People

Community Inclusion Helps Shawn To Thrive

Stories People Community Inclusion Helps Shawn To Thrive

For three decades now, Shawn has been dedicated to honing his skills as a window washer. He began in 1995, learning through a company in Courtenay and then branching out to create his own business: Shawn’s Window Washing.

“I enjoy the work,” Shawn says. “I enjoy seeing people and talking with them.”

Shawn receives support through Communitas Supportive Care Society in Campbell River. His Community Inclusion (CI) Worker, Wendy, has supported Shawn since 2012. Wendy says that over the years, she has seen Shawn learn and grow both as a person and as a business man.

“Shawn has worked hard at listening to his clients,” Wendy says. “He has become much more confident, approaching people to talk about his business and to learn about their window washing needs. That’s been huge.”

Shawn takes pride in his work

The tools of his trade are straightforward: a squeegee, some rags, a bucket, and a long pole used to get to taller windows. He focuses on ground floor areas and mostly washes outside windows. When a business has glass doors, he washes those inside and out.

“I like to make sure it looks good,” he says.

Having his own business is one way that Shawn is able to be independent – something that is important to him. His CI workers help him maintain his independence in several ways, like helping him with grocery shopping and learning how to cook. He also enjoys playing his guitar and painting ocean scenes.

Shawn and Wendy have developed a great rapport over the years

Wendy is proud of Shawn and the way he has confidently approached his various pursuits. She will miss him – and the other people she serves – when she retires this May. She has served as a support worker in a Communitas home and as a CI worker in community. It’s the people that have made her career meaningful.

“My favourite part of my job has been the camaraderie I have shared with my co-workers and seeing the people we serve learn and grow,” Wendy says. “It has been a lovely, rewarding journey.”

Wendy also intends to spend her retirement learning new things. When she mentions that she’d like to learn how to sing, Shawn suggests that he could accompany her on his guitar.

“Or you could whistle,” he says to Wendy. “You’re good at whistling.”

The laughter they share is an indication of the friendship they’ve built over the years. Wendy is sure that Shawn’s business will continue to thrive. And while Shawn will miss Wendy, he wishes her well.