Rewarding Generousity

My next “Fred” is a man that I met on the first day that I moved into this co-op. I’m guessing he is in his late thirties or early forties although I have never asked. At the time he was residing in the apartment across the hall, but now he has returned to living with his mother. His wife lives in my building. Their separation is not due to any lack of affection, but in order to facilitate her support. Yes, that is another story!

It was a bit difficult nailing Fred down to an interview because he is SO busy. When our first appointment was scheduled he postponed due to helping out his brother in some way. Our next missed opportunity found him painting the apartment across the hall – the very one that he moved out of a few months ago. He had been subcontracted by the maintenance department of the co-op to get it ready for a new resident, who is also supported by the same local service agency that serves Fred’s wife. And, yes, you may have gathered that there are many other stories wrapped up in questions about why residents who are supported by service agencies find themselves moving around so much!!!

By the way, Fred was doing this job for cash at about half the rate that a regular painter would charge for a similar job.

Anyway, back to Fred. He told me that he first became an ODSP recipient approximately fifteen years ago when he was working for an auto body shop and experienced “problems” that got him referred to psychiatrists. He is no longer on psychiatrist prescribed drugs but he is still considered to be disabled.

Fred works twelve hours a week for another service agency. He works as a janitor and is paid one dollar an hour. Outside of these twelve hours, he frequently does similar work for the same agency for a similar price. Altogether he works an average of twenty-five hours a week.

I met Fred because he spontaneously offered his assistance when I was moving in. Now, even though he no longer lives in the building, he is a frequent visitor and is seen doing such tasks as gardening, helping people move, and doing odd jobs. He also provides essential support to his wife who has a complex seizure condition. On her not so good days she uses a wheelchair and Fred assists her to go shopping and to accomplish many other necessary chores.

Fred says that ODSP pays his food, his rent and gives him a drug and dental card. He is allowed to “officially” earn $160 a month above his benefit. He stated that this is the reason for why his pay rate is so low.

In summary, Fred, in any given week works as a volunteer and contributes to others in a wide range of ways that include helping people move, being a companion, providing personal assistance, doing maintenance, painting, gardening, counselling and providing information.

Fred would like to get off ODSP although his family and friends advise him that this is too risky. Apparently, his case worker agrees that he should try for regular employment and regular wages. However, no one has ever assisted Fred to write his resume and to get into the job finding world. He continues to wait for this support.

My new friend is a good example of co-operation. I am genuinely sorry that he moved out of the co-op. Not only is he fun to work with but it was a lot easier to keep the social committee going when he was available to put up posters and do odd tasks.

I have offered Fred my assistance in writing his resume!!
Judith