Nikki was referred to Small Steps to Success by a past graduate of the program; they were both living in the Sober Living House in Cambridge. The last time Nikki worked was twelve years prior, with a janitorial service.
When she first began her sobriety journey, she wasn’t sure of her next steps, within the house, or outside of the house, which is when her house mate told her about Small Steps To Success (SSTS), YWCA Cambridge’s free pre-employment and life skills program. Her housemate told Nikki that SSTS helps participants build confidence and gives them that needed little push to next steps like looking for employment, while providing community resources and a support system of staff and other participants.
“Going into the program I left all expectations at the door,” said Nikki. “But I had the willingness to take in all SSTS had to offer and soak up as many things I could learn or apply to my already broken life.”
Nikki lived with addiction for over 20 years, “but in the last 12, I lost everything,” she said.
“But most of all, I lost myself.”
Choosing recovery was a significant turning point for her. “I have a stable place to live and was active in a program that taught me how to live life on life’s terms and to get the most out of what I have to offer – which is more than I thought before walking through the doors of [the] Small Steps [program],” Nikki said. Before Small Steps, Nikki said she wasn’t sure how to navigate re-entering the job market.
Nikki describes walking through the doors of The W on the first day of the Small Steps program and being welcomed by “two amazing women who gave me all the support in the world to keep pushing forward and coming every day.”
Those two women of Small Steps to Success Coordinator, Sara Hohenadel and Outreach Coordinator, Terra MacDonald.
At Small Steps, like so many participants, past, present and future, Nikki found an incredible support system, one in which other participants also committed to coming every day, to being vulnerable and sharing the loads each participant carries while bolstering each other in their journeys.
Nikki describes one particular “aha moment” from her time in the program being when she and the other participants were asked to list what skills they had and encouraged to consider the wide array of soft, hard and transferrable skills. “Some of the group was like ‘I dunno 10-15 [skills],’ but no, it was more like over 150 skills we all possess.”
“Another section of the program that I enjoyed was power and control, learning what I did and did not have power over, whether it be personal or employment-based, and how to cope,” she added.
The story of the dragonfly is incorporated into the Small Steps curriculum. This story, originally appearing in the book Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney, and based on the original poem by Guillaume Apollinaire, describes a voice calling to young dragonflies, encouraging them to take the leap over the edge and fly despite their fears they may fall.
The dragonfly story was one of Nikki’s favourite parts of the program. “It talks about transformation and how, once you become what you’re meant to you, can’t go back to what you were before.”
Nikki never missed one day of program. In fact, upon graduating from the 12-week program, she was awarded the Dragonfly Award, which is a recognition awarded to participants whom program facilitators note as having made significant, positive internal changes.
Onward and Upward
Part of the Small Steps program is a three-week volunteer placement with a local organizations and businesses, based on participants’ goals and interests. Nikki wanted to work in community, ideally as a peer worker, and so her placement was secured with Kinbridge Community Association. She shared that she felt instantly welcomed by the team at Kinbridge, and enjoyed the opportunity to see how much the organization provides the community it serves.
Following her placement, Kinbridge, not wanting to lose her skills, eagerness and helpfulness at their organization, invited Nikki for an interview for a role within the organization. Today, Nikki, pleased as ever, works in a part-time centre host position.
“I feel amazing about the job offer at Kinbridge.,” said Nikki. “I went into placement with no intentions and an open mind and willingness to try anything. Normally I wouldn’t have taken this opportunity. Sobriety – you just don’t know what life will be like after – get a job, live life etc… I wasn’t expecting anything out of [my placement with Kinbridge]. It just came and it was easy. It wasn’t a forced situation. I am really excited.”
“We are incredibly proud of Nikki and her growth,” said Sara Hohenadel. “She pushed herself and showed such enthusiasm in learning and becoming a part of a team. We cannot wait to hear what is next for Nikki.”
Getting to where she is today took a lot of getting out of her comfort zone and trying new things. “When you find something that you’re willing to jump out of bed for everyday and it fills your cup each day, hold on to it,” said Nikki.
“I just want to say thank you to both Sara and Terra for all their hard work and dedication that they put into this program. I tell everyone I know about all the many things that you have done to shape my life and give me the confidence boost that I needed to see that employment was possible. You challenged me and pushed me to do better one small step at a time. Thank you for all that you do – I Love You Both!!”
