“Before coming to the Village, I had a tough time dealing with the public. I would be afraid of doing something wrong and be judged by society. On my first day to work at the booth, I was so nervous that I instantly dropped a tray of cookie samples. Rather than getting angry or reprimanding me, my team leader gently put her hands on my shoulder and told me to be careful about tripping. Her kindness and understanding set the tone for the rest of the day and on my subsequent shifts.

Working here helps members like me on our recovery. We move from a life of being in fear and isolation to a safe place of integrating to community with hope and empowerment. I know that my experience working here has taught me to become calmer, be more patient and more empathetic to my customers’ needs and purchasing habits. It has built my confidence and self esteem and I look forward to coming to work.”