Jocelyn first came to SEED in 2012 while working for a temp agency who placed her in a position at the front desk at SEED. The following is Jocelyn’s reflection on her journey at SEED, as featured in the 2021-22 Annual Report:
At that point in my life, I was always living in survival mode, fearful about my future and having enough to provide for my 4 kids. As I settled into SEED and gained permanent employment, I saw that my co-workers weren’t worried about utilities getting cut off or not having enough for groceries the closer we got to payday. When I asked to sit in on the Money Management Training classes, things started to change in my personal life. I learned how to make a budget; it was eye-opening to gain this awareness. My co-workers have provided so much support over the years and it’s meant so much to be involved in all aspects of SEED, building meaningful relationships.
I’ve had so many firsts at SEED – I got birth certificates and SINs for my kids, I got my own ID, I voted for the first time, was approved for my first personal loan and first credit card, started caring about my community in new ways, got my Status, emceed a big event [our Annual Report to the Community], became a speaker for United Way and so much more. I was even able to deposit the significant money earned by my kids in the CSI Summer Learning program into a family RESP – it’s pretty emotional to see them planning and dreaming for their futures.
I am so grateful that SEED recognized my lived experience as education and gave me a chance, I am now in a role that I find fulfilling. I even facilitate those Money Management Training classes that impacted me all those years ago. SEED has also empowered me to connect to my Indigenous culture, an Elder and my identity as a community helper who makes a difference. I am excited about the future and my work at SEED, I look forward to many more years working in the community and with the best team.
