Opportunities Can Be Homegrown Too!

Rose Strohmaier, St. Lawrence Employment Service | Feb 27, 2013

Arlene and her twin sister were born at Long Lake, near Parham, in her Grandma Stinchcombe’s farm house. She immediately recognized a good place when she saw it and she’s lived in the area ever since. She went to school near Wagarville, graduated from Sharbot Lake High School, and is now settled in Mountain Grove.

In her 22-year career as an employment counselor in Central Frontenac, Arlene has built up a vast network of contacts, colleagues and clients, many of whom still drop into her office at St. Lawrence College Employment Service to visit, long after they have moved on to jobs or self-employment. The impact she has made is far-reaching. Says one former colleague, who is now a job skills coach in British Columbia, “I think of Arlene’s pioneering efforts and her ability to work around the many obstacles we faced. Almost 20 years later when faced with a challenging situation I ask myself, ‘What would Arlene do?’”

Arlene has worked at the following local agencies: ARC Industries, Northern Connections, Ontario Disabilities Support Program and presently at St. Lawrence College Employment Service in Sharbot Lake. Networking with other agencies such as Northern Frontenac Community Services, Community Living-North Frontenac, and Land O’Lakes Community Services is a key ingredient in her work. “Partnerships are essential in building community and providing the supports that contribute to success.” She has encouraged many clients to acknowledge their Aboriginal heritage and to seek out the resources offered by Kagita Mikam and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation.

Personal qualities that are central to her profession are to: “See the potential in everyone; draw out their positive aspects; be a good listener rather than a teller; open doors, show opportunities, give clues; let people make their own choices.” Many job seekers who come to her office need someone to say, “I believe in you.” This is often the first step on the client’s path to motivation, employment and renewed self-esteem.

Arlene’s efforts for her clients sometimes take an unusual turn. A young woman came for an appointment and Arlene made a call to a prospective employer. She arranged an interview on the spot. The woman wasn’t wearing suitable clothes so she and Arlene switched clothes and off she went to her interview. She got the job and Arlene got her clothes back.

Over the 22 years of her career, she’s seen many changes in the employment scene. In the past, there were more small businesses, such as general stores, restaurants, gas stations and tourist lodges, providing work for local residents. Travel was more difficult – fewer roads, unpaved roads. “You didn’t see pavement until you reached Verona!” But now more people can (and must) travel farther for work. There are now larger numbers of women going on to post-secondary education and taking strong roles in the workforce, whereas 22 years ago it was more usual (and possible) for women to work as stay-at-home mothers. In general, job seekers today, both men and women, tend to have more formal credentials than the clients that Arlene worked with at the beginning of her career, when common sense, determination, natural ability and work ethics could get you a decent job. Nevertheless, Arlene believes that the most valuable skills for job seekers, regardless of their education level, are still self-confidence, positive attitude, and strong communication skills

Tourism is a significant industry in this region but Arlene believes that there is potential to develop it even further, providing employment opportunities for Frontenac residents, especially youth. “We have an incredibly beautiful, natural environment and, what’s more, the Trans-Canada Trail passes through here.” She can imagine all kinds of commercial opportunities along the trail, things like bike trails, ATV trails, pit stops, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds, not only for tourists but year-round recreation for all, including seniors and youth

“The grass is actually greener in your own backyard. Opportunities are nearer than you think.” At the end of March, 2013, Arlene will be leaving St. Lawrence College Employment Service and moving on to explore those opportunities. She will be much missed by clients and colleagues and we wish her the very best in her new ventures.