People
I Love It Here!
In the short time that Marlena has been with Communitas, she has become known for her radiant smile and her infectious, positive attitude. She always has an encouraging word and is quick to express her gratitude and appreciation to those around her.
She takes part in a few of the programs offered by Communitas’ Community Living Program (CLP), including cooking class and the drop-in time. She also attends the Women of Wisdom support group, led by Sheral Jones (above left.) She enjoys every minute of it.
“I love it each time I come here!” she says, enthusiastically.
Marlena lives with some developmental disabilities but none of that stops her from living a rich and abundant life. She has a very close-knit family. She lives with Ruth and Pablo, her sister and brother-in-law and enjoys sharing a home life with them. She is “Auntie Marlena” to eight nieces and nephews, a role that she thoroughly enjoys.
“I love being an Auntie,” she says.
Marlena is also industrious, working two jobs in the restaurant industry. She has worked for 12 years at White Spot and just began a second job at Browns Social House, both in Abbotsford. Her duties include food prep and dish washing. Paul McCracken, who serves as an employment specialist with the Communitas Employment program, helped Marlena land the job at Browns.
“I’m so grateful for Paul. I love my new job there,” she says. “It feels like a whole family there.”
Marlena is grateful for all the support she receives through Communitas and knows that the generous support of the community helps to make some of its programs possible.
“I would totally like to say ‘thank you’ to people who give to Communitas,” Marlena says. “It makes me happy to know that people support Communitas. I love it here!”
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