy Works to Meet Goals with WorkBC

Guy (pronounced: Gee) Fafard had hit rock bottom. He had lost his job, his relationship, and most importantly, his daughter. His alcoholism had taken over his life and he had hit a point where he knew he needed to make a change.

During his six months living unhoused on the streets of Vernon, despite his own struggles, Guy went out of his way to help others who were struggling with homelessness and addiction. He saved four people from an overdose, rescued two people from a house fire, and pulled a girl out of Vernon Creek that would have most certainly drowned without his help.

Over a year ago, Guy had made the decision to get sober. It was not an easy journey, but he knew it was the only way he could ever hope to regain custody of his daughter. He started working with Turning Points, an organization that helps individuals recover from addiction and rebuild their lives.

As he worked towards sobriety, Guy also began working with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to regain custody of his daughter. It was a slow and difficult process, but he was determined to do whatever it took to become a better father and regain his parental rights.

Guy was currently living at OP2, a transitional housing program for individuals in recovery. He was grateful for the support and structure it provided, as he knew he could not do this alone.

One day, while speaking with Kelly Fehr, Executive Director of Quality Assurance at Turning Points, Guy mentioned his desire to find a job. Kelly immediately connected him with Charlotte, an employment counselor with WorkBC Centre Vernon. Through patience, kindness, and continuous support, Charlotte has been instrumental in helping Guy get closer to his goal of full-time custody of his young daughter and fulfilling employment.

Guy was nervous, but excited at the prospect of gaining employment. He had been on PWD (Persons with Disabilities) for some time and was eager to start working again and find long-term employment.  After meeting with Charlotte, and building a strong resume, Guy was offered a position at A1 Bus as an on-call Driver. He was thrilled to have a job and the opportunity to start rebuilding his life.

Through his hard work and determination, Guy has been making progress in his journey towards sobriety and regaining custody of his daughter. It has been a slow and difficult process, but he knows it is worth it.

As he looks back on his journey, he realizes that he has not been alone. He had the support of Turning Points, MCFD, OP2, Kelly Fehr, Charlotte, WorkBC Centre Vernon, and now his new employer at A1 Bus.

Guy knows he still has a long way to go, but he is grateful for the help he has received and is confident that he will continue to make progress towards a brighter future.