Danielle Pyke
Upon completion of RCLN’s Transition to Employment program in 2010, Danielle Pyke’s dream became a reality; she was accepted into the Continuing Care Program at NSCC Strait Area Campus. At that time Danielle was a married mother of two small school-aged children whose husband finally secured a full-time job in April, 2009. Up to that point in time, he worked in temporary positions, either locally or out west. Like most young families, finances were a struggle as it is so difficult to get ahead either on one pay cheque or even two when the jobs are temporary, low-paying or both; and childcare has to be factored into the budget. When her husband began a full-time position as a night maintenance operator working a 5:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. shift, childcare was no longer an insurmountable barrier, so Danielle decided to enter our Transition to Employment program.
With her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to the program, Danielle was an ideal participant. Her interest in caring for the elderly led to a twenty-four week work placement at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home. Performance evaluations completed by supervisory staff indicated that Danielle was enthusiastic and eager to learn, got along well with the residents, and she received much positive feedback from the staff. Upon her acceptance into the CCA program, the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home agreed to sponsor Danielle by covering the cost of her tuition with the agreement that she work for the Nursing Home upon graduation for a specified period of time. Through very hard work and determination Danielle successfully completed the CCA program and has been employed full-time at the Nursing Home since graduation. Her life and that of her family has been changed forever.