By Krishnaveni Thamari Selvan, Employment Services Advisor
Sometimes it only takes one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life. Pamela Rodriguez, a graduate of MOSAIC’s Care Pathways program, is that light of hope in the lives of seniors.
In March of 2018, Pamela came to Canada from Colombia as a refugee claimant seeking a better future for herself and her family. A single mother with two children, life in Canada was challenging to navigate alone. Her passion for supporting and taking care of others, as well as her professional training as a nurse, led her to serving seniors in the health care sector.
This led her to MOSAIC’s free Care Pathways program, which helps visible minority newcomer women kickstart their career with an alternative pathway into the senior care sector. Care Pathways provides training and support to succeed in entry-level roles such as support workers, dietary aides, and housekeeping.
Pamela completed the Care Pathways program in June 2021 and is successfully working as a caregiver providing home care assistance to seniors in Metro Vancouver. She has gained a lot from the program including confidence, skills, and certifications to thrive and grow from entry-level roles in the health care sector. The program provides participants with the following:
- First Aid, Workplace Safety, Food Safety, and WHMIS Certification
- Intercultural, diversity and inclusion coaching
- Employability and job-based essential skills training
- Occupation-specific language coaching
- Continuous one-on-one guidance in finding a job
- Transportation and follow-up support during work experience
Pamela shared with me that she is happy and content now, doing what she loves by making a difference in the lives of others every day. The seniors she takes care of see her as their family and motivate her to be more and do more. She is also working towards achieving her dream of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada. Along with her work, she is taking evening English classes through MOSAIC to enable her to continue her education as a Health Care Aide.
For Pamela, MOSAIC’s support has been a lifeline. From settlement services and English lessons to career-specific programs such as Care Pathways, MOSAIC has shaped her Canadian journey positively.
We are happy to see Pamela become even stronger, more determined, and ready to shine her light brighter by being of service to seniors in our community. She continues to enjoy her one-on-one sessions with her Employment Services Advisor every week, and has her own network of friends who encourage and support her.
If caring for others is your calling and you want to be that light helping others too, MOSAIC’s Care Pathways program can be the first step in the right direction. Are you ready to take this chance to change your life and let your light shine? Let us start you on your new pathway in life, together.
Care Pathways is recruiting for a new cohort of participants, which will begin in January 2022. To register for this free program, click here. If you have questions regarding the program, please email pathways@mosaicbc.org.
