Next time you and the family decide to catch a flick at the Grand 10, you should not only be excited about the fresh, buttery popcorn — but the fact that the establishment is doing their part to ensure each member of our community is given equal workforce opportunity.

For the past three or so years, the theatre on McCurdy Corner has not only been host to some blockbuster hits but has woven a strong relationship with Pathways Abilities Society, thanks to the help of part-time employee, Daylene.

Photo Credit: Pathways Abilities Society

“I think it is a great program (Pathways), it’s always good to give people an opportunity to be out in the workforce,” Said Amanda Jones, General Manager of the Grand 10.

Though her relationship with Grand 10 is still fairly fresh, Daylene is no stranger to the movie biz. Prior to her work with the Grand 10, she was a shining employee at the Paramount Theatre downtown.

Going to a movie is an experience and part of what makes that experience so pleasurable is entering a clean, cozy theatre and at Grand 10 you can thank Daylene for the lack of sticky soda isles and old popcorn covered seats.

Photo Credit: Pathways Abilities Society

Part of Daylene’s tasks includes sweeping and cleaning the theatre room floor before and after each movie, a task many would rather avoid, but one she conquers with positivity and precision.

“I personally think she's a great person and a really great employee if you give her a task she always gets it done,”

Though Grand 10 isn’t Daylene’s original workplace, the theatre has welcomed the Pathways program and Daylene with open arms, becoming an advocate for the program and encouraging diversity in the workplace.

Photo Credit: Pathways Abilities Society

“We are open to everyone, we encourage all different types of people to apply here — we think the more diversity the better,”

Daylene and Jones aren’t the only ones who benefit from the diverse work environment, but according to Jones, the younger employees are reaping the benefits as well.

“She (Daylene) definitely brings something that we don't have at the theatre, she’s very positive and I think she's a good person for all of the staff to be around,” said Jones.

Photo Credit: Pathways Abilities Society

“We have a lot of younger staff so it's great for them to have interaction with somebody who has a diverseability, it gives them a little bit more insight, allows them to become more empathetic and learn how to interact with customers who may also have a diversability,"

Not only does the addition of Daylene to the Grand 10 team help the workflow run a little smoother, she is also a great morale booster with her radiating personality.

“She is super positive, you can’t help but be happy when you’re around her, and I think that really helps the team,”

This our fifth installment of Heroes of Diversability, which is a series highlighting businesses around Kelowna who have partnered up with Pathways to employ an individual with 'diversability.'

Pathways Abilities Society is a non-profit organization providing services to individuals with diverse abilities in the Central Okanagan for over 60 years. Among the services it provides, Pathways connects local progressive businesses with individuals with diverse abilities, developing customized employment programs that put diverse abilities to work in our community.