"I know firsthand how important employment is to your independence and confidence – and everybody has something special to offer."
Life can change dramatically when we least expect it. Theresa learned this when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2002.
After nearly thirty years of being a hair stylist and salon owner she decided to return to school to become a social services worker.
She was determined to demonstrate that her disability didn’t mean that she was “not able”, but rather, able to do what she did before, but in a different way. She became involved with March of Dimes in the same year to explore her employment opportunities after graduation.
In 2008, Theresa was awarded the March of Dimes Wade Hampton Employment Training Bursary. The bursary honours the late Wade Hampton, who believed passionately that all people with physical disabilities should have the opportunity to engage in full and meaningful employment.
After her graduation, March of Dimes hired Theresa as an Intake Worker in the Employment Services program. At the same time, she will be continuing her studies, working towards a Bachelor of Social Work at Ryerson University.
"I am so pleased that I will be able to help others discover their strengths and abilities. We are really put on this earth to help other people," she says.
