P.A.C.E. grad lands job in CEGEP gym

Donnick Patrice went from being a student at Adam’s P.A.C.E. program at Champlain College in St. Lambert to working – and being a shining light – in the college’s athletic department. Teamwork between the administration and unions at Champlain, and fueled by his teacher’s encouragement, were the keys to Patrice’s unprecedented employment at the college. 

“I’ve known him since he was 9,” said retired teacher Natalie Henri about Patrice, who is now 23. “He’s a gentle soul – a nice, polite, empathetic young man.”  

When Patrice left REACH, a school for students aged 4 to 21 with developmental challenges, Henri pushed hard to get him into the P.A.C.E. (Post-secondary Alternative Community-based Education) program. Located in Champlain College, it gives people from the neurodiverse community a chance to experience CEGEP life.  

“He thrived in that program and became independent,” said Henri. “He did so great that I was able to convince Champlain College to give him a chance at a job there.”  

For the past year, Patrice has worked from 3 to 6 p.m. every weekday in the fitness centre, keeping the equipment clean and orderly and greeting participants.  

“I love it,” said Patrice, adding that he takes a bus to work by himself and often arrives at noon. 

That gives him some time to see his friends and to drop in to some classes at P.A.C.E. He likes to spend the money he earns on video games and Lego. 

About his job, Henri said, “Nobody thought he could ever, ever do that. I always believed in him and thought he could do more.” 

Sarah Madi, who works at the college’s Student Services department, said that at the beginning, she helped Patrice with time sheets but now he manages on his own. She said Patrice also helps with the college’s food pantry as well as the lost and found.  

Dean Howie, the college’s former director of Student Services, said it took a little time and some discussion with different bodies at the college and required them waiving certain qualifications such as secondary five and French to get Patrice hired. “In the end,” he said, “everyone collaborated to make this work, and this is a testament to the college community and the impact the Adam’s P.A.C.E. program has had at Champlain.” 

“It created a precedent,” Henri said. “Donnick is exactly what the [P.A.C.E.] program was designed for.” 

Adam’s P.A.C.E. was created 20 years ago and is named after a young man whose dream it was to attend CEGEP with individualized support. The students are aged 18 to 23.