Testimonials

Some recent rave reviews from our caregivers, clients and their families:

A current employee of Traverse Independence said: "Traverse does great work in the community, very fulfilling. Best job I have ever held. Working the front line is the best way to know what you are capable of. The culture there is good, they strive to foster healthy feedback. Work here if you are looking for growth and want your life to count." 

A recently hired staff member stated: "The training and onboarding was "top notch". I showed my other place of employment how Traverse sets up their training schedules and they were so impressed." 

Another recently hired employee shared that: "Your agency is doing an excellent job and our hiring practices are "top notch".

One of the mothers of an ABI in the Streets client said: "One of the staff was the first person in a long time that had given her son and her hope and they're both looking forward to continuing working with Traverse.

Jack - attends virtual programming courtesy of our Opportunity Centre Day Program

"Jack is thoroughly enjoying the sessions he has attended! So please thank you all for what you do. It has been very difficult for Jack in hospital - very isolated and cognitive impairment. He is quite social when he becomes comfortable - enjoys joking and laughing and honestly, just feeling a part of something. So I am very happy he is enjoying the sessions. Our team was unsure about his active participation level given our last attempt at a virtual program prior to yours… however something has sparked in your programs for him.

Thank you for the wonderful jobs you are all doing. You have no idea how much you are making a difference in Jack’s life."

Melissa Tennant, Recreation Therapist, Grand River Hospital-Freeport

Karen - client at the Opportunity Centre 

"I am a client at the Opportunity Centre and have been for the past 7 years. When I first came to The OC, I was in a wheelchair, barely speaking due to a Motor Vehicle Accident. The staff were so welcoming, which made it the right choice of therapy for me. This has become a new home for me; as a place of belonging and where I get to meet fellow brain injury survivors who have been in similar situations. Many friendships have developed and coming to The OC has allowed me to develop creative skills in areas such as: Glass Fusion, Silk scarf making, card making, painting, Tai chi, chair yoga, gentle stretching, Euchre Poker, Music class and Massages. I’ve enjoyed many delicious meals prepared by our wonderful chef Tina and she has given me many tips in the kitchen. I’m grateful for the wonderful staff who help me learn these new skills and a certain staff member who even helped me learn my native tongue. There’s always something fun and exciting to do at The OC and there’s nothing but positivity here. I’m so grateful that there is this program available to help in my recovery. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come next!"

Clare - client at the Opportunity Centre 

"I would like to say something on how the staff are a blessing to the clients. They are a bright light in the fog of our minds. They enlighten, encourage and are accessible. Their joy brings us happiness and we can return it, in like fashion." 

Greg

Greg is a forty-year old man who has made great strides with Traverse Independence in the short time we have known him.

Greg was involved in a motor vehicle accident twenty years ago. After working the night shift at a factory, he was a passenger in a vehicle that was broadsided. He does not recall the accident but spent eight days in the hospital where he had two hand surgeries, a blood transfusion and a splenectomy. He had also sustained a brain injury. He was then released to his parent’s home, where he was bedridden for a month and received physiotherapy.

Greg has had a challenging road to recovery since his accident. Although he attempted to reenter the workforce after his accident, he was unsuccessful. He started using drugs and alcohol. After an overdose five years ago, he was introduced to Stonehenge Therapeutic Community through his parole officer. Greg completed an eight week program with them.
Through Stonehenge, Greg found his way to Traverse Independence and went through the intake process. It was determined that he was a suitable candidate for our Transitional Living program at Stanley Ave. in Kitchener. Greg moved into his Stanley Ave. apartment in January 2019. He was also at the top of our waiting list to receive Community Facilitator support. Through both of these avenues Greg has thrived and found many opportunities to use his skills and diversify his life both socially and intellectually. With the support of his Community Facilitator, Greg has set himself up with ODSP, a dentist, and assistance from the food bank. He has become a regular member and participant at the Opportunity Centre day program and has also done some volunteering. Greg has proved himself to be very resourceful. He did some snow shoveling this past winter and is very interested in yard work during the warmer months.

Greg was doing so well at Stanley that, when an opportunity arose to move some clients in to our completely independent home on Bowman Street in Waterloo, he was the first one to be offered a spot and he accepted the invitation. Greg moved in May and has done extremely well with the change. He has kept his areas clean and organized and taken control of organizing weekly garbage and recycling. Greg keeps himself busy by going to the gym with a friend on a daily basis, and spending time at the Opportunity Centre. He has adapted to bus routes and found his way around with relative ease. He continues to find opportunities to work where he can, spending a day last week ripping up floors for a neighbour and doing what he can to keep the outside of his new home in good shape.

“I would recommend Traverse Independence in a heartbeat. The support was immediate.”  Greg has come such a long way and continues to prove himself to be a valued member at the Opportunity Centre and a great roommate at his new home.

Jason

Jason is a forty-three year old man who suffered a brain injury at the age of seven. He had to learn how to walk and talk all over again. Jason spent 8 months at Sick Kids and 8 months in therapy.  With the support of his family and the medical team, he was able to return home after a year and a half of therapy.

Jason finished high school, he graduated Grade 12 with honors in Resurrection High School for reading. Because forty years ago people with disabilities were not in the community he attended the Whales Program for 5 years and then spent 5 years at Kingsman Club. When the Traverse Independence Day Program - Beginnings opened in 2010, Jason was our first client to attend!

Because of his brain injury, he experienced difficulty staying on task, his social skills needed some tweaking as he was impulsive and he still is at times. As an LSF still trying to develop a program to suit people of many different ages, I was able to observe Jason so that he could be successful in the program. As the months passed we started getting more clients with all different kinds of brain injuries. As the program grew so did Jason. In order for him to be successful we sometimes had to re-evaluate some of the behaviours that he was experiencing, but he flourished in our ABI specialized environment.

Jason has purpose in the Beginnings Program. He is assigned duties, which really help the program, clients and staff. He assists to put chairs away when programs are finished, wipes the light switches every day and takes out the garbage at the end of the day. He feels satisfied when he completes these jobs. Jason also takes the time to participate in many activities such as exercises, Zumba and games, and he interacts with all of his peers.

The Traverse day program has given Jason the opportunity to have somewhere to go every day in an ABI specialized environment. He has often expressed “I like coming here”. His mother is at ease that he has a purpose and since Jason walks to the program this gives him independence and pride in himself. Jason’s example shows that this program is something that all the clients need: building friendships, participating in activities, a good lunch and lots of laughter.

Joe