Testimonials

Participant Testimonials

“Everyone in the world would benefit” from taking IM&M+.

IM&M+ Participant

  • Parts of Me Have Healed

    So many parts of me have healed through this program…much more than I have even shared. I don’t know if the people [who] developed this program know what a tremendous impact it has... I don’t know how to put it into words, but the effect will last with me for a long time.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • It's Actually Possible to Achieve

    I actually believe that goals that seem too big can be accomplished. As long as you plan and put your mind to it… I’ve come to the realization that it's actually possible to achieve what I want to do and that feels really good.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • Ready to Get In Motion!

    I'm doing the IM&M+ program with John Howard Society and it's been absolutely amazing so far. This group has actually gotten me motivated and definitely ready to get in motion! I've been scared of going back to work or school for years because of anxiety issues, but just like I do with class I make a commitment, I have to push through and keep going even if it is out of my comfort zone

    IM&M+ Participant

Group shot outside in a field of 9 IM&M+ participants

  • I Do Not Need to be Held Back by my Past

    Working towards a community project and completing it will give me the evidence and confidence I need to know that I can achieve things and that I do not need to be held back by my past.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • I Feel a Heck of a Lot More Confidence

    I have nothing but good things to say about IM&M, it really helped me to push myself more and I feel a heck of a lot more confidence in all areas of my life

    IM&M Participant

  • It is a Beautiful Experience to be Heard and Acknowledged

    My heart has been healed in places I had neglected and will continue to heal... it is a beautiful experience to be heard and acknowledged that what we went through was real. And then the acknowledgement of who we really are. Wow. We are not completely defined by our past but [by] who we really want to be.

    IM&M Participant

An IM&M+ Participant Journey

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Artwork by Erica Lemos 

@Pavitraerica

"IM&M+ is the first place I have felt safe enough to explore and experience a wide range of emotions."

IM&M+ Participant

  • Best Decision I’ve Ever Made

    Coming into this program I had no idea what I was getting into. I was nervous and unsure whether I wanted to continue or not but I decided to stay, and honestly, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I can proudly say that this program has uplifted my confidence, taught me skills that I never knew I had and showed me that my voice matters and that is ok to get “NO’s” because if you continue to believe in yourself and stay true to yourself you will reach one step closer to your goals, and thanks to [my facilitator] and her resources I’ve achieved one of them, which is getting a job.

    IM&M+ Participant

Image of written testimonial from IM&M+ Participant: Hi, I am 33 and also a mother of 3 beautiful children. Applying and walking into this program I didn't know what to expect. I was pretty nervous with attending, not knowing anyone until I actually stepped foot into the classroom and seen familiar faces. I then felt more comfortable. I tend to be shy and have so much anxiety when getting out to do something on my own. With attending into our now 7th week of In Motion I've gotten real comfortable and out of my comfort zone. I feel like myself and I am learning to love myself more and be more confident with myself. I've had really bad issues during the first month of the program and would of normally quit with so much that I had going on. I managed to push past my problems and took that leap with showing up and pushing myself into finishing what I've started! I absolutely love the environment I am in and love the group of women I am in the program with. I've learned to trust more, be more confident and to just be me while being here at in motion. I could write and talk about so many wonderful things about this beautiful program but I will end off by saying I highly recommend it and hope it will continue in the near future and more beautiful women will apply and attend in motion!

 

 

  • First Time in My Life

    This is the first time in my life I actually am sticking with something and not quitting.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • Empowered me to be a Better Version of Myself

    For me, the IMM+ program was timely, given that I'm a new immigrant to Canada. It was also my first time attending this kind of program in a remote setting, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the overall process and outcome. I cannot express how great the facilitator was. She demonstrated professional and respectful guidance when interacting with participants; built strong, positive relationships with and among the participants and  presented a happy, positive attitude generally. The program was equally well-researched, engaging and beneficial as it has empowered me to be a better version of myself. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. 

    IM&M+ Participant

  • Opening Up My Eyes

    I was in a shadow, and sitting in a puddle of what I thought was the rest of my life, and this group and the people in this group are just opening up my eyes to what I have in myself and other possibilities in life.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • There's a Plan For Me

    I'm getting a plan, it's like wow... there's a plan for me. I've never done anything like this before.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • I Have So Much to Offer

    My focus has shifted to what truly matters - pursing balance, passion, and connection. I no longer see myself as being “stuck” or facing insurmountable barriers. Every moment is an experience; my destination may change, unexpectedly at times. My relationships and experiences will have an impact and can stick with me, but I am never truly stuck. No matter what, I have so much to offer to myself and others. I always have the opportunity to grow and to create the path that I want to follow, adjusting my pace as necessary

    IM&M+ Participant

IM&M+ participant reflection on their IM&M+ journey including their skills, future goals and self-perspective 

Quilt Activity, Momentum+ 

"Instead of seeing what skills you need, [IM&M+ is] about making you see what skills you have"

IM&M+ Participant

  • I Feel So Positive

    I got really angry at the options presented to me [when looking for work]. And I was recommended this program. And honestly, the person I was a couple of months ago, you wouldn’t even recognize. I didn’t even want to get back up or try any more. And now, I feel so positive about things again. And I still don’t know what I am going to do for work. But I know I will find something that I will feel happy doing.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • This Group Was Like the Sunshine

    Before this group we were seeds, and we didn't know our potential. But this group was like the sunshine we needed to grow and peek through the soil. And everyone in the group nourished each other in our growth

    IM&M+ Participant

  • I Have Learned Creative and Innovative Ideas

    I have learned creative and innovative ideas of how to manage things and how to connect. An example of this is the community project where I learned how to work together with my group. That was my favourite part.

    IM&M+ Participant

Jamboard - Quilt Exercise

  • I Would Strongly Recommend

    The group was amazing it helped me realize things about myself that I didn't know I was good at. It helped me find out what I want to do with my life and I made friendships that are going to last a lifetime. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with what they want to do. I had an amazing time.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • I Am More Optimistic

    I have been able to focus on my strengths more now and I am more optimistic. Doing the activities where we looked at the strengths and values and skills gave me confidence , a voice, and helped remind me of my personal skills and strengths. I learned new ways of doing things like setting boundaries and I feel like now I know better about so many things.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • Helped me Realize

    The IM&M+ program helped me realize the strengths and skills I have to utilize in my personal journey.

    IM&M Participant

  • Grateful for the Optimism

    I am grateful for the optimism that this program and group of people give me.

    IM&M Participant

"The IM&M+ program helped to rebuild my confidence"

IM&M+ Participant

  • I am Proud of Myself

    I am crying happy tears.  I am proud of myself.  I thought I was going to quit when some days got tough but with the support of the group I came back.  I am going to miss it so much!

    IM&M Participant

  • I Wish Everyone Could do it.

    I can't believe I did it.  This is the first time in my life that I ever finished a program.  It was hard work, but I stuck with it.  I wish everyone could do it too.

    IM&M+ Participant

Image of text from a IM&M+ group reflection that states: As we finished our activities [on the last day] conversation was sparked around what was the best part of IM&M?  Each participant listed something different: The ability to come to a place where you know you matter Building confidence day by day without knowing you are doing so until it finally clicks in that what you are doing is making a difference in your life Knowing that if you had a bad day between program you were coming to support on the days of program  Discovering what you are capable of an understanding that you make the future you want  Shared by IM&M+ Facilitator, Cindy Leggott

  • You do Have the Means to Move Forward

    IM&M+ will help you realize your capabilities and that you do have the means to move forward. No matter your life circumstances, if you are willing to push yourself there are people who want to help you and together they will help you navigate the different options that are out there.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • Dreams Can Come True

    Welcome to one of the programs that will change your mind, your health and most importantly your future. Your goals and dreams can come true. Joining IM&M+ has improved my motivational skills by allowing me to be heard, be seen and act on strengthening my qualities as a human being. Such as leadership, courage, loyalty, determination and compassion for others. I am less likely to hold myself back.

    IM&M+ Participant

  • We Have Built That Trust

    I'm proud of how far we have come as a group, and how each and every one of us has been able to share parts of our life to each other and build strong relationships and support systems that unite us as a group. And the fact that we never knew anyone in the group at first how we have built that trust with each other. I'm excited about how we are working together to give back to the community.

    IM&M+ Participant

Facilitator Testimonials

"My quality of life is better when I'm facilitating IM&M+"

  • They Have Been Resilient

    This small but mighty group discovered how they have been resilient throughout their lives. I heard phrases from each participant like: I am strong; I have come far; I have hope; I can do this next step! The growth that I have seen in each participant cannot be put into words. I am excited for each of them and look forward to seeing how they put the action plans they have finished into reality. This experience has also made me a better facilitator and a better person because of what I was able to be involved in and witness.

    Cindy Leggot, IM&M+ Facilitator, Regina Work Preparation Centre, Inc

2 IM&M+ participants unloading donations at The Salvation Army

  • They Create Meaningful Conversations

    Each group has been extremely different. This is cool because it speaks to how the participants really run the group and dictate the vibe/space/community project based on their interests and personalities. The program activities impact each group- the learnings are different, but they create meaningful conversations and undeniable strategies participants can use to feel unstuck. Across all groups I can count on (without stressing) participants feeling connected to a group, recognizing their strengths in some way, and providing a space made for thinking about futures and what is meaningful/valuable to each individual.

    Anna Lamswood, IM&M+ Facilitator, The John Howard Society

IM&M+ Participant participating in the string activity. Collectively creating a web of positive experiences with string

  • Participants Built the Program

    We now have participants who are working in management positions, who have sought counselling for the first time, who are exploring a return to education – and while I facilitated discussions – the participants built the program to what it was. They built the garden for themselves to grow in – I just planted the seed

    Jamie Harrison, IM&M+ Facilitator, CSE Consulting

  • Gently Encouraging Me to be Courageous in How I Facilitate

    The unique approach of this program's curriculum has impacted me as a practitioner in Careers. What I am noticing is the supportive and positive effects facilitating this work is having on my own well-being and in reaching my own personal and professional goals. It is also gently encouraging me to be courageous in how I facilitate- more than I've experienced in other programs. Finally, it is giving me a deep sense of professional pride to know that the curriculum is innately respectful to our clients, and that means the world to me as a CDP.

    Amanda Paterson, IM&M+ Facilitator, YWCA Metro Vancouver

"They finally get to be heard. They’ve never been heard before. "

  • Their Hope For the Future

    The change I have seen in the participants is substantial. This wonderful group of people felt comfortable celebrating each other quite quickly, but struggled to celebrate themselves. Listening to them now recognize their strengths, praise themselves and communicate their hope for the future fills me with joy. In Motion & Momentum+ couldn't have a better name. They now have taken control of their motion and are building momentum in their lives.  

    Emily Worthen, IM&M+ Facilitator, Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre

Painted Rock. Text: IMM Stranger Friends 2020

  • Self-improvement Here is Contagious

    I have truly never seen our clients as happy as they are now - helping the community while getting to be creative and hang out with their new best friends (and I do mean best friends... they've told us they hang out after class to discuss their work in the program)!

    We hope we can continue to run this program over and over again in the future, because the joy and atmosphere of self-improvement here is contagious

    Morgan Kelly, IM&M+ Facilitator, AXIS Career Services

Picture of 5 hands together over a bag of garbage collected for their community project

  • Together as a Group is More Powerful Than Doing it on Your Own

    The group that went from "hating where we live and wanting to leave immediately" to "we need to do our part to take pride in our community and love it for what it is" spent the entire morning performing their project "Betterment and Beautification of the Community". Which consisted of picking up 5 XL contractor bags full of garbage, to the point where there wasn't a piece of garbage in sight, so themselves and the rest of the citizens could enjoy their love of all things nature in the beautiful various locations we have. 

    And when the day ended, and it was time to call it a day, they decided they were actually going to stay together and help one of their participants achieve their goal they've been talking about through the program because today they learned together as a group is more powerful than doing it on your own.

    Celeste Burtch, IM&M+ Facilitator, KEYS Job Centre

  • Give Back to the Community

    It’s a pretty cool thing to see 4 guys that a few months ago were gripped in addiction all working together to give back to the community that’s given so much to them

    Caylen KIassen, IM&M+ Facilitator, Freedom’s Door

  • I Can See the Positivity

    Every action or interaction we have creates ripple effects in our lives and in our communities. I can see the positivity that is being created by IM&M+ and feel gratitude to be able to see it happen!

    Helen Kim, IM&M+ Facilitator, YMCA Metro Vancouver