By Jessica Musicar, Staff Writer



By Jessica Musicar, Staff Writer

Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:31 AM PDT

NORTH BEND —  A few hours a week delivering newspapers, handing out tickets or cleaning a sandwich shop may hardly sound like self-esteem boosters, but to people dealing with mental health issues, holding on to a part-time job is a big deal.

“Having a job has helped me have more confidence in myself,” said Laurence Pahalad.

Pahalad, a 14-month North Bend employee, issues parking tickets and does data entry for the city.

“Can you imagine going out every day and giving parking tickets and being well-liked in the community? But Laurence is,” City Administrator Jan Willis said.

On Wednesday, the Working Wonders program honored Pahalad and 10 other participants at the North Bend Senior Activities Center.

Nearly 2 years old, Working Wonders is a supported employment program offered by the Mental Health Association of Southwestern Oregon to help people dealing with mental health problems gain jobs.

Association Director Cathy Pennington said most of her clients are looking for small jobs to keep them busy, but they can be more than that.

“Most people in our program want to work to feel normal, to fit in, to contribute or give back,” Pennington said. “They want to belong. They want to be like you and me.”

Each of the participants received certificates for their hard work in a past or current job at a luncheon, with lunch cooked by Dora Short, another Working Wonders client and Senior Center employee.

“We’re proud of everybody,” Pennington said.

About half of the 40 clients in the program hold jobs in the community. These vary from baker and artist to bridge tender and registered nurse, Pennington said. Many have a variety of job skills, but turn to Working Wonders because they are anxious about their mental illnesses and need support.

“Because of mental health issues, they may have anxiety, be extra nervous or they might be depressed and think they’re not good enough to get a competitive job,” Pennington said.

Working Wonders provides participants with resume building  and interviewing skills. It assists with job searches, provides rides to interviews and offers lots of moral support. After a client starts working, the vocation placement service can arrange for transportation. Staff members also work with clients on-the-job or debrief them after work to ensure all is going well. Pennington said she and her staff go out into the community without clients and approach businesses to assess their needs. Clients often try several different jobs to find the right fit.

“If we just looked for jobs in the paper or employment department, that wouldn’t be good enough,” Pennington said.

Working Wonders member Kelly Marrs has held a job at City Subs since Oct. 1. She cleans for an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Coos Bay sandwich shop. She said Working Wonders has made it easier for her to stay employed.

“It’s nice to have someone supporting you on a job — you’re not alone,” Marrs aid.

Crystal McMahon, the director of the Oregon Supported Employment Center for Excellence, said supported employment prepares participants for mainstream jobs that pay at least minimum wage and are in a work setting that includes people without disabilities. She said there are a number of programs in the state, but Working Wonders has been particularly successful.

Pahalad, who joined Working Wonders shortly after Pennington started the program, said chalking tires, handing out tickets and working with other city employees has helped his self esteem.

“I love my job, because it gets me out of the house,” he said. “It’s good to stay busy and I feel useful.”

He said he doesn’t really mind if vehicle owners get upset when he cites them for parking violations.

“I figure if I don’t do it, somebody else will,” he said.

Through his job, he’s had to learn a lot about human nature.

“It really makes me laugh,” he said. “I think in any job a sense of humor is beneficial.”

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