Partnerships Empower interns to go Full Circle
“Come full circle!” That is how Executive Director, Bernice Hancock, describes Brenda Dennis, an intern with Community Education Network.
In 2012, Ms. Dennis participated in Power Up!, an employment program sponsored by CEN. Completing her work placement with the Bay St. George Status of Women’s Council, she enrolled in Community Studies, a diploma program offered by the College of the North Atlantic. Upon graduation, Ms. Dennis was chosen by Empower NL to represent the western region.
Empower, formerly known as, Independent Living Resource Centre, promotes the idea of independent living and offer their services and supports upon request. A consumer-controlled organization, Empower is committed to providing supports, resources, and opportunities for empowerment, which enable persons with disabilities to make informed choices about their lives.
Ms. Dennis believes, Empower NL to be “a great organization that breaks barriers every day and works to enable people with disabilities to take responsibility for and make informed decisions about matters that affects their daily lives.”
During her 26 week internship with CEN, Ms. Dennis has been busy supporting many programs and services at L. S. Eddy and in the community. She has immersed herself in many learning environments, as well as, professional development opportunities. She has played an active role in planning several events including Violence Prevention Month initiatives, No Stress Fest, Power of Being a Girl and Stigma Awareness Week activities.
Working closely with the Youth Outreach Worker with Mental Health & Addictions, Ms. Dennis has co-facilitated many preventative and informational workshops in a school environment. Among those included: Drug Awareness, Cyberbullying, Relaxation Techniques and Violence Awareness & Action Training.
As her internship comes to a close, Ms Dennis attributes, Empower NL for enhancing her skills and increasing her self-esteem and confidence. “Being a part of the IL Internship program with Empower NL and doing my placement with the Community Education Network (CEN)has allowed me to be an active member of my community and the ability to enhance my skills. There should be more programs like this to help others to achieve their dreams and to gain experience to better prepare them for future careers and life choices.”
As her final week concludes, Ms. Dennis can be proud of the work she has accomplished and the role she has played in supporting the programs and the organization that gave her a start just 5 short years ago. She has come full circle!
