July Newsletter 2026
YES opened its doors in June 1981. That means that we have officially been serving this community for 45 years. A lot has changed in almost a half century of service. Staff members have come and gone. Location(s) changed over the years as well. There have been changes in our programming. However, one thing has remained consistent. From the first day we started bringing workers and employers together, we have always had a firm belief in the potential of our clients. Every day, our clients strengthen that belief. Robin Tozer’s story certainly does and we are excited that she has agreed to let us share it to help celebrate this milestone.
Here is Robin’s inspiring story:
“Got some amazing news today
cant wait to celebrate with Yes Employment. There is something incredibly humbling about looking back. Over a decade ago, YES Employment Services took a chance on someone who simply refused to give up. They didn’t just help me find a job—they helped open a door to a career that would shape my life.
My whole life I was told: I’d never pass high school.
I did.
They told me I’d never make it to college.
I graduated.
They told me I’d never finish my apprenticeship.
I completed it.
They told me I’d always be “just a fryer girl.”
Today, I’m almost a Red Seal Chef. I started RRR Meals, and I’m building the business I’ve dreamed about for years.
Back in 2015, the Chronicle Journal ran a story called “Cooking Up Her Dream.” after YES Employment’s story was published. All I had was determination and a dream. I was told becoming a Red Seal chef would take years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. What they couldn’t know was just how many obstacles I’d have to overcome.
Living with disabilities meant I had to work twice as hard for opportunities many people take for granted. Every exam, every course, every challenge demanded more from me. There were people who doubted me at every step. Some said it wasn’t realistic. Others said I should settle.
I never did.
Today, I’ve checked almost every box they said I’d never check.
Passed high school.
Now there’s one box left. I’m preparing to write my Red Seal exam for the fifth time. Some people see five attempts as failure. I see five attempts as courage.
Because every time I didn’t pass, I got back up. I studied harder. I learned more. I refused to let one exam decide the value of everything I’d already accomplished.
This exam doesn’t define me. It simply marks the final chapter of a journey I started over a decade ago. When I earn my Red Seal, it won’t just be another certification hanging on a wall. It will be proof that disabilities do not define potential.
That dreams are worth fighting for.
That perseverance is stronger than doubt.
And to every person who ever said, “You’ll never…”
Thank you.
Your doubt became the fuel that carried me here.
The next time my story is written, it won’t be about chasing my dream.
It will be about finally holding it in my hands.” Robin Tozer
When we saw Robin’s story on social media we immediately started digging to find the video YES had put together when we first shared this story in 2015. After searching the archives, we found the video and you can watch it here. In 45 years, we have shared countless client stories. At the heart of each one is a local business that has provided an opportunity, and a client who had the courage and strength to run with it. Robin added these words of encouragement after we connected:
“YES played a huge role in helping me believe in myself at a time when I needed it most. The support, encouragement, and opportunities I received helped me build the confidence to keep moving forward, even when the road wasn’t easy. I’ve also started my own small business, RRR Meals, providing affordable homemade meals to students and members of my community.
Today, I’m not just a chef. I’m a mental health advocate, a Burnt Chef ambassador, and someone who believes it’s okay to ask for help. Every conversation we have could be the one that saves a life.
If sharing my journey helps even one person realize they’re not alone, then every challenge I’ve faced has had a purpose.”We could not be more thrilled with Robin’s journey and success. Jobs truly change lives. If you would like personal assistance with your job search, request an appointment here.
Community Engagement
Our Wellness Committee coordinated this year’s “Spring Up to Clean Up” on June 1st. Our photos were entered into Ecosuperior’s photo contest and we were one of the lucky winners! Thanks so much to Ecosuperior for recognizing our team and presenting us with a gift card for winning the Spring Up to Clean Up photo contest. We are always thrilled to participate in community events and we thank Suphala for dropping in to deliver the prize in person. See you for next year’s clean up!
YES stopped by to congratulate to Gary Christian and his team at North Superior Workforce Planning board during their June 11th celebration marking 30 years of service to our community! We have built a strong partnership over the years and our Executive Director, Lorna Hunda also sits as a member of the NSWPB. We look forward to working together for years to come!
On June 14th, the community was out in force for the Thunder Bay Mining Day event at Marina Park. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to chat. We look forward to connecting with all the new job seekers and businesses we spoke with.
Testimonial alert. We are so grateful for all of the local businesses who recognize the value of the programs we deliver. Visit the Employer information page of our website to read the full testimonial from Adrian Arnone, Owner/Operator at PM Landscaping and Contracting LTD. Take advantage of the Employment Ontario programs that can help you recruit, onboard and retain staff!