Strength Through Leadership: Reuben's Story

Originally from Kenya, Reuben came to Canada in the summer of 2023. He initially stayed with a fellow church member, but then moved into a shelter in the Downtown Eastside. He started volunteering in the community, helping prepare and serve food, and clean the kitchen at a nearby organization. Looking for additional ways to contribute, and to earn a paycheque, Reuben came to Mission Possible after hearing about it from a community member.

Upon walking through Mission Possible’s doors, Reuben had a positive first impression, sharing, “They were friendly, people are friendly so I adapted to the environment quickly.” He started on the Clean Team and also joined the Power Breakfast team, where he helped cook and serve meals. When the opportunity came to join the Hastings route, MP's busiest contract, as a Lead, Reuben stepped up and applied. As the successful candidate, he started working five days a week leading new associates on this challenging route. For himself, he took this opportunity to connect with people and learn more about them. He shared, "It's been positive because you learn different ways of getting along with people. You meet a lot of different people from different diversities." 

During his time with the Clean Team, Reuben found his coaching sessions helpful and appreciated his coach for holding him accountable. He expressed that, "it gives me time to share my ideas and learn. At least air what has been challenging or what I've been going through. I get good guidance from them." He completed his goals of graduating from his Leadership course at Vancouver Community College and getting his story published in an anthology through UBC. 

When his contract as a Lead was nearing the end last July, Reuben was recommended for a position with one of MP's Employer Partners, Vets Manor. Working with his employment coach, he updated his resume and cover letter and applied. He was the successful candidate and continues to work full-time nights as the Front Desk Attendant. Furthermore, Reuben completed his goal of getting his driver's license and now works for a local shelter driving their delivery van. Pulling on his experience serving meals with MP, he also steps in to help cook for the shelter when needed.

Looking forward, Reuben is awaiting the decision so he may apply for Permanent Residency in Canada and will continue to work full-time in the meantime. Once he completes the process, he wishes to return to school and study law. Reuben has come so far since he first stepped foot in our doors, and we are confident that he can achieve any goals he sets his mind to.