Sharleen's Story
Hello, my name is Sharleen Shinsato. I have been a Clubhouse member since 1996 and I participate in the Clerical Unit. Tonight, I will share with you my experience working in the community with the support of Clubhouse and my caregiver, Rosie Baybayan.
When I first heard about the Clubhouse employment program, I was very excited because I wanted to be financially independent and learn new things. Through the Clubhouse, I worked at a transitional employment position at Jade Food Products. This job was a part-time position for 6-9 months. My job was to pack li hing mui seeds and other snacks. My Clubhouse staff Eunice Chang went to the job site to support me by helping me to fill out paperwork and training me on the responsibilities of my job. Eunice worked with me at Jade Foods until I was comfortable working alone. She visited me weekly and asked if I was doing okay.
After getting experience from Jade Foods, I wanted to work again. So Clubhouse found me another job at GeoTech Solutions. At first, it was a TE position, but they liked me so much that I am now a permanent employee. I have been working there since 2006. At GeoTech Solutions, I clean the entire company office by myself. I love my job. My boss is so good to me and Clubhouse continues to support me working.
My caregiver, Rosie Baybayan is very supportive of me working. I have been living with her for 14 years. She always tells me that it’s good to work and be productive in the community. On my workdays, Rosie provides home lunch for me to take to work and puts aside dinner for me to eat when I come home from work. She goes shopping with me to buy clothes for work.
I’ve never worked before Clubhouse and now I’m so happy working and getting my own pay checks. It feels so good to be able to buy things that I like and treat my family sometimes. Not only is the money good, working has helped me to lose some weight and inches off my waist. I will be starting something new this Fall, I was accepted at Leeward Community College and will be taking classes in August. I am so excited. I’ve come a long way and hope to continue being a productive citizen in the community.