Coming from Kenya and arriving in Canada all alone, Kamau came to Fernie after a long stay in a local shelter. As a refugee, coming to Canada was confusing and scary.  Canadian culture was different from what he was used to, he found that people acted differently and finding support was difficult when we was alone and didn’t know where to turn. Kamau wanted to build a life he’s proud of, but that’s challenging when you’re forced to focus on making it to tomorrow instead.

While staying at the shelter, one of Fernie’s staff met Kamau and recommended that he apply for Fernie Works. It would be his first job in Canada, and a steppingstone for creating a sustainable future.

“Fernie brought us together, we were able to learn to work as a team, depend on each other”

At Fernie Works, Kamau found other youth in similar situations to his. They helped him feel less alone, bonding over their work and time at Fernie. He began to learn about lawncare, but the Fernie staff taught him much more than that. They taught him life skills and confidence, always providing a listening ear and being a source of guidance. Kamau described his conversations with Fernie staff as eye opening, showing him that he’s on the right path and doing something purposeful, being a part of Fernie Works. In his time in the program, Kamau also acquired a wealth of qualifications necessary for his future like his G1 and SmartServe certifications.

While working at Fernie Works, Kamau moved out of the shelter and into Fernie’s Transition House. Change is always scary, but he was ready to have his own space with the freedom to explore his passion, cooking. At the shelter he took part in their culinary programs and would cook meals for his fellow residents but always supervised and using limited resources.

“Fernie helps because they give you that push . . .

they clear that pathway for you”

When Fernie staff discovered this love of cooking, they worked on helping Kamau create a path into working in the field. He completed a professional culinary development program delivered by experts and received a placement in a restaurant after Fernie Works finished, where he was eventually hired part-time. These were massive steps, but Kamau wasn’t done making strides yet.

Kamau collaborated with the Fernie staff to create a new role at Fernie Works. Now, he’ll be cooking delicious and nutritious lunches to fuel the Fernie Works crew. It’s a perfect role where he gets to use his first-hand knowledge of Fernie Works to support the crew, continue forging connections at Fernie, and improve his cooking skills.

“[Fernie’s supporters] might not be here to see to see what happens, but for us, it really changes our lives”

Today, Kamau is excited for his future in Canada. “Now I have a path mapped out” he says, reflecting on how Fernie has helped him. With a stable place to live, employment in his desired field, and a reliable support system, Kamau is set up to not just live, but thrive.