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Brandy, 26
“Tell me I can’t do something. I dare you.” -Brandy’s story
We all have challenges in life, some more than others. For a smart young lady named Brandy it was those challenges that motivated her to overcome expectations and make the most of her life. She doesn’t buy into what people tell her she is capable of, instead choosing to forge her own path to success. She has proven that limits are only perception and the only true barrier is a personal belief in oneself.
Brandy grew up in foster homes bouncing around from one place to the next. Rarely living with peers her age, Brandy went through the schooling system and matured into a well-adjusted young woman. The last foster home she lived in before she turned 18 was by far her favorite. The woman who she lived with was like her mom and instilled confidence in Brandy. She taught Brandy that there were no limits to her potential, a lesson that she still carries with her to this day.
When Brandy turned 18 she started accessing Quest Support Services. She lived in a supported home for a couple of months but it wasn’t really for her.
“I didn’t like supported homes because it was too controlling for me. I value my freedom to do my own thing, however I do see how it could be good for some people. It gives people a chance to have more independence than in other situations.”
Today, Brandy accesses Outreach services from Quest and continues to strive to run her own life. Brandy is only 26 now but she has come a long way even since her foster home days. Brandy finished her high school diploma and went onto graduate from L.A Hair School. She moved out of a supported home setting and now lives on her own with her two beautiful girls.
“A challenge in my life was becoming my own guardian. I wanted that ultimate control over my life so I knew it was something I had to do. I craved the freedom that it would bring. It is not for everybody however. I needed to prove that I could make decisions for myself and for my girls. I had to accept all the responsibilities in life and face consequences both good and bad. It also required a mountain of paperwork but I wouldn’t change any it for the world.”
Like everybody Brandy has worked on self-improvement over the years. She talked about being shy and not really trusting people for the longest time.
“I was stubborn. I hated asking people for help even when I needed it. Then over time I realized that everybody needs help sometimes and the smart thing to do is ask for it.”
Brandy also talked about the challenges of dealing with other people’s perceptions and expectations.
“People are always going to say that you can’t do something. That was a huge motivator for me to prove people wrong! Just because a person has a disability doesn’t mean they can’t accomplish something. If people want to look down on you, try and set limits, or act like they are better than you than that is their problem. It has nothing to do with you.”
Raising two girls as a single mother has had its own challenges for Brandy. Just the other day her little girl broke her Tablet and computer screen. Luckily, Brandy had planned ahead and anticipated this happening.
“Always buy the product protection plan for kids!”
Talking about parenthood Brandy stated there are times when she feels like she’s losing control under a mountain of stress. She expressed that one can read all of the parent books in the world but until you actually experience it firsthand you don’t really know what it is like. Nonetheless it is quite clear that Brandy loves her girls and wants the best for them.
“I want them to be happy and successful. I want them to accomplish more than I could ever dream of. My oldest girl wants to be a doctor right now. I love being a parent and I wouldn’t change it for anything”
Even though Brandy has overcome challenges she is not without her fears just like anyone else. She understands it’s natural to be afraid of some things, morbid or not.
“I am afraid of dying. My fear probably comes from not knowing what happens after. Not too mention you hear those stories of people being buried alive. One day when I do pass away they had better make sure I am actually dead before I go in the ground. I like living. I could live forever. Maybe they’ll invent something”
While she may or may not live forever, the future looks very bright for Brandy. She is a quarter done her massage therapy diploma and has dreams of developing a hair, nails, and massage clientele down the road. Given her track record it would be foolish to bet against her, although she probably wouldn’t listen anyways.
“If you want something bad enough then set your mind to it and get it done. Baby steps will get you there. Don’t let a disability hold you back. I’m living proof.”
When I was 18 years old I moved into my own basement suite attached to a support home. I was finishing my last year of high-school and held two part-time jobs. I was busy. I had a big year and graduated from high-school. It was exciting but scary too. I had never lived on my own before but I enjoyed the freedom of having acccess to a support roommate when I needed it.
My experience living in a support home was really good. You have to be determined to make it work, and I was. I worked hard at saving my money and I took my driver's test and passed on the first try. I saved even more money and I bought my first car.
I have done a lot of growing over the past few years. I got my act in gear and learned what I had to learn to become as independent as I could. It took a while to build this up. My first step of independence was getting my financial independence (no more trustee), this was very important to me. My support home staff was very helpful and has been my advocate all along. I had to show that I was able to be independent. By working hard I proved this to myself and to others. I have since moved out of my support arrangements and now live with my boyfriend and our pets. We are excited to begin our life together. I work part-time and am working on my online certification to become a pet groomer. I enjoyed the years of support that I received at Quest and hope that other people can gain the skills like I did to become more indepedent.
Tanya, 24
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Randy, 37
“Work hard and play hard” The Randy Chandler philosophy
Upon first glance one would look at Randy as a loyal hardworking grocery clerk at Save On Foods. Having been there for over 10 years he has built up this well deserved reputation and takes great pride in his time there. To paint a picture of Randy based solely on his job however would be an incomplete canvas. Randy is a man of many dimensions. Yes Randy is an employee at Save On Foods but he has also been a student, athlete, and actor as well.
Randy started at Save On Foods over a decade ago thanks in part to a former Quest employee, Ben Kwan. Over the years Randy has worked hard in his position as grocery clerk and now helps train new employees in his job. He expressed that he still enjoys his job and enjoys the perks of working at Save on Foods.
“We just had our Christmas Party. It was awesome with food, prizes, and games including Price is Right and darts”
Having a secure job has allowed Randy to focus on other areas so that he can live a well-balanced life. Randy participates in Special Olympics Weightlifting, curling, and bowling and has won many trophies and medals along the way to prove it. Randy also works out at the YWCA multiple times a week.
“I run on the treadmill and work on the weight machines. I especially enjoy the chest press”
Besides being in shape Randy has other passions as well. His love for drama and the arts can be traced back to his school days. Growing up in Lethbridge Randy attended St Francis Junior High and Catholic Central High School. Growing up he lived with his mom and after high school he moved into a Condo while supported by SACLA.
“I loved growing up in Lethbridge. It’s a great place to be”
It was while Randy was at Catholic Central that his love for dramatic expression came to the forefront. He had a supporting role in the high schools musical theatre production of “West Side Story”
I played a role as a Jets gang member. It was an awesome experience. I had to act cool and focus on my movements. There was a scene where the Jets met the Sharks for a rumble. I ended up having to run away off stage as I was out numbered.“
Randy has continued his dramatic pursuits over the years. He recently participated in a Dramatic Dance class at CASA called the Upstart Program. He participated weekly engaging in dance and movement before being interviewed as part of a university study.
“The CASA workshop was great! We did drama, music, movement, and dance. The instructors were helpful and we received a free tee shirt. The new CASA building has lots of open space and a great energy. As part of our final project we had to put together a dance number and we chose the song “Eye of the Tiger.”
Never missing an opportunity to engage in acting Randy recently accepted a improvisation role in the 2013 Quest Haunted House. Randy played the part of a jail guard. His guard costume was by far the most detailed in the ensemble and his marching movement in front of the jail cells brought chills to more than a few spines. In addition to scaring others, Randy was a little bit unnerved himself.
“I’m not usually scared of anything but when Curtis flipped the table in the jail cafeteria scene I was a little bit nervous.”
Work, athletics, and drama have Randy living a very well rounded life but what does the future hold for this young man?
“Well I want to keep working at Save on Foods as I still really enjoy it. I’m currently living by myself and access supports from the Quest Outreach program.” I’m also looking for roommate to live with that I can get along with and share in the household chores.”
With a flare for the dramatic and a work ethic to boot, one thing is certain. Randy will never be bored and neither will the people around him.
We're more alike than different!
Nicole,19
When I was 17 years old I moved to Lethbridge, but spent most of my childhood in Brocket. I was connected with Quest when I was 18 years old and after a month I moved into a house with a roommate who was also connected with Quest. I lived there for about 7 months, but always knew my goal was to live independently. In September 2014 I moved into a basement suite that I rent on my own. It has been nice to have a place I can call my own.
Around April 2014 I got a job at McDonald’s with the help of the employment team at Quest. I started by doing the lobby cleaning, which was not the most fun. I am now able to complete a variety of the jobs including front till and drive thru.
I am also currently in school full time at Victoria Park high school. My plan is to finish my high school and graduate in June of this year. For the most part I have enjoyed being back in school. I really like English and Art. For me painting is my outlet to relax and zone out for a while. You can see one of my paintings at the bottom.
My future plan is to enroll in the Child and Youth Care program at the Lethbridge College. After that I want to transfer to the University of Lethbridge to get my degree in Addictions Counseling. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but really want to accomplish my goals.
Right now I can honestly say that I have not been happier with myself and am really enjoying how things have been going lately.