When I was a teenager my mom worked for JFS as an administrative assistant, and I remember walking the halls as a young kid. It’s possible that these experiences had an influence on my decision to g...

When I was a teenager my mom worked for JFS as an administrative assistant, and I remember walking the halls as a young kid. It’s possible that these experiences had an influence on my decision to go into social work. After I received my degree, I didn’t want to work anywhere but JFS. The environment was so comfortable which really eased me into my first job. I still have very fond memories and keep in touch with my contacts even though I only worked there for two years. I still have many good friends from when I worked there; it always felt like a family to me. I decided to go back to school to pursue Psychology, but stayed close to the organization as a member of the marketing and media relations committee. I later found myself on the Board of Directors, which I loved because it was really nice to be sitting around the table with people I knew as a kid.

Not only did they give me my first job, but they believed in me. I was a young girl right out of university and they took a chance on me, even though I had no experience, and I never forgot the support I felt working at this organization.

I worked in the department of Youth Protection, which is very difficult and heavy. I had an amazing team which made the work that much more gratifying. My best memories include having meetings with Steve Solomon and learning from him. It is because of the organization that I went into psychology: I dealt with a lot of sex abuse cases and was asked to give a talk at UQAM. Through that talk I met Ellen Moss, and I was able to do my PHD with her.

I have given back over the years by sitting on various committees’ in the Jewish community, such as Federation CJA committees. I also refer my clients to Ometz that need the extra support or have financial difficulties.

Ometz should continue to do what they’re doing, helping the impoverished. Looking forward, Ometz should also consider playing more of a role in assisting the aging population. hide

I had just finished university and was excited to start my career. I was always a good student who studied hard and achieved academically as a result. Unfortunately, I had never been taught how to wri...

I had just finished university and was excited to start my career. I was always a good student who studied hard and achieved academically as a result. Unfortunately, I had never been taught how to write a CV or how to interview. Not having these skills made it very difficult to attract potential employers. I didn’t have the proper tools to access the job market and therefore, I decided to call Contact Pro Montreal.

I was taught how to write a CV, how to behave in an interview, how to dress for an interview and how to access the hidden job market. I became a much more interesting candidate to prospective employers and found a job because of this.

Coming back as a professional later on, I am constantly thanking the woman who helped me get my first job. I wouldn’t be where I am today otherwise.

Today I work at Ometz as coordinator of entrepreneurship. I always tell the clients I help, not to forget about the community that helped them. That when they achieve what it is they set out to achieve that they should help the next person achieve, in whatever way they can. I see Ometz as an enabler; they enable people to reach their potential whatever that may be. They provide people with the tools that enable them to help themselves; and that in my opinion is the best type of help an organization can give.

I feel the need to reiterate the importance of having this organization in community. It is important because once you have reached that stability, you forget how hard it is in the beginning. We need to make sure the younger generation is supported in order for them to reach their potential and have a successful future. Ometz helps everyone across the board regardless of means. It gives us all an equal shot and paves the way for future success. The organization develops people’s skills and takes steps towards independence in numerous ways, therefore allowing people to benefit from so many more opportunities than they originally thought possible. hide