”…I am extremely grateful for the compassion you have shown me, and I would like to thank you for helping me through such a difficult time. With your help I was able to achieve my goals and I hope to continue to achieve greatness.
    - Young woman who left Ontario Works to return to school

“Your positive attitude and encouragement every time I spoke with you on the phone, or met you in person, helped me gain back my self-confidence and self-esteem…”
    - Man who received financial help from Employment and Social Services

“We…wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of your for the kind way we were treated, while we were in the [Ontario Works] program.”
    - Family of four

“…My employer is very supportive and compliments my work. I even have my own office. I can now send my son to the movies and do things that I have wanted to do for a long time. The key is to keep trying. As bad as things may seem, you have to keep trying. If I had given up, I would not be where I am now.”
    - An Investing in Neighbourhoods participant

“Some time ago I was referred by my worker to [an Employment Placement Program]. All the while, my [employment counsellor…] was fantastic. She was very encouraging and supportive … while I was there. There were times when I did want to quit but she wouldn’t let me. [She] was always positive and always assured me I would find something… I was successful at finding a job, finally, at a very nice salon. There is also room for growth, raises and possible partnership. If it wasn't for [the staff] giving me the tools and [being positive], I would not have found my job.”
    - A participant in the Employment Placement Program

“I was unemployed [for five years], my self-esteem was very low and I was desperate to find full-time employment. I decided to get my AZ Truck Driving Licence. I got my diploma … and the school helped me to find a job as a truck driver. Presently, I am working [and] I have never been so happy and confident.”
    - Person who took a course offered through Employment and Social Services

“By helping me to take this course, you have truly provided me with an amazing opportunity, a chance to become successful and make a difference not only in my own life, but in the lives of my family as well….Thank you for saying ‘yes’, for giving me this chance. Sometimes that is all it takes to make a significant difference and create a positive change, just a chance.”
    - Person who received support in taking an individual training course

"Participating in the Client Advisory Group (CAG) gave me a much broader sense of social assistance as a whole. As a client, it gave me an opportunity to understand all the work that goes on beyond receiving Ontario Works assistance. In the CAG I felt treated with dignity and that my opinion was heard."
    - A member of an Employment and Social Services Client Advisory Group

“In my family only my dad goes to work and we didn't have that much money to buy a computer then you gave us free lessons about computers...so that was very helpful. Thank you very much!”
    - A kids@computers scholarship recipient

“…Your wonderful program … has made my children so happy during Christmas times. Thank you for supporting us all these years during difficult times in our lives.”
    - A single mother of two children who received help through the Christmas Bureau