Overview 
LEAP Program Delivery - Eastern Ontario, Fall 2009 & Winter 2010
Kerry Smith (left), LEAP Participant, Pembroke (County of Renfrew)
Kerry is an inspiration to all that meet her. She has battled serious illness, a skiing accident that left her only son handicapped, and more recently a divorce. Kerry is a true survivor. When asked how LEAP had influenced her, she said, “After my divorce, I moved into an apartment and lived my life as a recluse for a year until I joined the LEAP program. Working with other people inspired me to start making plans for myself again - the program helped me make my life plan. Since leaving the program, I started working as a superintendent at the apartment where I live, and I am also the chair of the organizing committee for the summer golf tournament in Petawawa. The LEAP program helped me get my life together again.”
Hilda Young, LEAP Participant, Pembroke Region
Hilda spent many years working as a volunteer and felt that it was time that she found out how she could become employable again. Hilda, who has unbounded enthusiasm and a love for writing, said,” The LEAP program came at a good time in my life. I felt the need to change directions in my life and to do something different with my life. The LEAP program made me recognize my talents, the coach had faith in the participants and this inspired me to start my own blog and to look for work. I named my blog ‘hildaleapsforward.blogspot.com’ as the leap program helped me leap forward in life. I now know that writing is one of my talents and that I can use it to find employment. I really valued the important networks that were formed during the classes.”
Karen Brisebois (right), LEAP Facilitator, Pembroke (County of Renfrew)
Karen, a single mother of three young girls, is a self-motivated, inspiring person. She is presently employed full time by Ontario Works and also runs a business that employs mothers in need of flexible working hours. Karen was a facilitator, and also a participant in the LEAP program. When asked about her impressions she said, “The LEAP program takes a holistic approach to self-evaluation, and leads to self-discovery through discussion and this enables participants to decide on their goals in life. I see the LEAP program not only a pre-requisite in planning for self-employment, but also a great planning experience to develop yourself and your lifelong dreams. This program helped me take important decisive steps in my own life.”
Lloyd Keagan, LEAP Facilitator, Renfrew (County of Renfrew)
Lloyd works in Renfrew as a technician for Employment Networks. Lloyd has been involved with LEAP as a facilitator and also as a participant. Lloyd found that LEAP helped him conquer a personal challenge, allowing him to reflect on his personal strengths and weaknesses, and this motivated Lloyd to quit smoking for good. When asked about his personal success, Lloyd commented, “I used to smoke one pack a day. These days, I save the money I used to spend on cigarettes and use it to go on an extra holiday with my family. I still use the chart that I made during the LEAP program to keep me on track; I have my chart hanging in my basement at home where I have my computer lab setup and where I spend most of my time.”
Noella Cotnam (left), LEAP Participant, Cornwall Region
Noella has been working as a sign designer for 27 years and owns her own business in Cornwall. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys connecting with other people and learning from others. When asked about her experience as a participant in LEAP, she commented, “The LEAP program with its individual and group activities stimulates creativity, learning and self-realization, and this opens up possibilities for both business and personal development”. Noella has really enjoyed her experience and says that the coaching in the program caters for any learning style, and could therefore benefit any participant willing to make the time commitment.
Alyssa Blais (right), Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre (LEAP Partner)
As well participating in the program, Alyssa is the Director and Business Consultant at the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. “The LEAP program helps people take control of their lives and is similar to a life coaching program. It helps participants personal growth and to develop their entrepreneurial spirit by helping them realize their potential and by fostering their drive and determination to succeed.”
Rural Women's Leadership Project - Summer & Fall 2009
Project participants - Campbell's Bay, Quebec
Project participants - Gaspé, Quebec
Groups of young women from the Gaspé and the Lower North Shore also participated in the project. Learn more...
Lower North Shore LEAP Project - Fall & Winter 2008-09
Community of St. Paul's River and St. Paul's School, Lower North Shore, Quebec
LEAP Facilitator Trina Roberts and St. Paul's River CLC Coordinator Kimberly Buffitt share a laugh.
LEAP brochure for Lower North Shore