*Michael loves his job at an indoor obstacle course, Pursuit OCR – a local business that prides itself on helping adults feel like kids again.
Every day, the 24-year-old gets to cheer on groups of participants as they test their strength climbing ropes and running up ladders; scaling walls and diving into a colourful ball pit.
“I’m clapping, I’m encouraging them,” he said. “I’m making sure they’re safe but also playing around with them. I let them know ‘You can get through anything as long as you have a smile on your face.’”
Michael knows this from experience. Just months ago, he arrived at Covenant House in need of support. After facing a lot of hardship in life, he sees positivity as a powerful motivator – one that he urges Pursuit participants to channel to get through the course, and one he relies on in his day to day.
Throughout his time at Covenant House, Michael worked with staff to stay on task and meet his goals. It was also through Covenant House’s long-standing relationship with Pursuit OCR that Michael had the opportunity to interview for the job he currently has.
“Because I got the job, I was able to save money for my first and last,” Michael said. “So now I’ve got my own apartment.”
This is the power of partnerships – and Pursuit OCR has been a great partner to Covenant House for years, regularly opening their doors to groups of youth so they can explore the space and have fun using the course. It’s an important way to bring playfulness and challenge into their days as they work on building a path forward.
Michael is not the only Covenant House youth they’ve hired, said Pursuit OCR marketing and events coordinator Riley Ekman. A young man named Brian was on staff for years after leaving the shelter and has now moved on to a thriving career as a personal trainer.
The partnership is not just about giving opportunities either, Riley said. “We’re getting something out of it too. We’re looking for staff who want to lift people up and cheer people past the obstacles they’re facing - these two have really brought that mindset to Pursuit OCR.”
It’s an inspiring path for other Covenant House youth to see. On a recent day, Michael was working a shift when 20 youth from the shelter came for an outing. It was all smiles and high fives as he welcomed them in – standing as an example of what can come from staying the course and making the most of opportunities to succeed.
Michael continues to work hard and save money so he can one day open a barber shop of his own – a dream that’s now within reach.
“Everything I’ve got now, I deserve,” Michael said. “But if it wasn’t for Covenant House, I wouldn’t have it.”