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Happy First Year Anniversary Ron!

 

Quality in human services has a direct correlation to quality humans delivering those services! Experienced and committed staff who stay in their jobs over the long term are critical to a strong workplace culture. They serve as mentors to new staff, and establish a consistent trusted presence with individuals supported by LiveWorkPlay and their families. We are sharing a bit more about our staff team on the occasion of annual workplace anniversaries. Join us in celebrating a first anniversary for Ron Kok! To help get to know him a little better, here are some questions and answers about Ron.

What is a favourite memory of your first year at LiveWorkPlay?

A member I help support had shown a great interest in hiking, and he remarked on a CTV feature about two women in Ottawa who had started a hiking group. He wanted to learn more about this and potentially join up. I did a bit of background work and after some discussion with the leaders and learning more about the group, I was really encouraged that this would be a good fit. They went above and beyond and organized a Gatineau Hills hike with just the four of us by way of introduction. Just watching the interaction and their appreciation for an individual that I too respect and admire as a person was really heartwarming. This is a joyful memory.

What brought you to work at LiveWorkPlay and why?

In the past I had done some work with people with intellectual disabilities as more of a side job than my main career. I decided that this was the type of work that could bring me more challenge and fulfillment, as well as an opportunity to share more of my own gifts. Exploring opportunities in the field, some of my previous experiences did not allow for a very person-centred approach or lead to inclusive outcomes. I was looking to be able to honour the stories, goals, autonomy, and potential of each person, and I found that LiveWorkPlay shared a similar vision where I could be a part of helping support a welcoming community.

What are you looking forward to in the future with your work?

New challenges and frontiers, which I’m beginning to realize happen often in the context of LiveWorkPlay. I know I’m in a place that honors my gifts and experiences and I am certain that the next year will mean more adventures, more growth and more opportunities to help others shine. That’s truly cool!

Three quick compliments about Ron shared by workers and people he helps support:

Ron is great for a quick laugh but also some serious philosophizing!

He gets super excited when things work out for people he is helping support, you will never see someone so happy as when that happens.

It’s been a real joy to see how members who share similar interests, like art and music or the outdoors, have connected with Ron.