Meet Sarah

Finding Purpose and Community

Mount Forest, ON — Sarah works in the kitchen at The Raw Carrot Mount Forest site alongside her mother, Janice Benson, who is the kitchen manager.

“It’s given me routine and helps financially, and I’ve made friends with people who go to the church as well as my co-workers,” Sarah says.

Before working at The Raw Carrot, Sarah held different jobs over the years, but she shares that this is the position where she has been most successful and stayed employed. “I like working here because it’s not overwhelming, and they are understanding of people with disabilities,” she says.

For Sarah, making soup is more than a job. “If your own child had a disability, you’d want to help them through life,” she says. “Why not buy delicious tasting soup that is made by people with disabilities, and they get paid for their work? It helps them out financially and mentally.”

Sarah appreciates how her co-workers have grown alongside her. “Christina started out shy and now she’s the fastest at cooling down the soup. She’s more outgoing now. This job has changed her,” Sarah notes.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys walking, reading, and crafting. She makes cards and paintings, and plans to resume piano lessons once her teacher is able. Her favorite Raw Carrot soups are the Signature Carrot and Mulligatawny, likely because she enjoys the curry flavors.

Her mother Janice adds, “Working at The Raw Carrot has given Sarah purpose in life. She feels good about having something productive to do and is proud of the work she does at the kitchen.”

Stories like Sarah’s show that when someone receives a hand up through supported work and a place to belong, they thrive. We invite you to get involved to help create more opportunities in even more communities across Canada.