At the beginning of the program, many students lacked the stamina for a day’s work. They received training in the use of Kelsey’s weight room and exercise machines and had weekly exercise classes with activities like floor hockey, badminton, basketball, volleyball, aerobics, swimming and bowling. As a result of the exercise in the gym and at work placements, many participants showed increased endurance. One man proudly made a new notch in his belt to hold up his newly baggy jeans.

With encouragement from instructors and peers, many participants made improvements in their personal hygiene and general grooming. They used checklists; some who didn’t read used pictures to remind them to shower, shampoo, shave, brush their hair and wear clean clothes daily.

Peer encouragement also resulted in improved communication skills. Classmates urged, “Wait your turn,” when participants monopolized class discussions and “Use complete sentences” when one man spoke using only single words. Soon everyone was taking turns and speaking confidently in complete, if short, sentences. They also supported one another as they practiced telephone skills by calling businesses for information. Role playing suitable solutions to conflicts with friends or workmates was a favourite activity. A five minute video “movie” of a Way to Work role play was played and replayed.

“Peer encouragement also resulted in improved communication skills.”

Other activities further contributed to the students’ confidence and self-esteem. The Kelsey counsellor and community public health nurses taught, through lessons in sexuality and safe sex, that people have the right to control their own bodies. Instruction in rudimentary first aid and CPR gave students self-confidence in emergency situations. By volunteering to prepare mailings for READ Saskatoon and to distribute school supplies to other students in Basic Education, they contributed to the community and practiced cooperative group work skills. This also showed the general Kelsey student body that the Way to Work students have real abilities.