AnnuAl RepoRt 2013-2014

Annual
Report
2013-2014
Vision
Mission
Progressive workplace nurturing a
productive and diverse Alberta workforce.
To promote and enhance employment and
learning opportunities for people with disabilities.
Iris Margaret Saunders
October 28, 1938 – April 4, 2014
EmployAbilities mourned
the passing of Executive
Director Iris Saunders
this April.
Throughout her career, Iris
fought tirelessly for inclusion
of people with disabilities and
had an incredible vision for
the future. First hired in 1986
as a job developer for what was
at that time called Employment for
the Physically Disabled, Iris was named
Executive Director of the three person
organization a short time later.
Under Iris’s guidance, the organization (renamed
EmployAbilities in 1992) expanded. Now employing 40 staff
and contractors, EmployAbilities offers seven different
programs in seven Alberta communities. In 2013/14,
more than 350 individuals with disabilities and/or barriers
received EmployAbilities’ support to build a better life.
Iris was recognized across Canada for her lifelong passion,
dedication and innovative ideas that brought awareness
to the untapped workforce of people with disabilities and
barriers. She received countless awards and honours
in her 28 year career with EmployAbilities. She was the
first recipient of the Lumina Award; was named a Global
Woman of Vision in 2003; was awarded the Lois Hole
Community Award and the Marion Shipley Award by the
Junior Leagues of Edmonton in 2009; and was nominated
for the Order of Canada in 2010. She also received many
other acknowledgements of her excellent work.
Iris’s passing has left a large void in the world of persons
with disabilities and barriers. She is sadly missed by
family, friends, staff, and everyone who met her.
EmployAbilities partnered with Moores Clothing for Men to provide gently worn suits,
dress shirts, ties and pants at no cost to men who are job searching and may not be able
to afford new dress clothes. Over 1,500 suits were distributed through this program at
EmployAbilities, Norquest College and Alberta Works Centres. EmployAbilities also
gave out 343 suits at the Homeless Connect Event on April 6, 2014. The YMCA, Checker
Storage and Press Gallery store hundreds of suits, shirts and pants at no cost to
EmployAbilities. We thank all our partners for making this program a success.
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EMPLOYABILITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Message from the Executive Director
jason loewer
Executive Director
I am humbled to take on the
new role of Executive Director
for EmployAbilities. I was hired
to step into Iris Saunders’ role,
which is a daunting task as the
agency has been built under
her support and direction for 28
years. Staff, board members, the
business community, colleagues,
family and friends were surprised
by Iris’ sudden passing, and
EmployAbilities went through
a difficult period for 10 weeks
without an Executive Director. On
June 18, I was hired as the new
Executive Director to help the
agency through the transition
period, and to provide leadership
and direction into the future.
As I toured EmployAbilities
on my first day, I met the staff
and learned more about the
programs offered. I was very
impressed by the space and
technology provided to help
individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment
receive skills and computer training with a focus on attaining
employment. There are six training rooms at the head office
in Edmonton (three of which are dedicated to computer
instruction) and a very inviting space for individuals to search
for jobs and access information.
More recently, I also had an opportunity to meet with staff
in the communities of Vegreville, Lac La Biche, St. Paul,
Cold Lake and Bonnyville where EmployAbilities works in
collaboration with Alberta Works, businesses, and community
partners to provide support, education, and job placement
services to help individuals with disabilities and barriers.
I knew very quickly that I had joined an organization that
has the same values as I do. The phrase kept popping into
my head “give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man
to fish and feed him for a lifetime”. This is very much what
EmployAbilities is all about. I believe that employment is a
vital and critical aspect of everyone’s life. Everybody wants
to feel included, needed, and wanted, and likes to feel that
they are contributing and making a difference. Individuals
with disabilities and barriers are no different. I look forward
to working with the board of directors and staff to continue to
provide the excellent programs and services offered as well
as looking for further opportunities to expand and grow and
be of greater service to those around us.
Financial Statements
Board of Directors
Audited financial statements for the fiscal year
from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 are available
by contacting EmployAbilities at 780.423.4106 or
by e-mail to [email protected].
President John Ough
Edgar Jackson
Vice President Kathy Baker
Ed Lavallee
Treasurer Logan Sawchuk
Carmen Thomas
Randy Hogle
Dr. Ollie Triska
3
40 years of changing lives
Programs and Services
EmployAbilities Program Stats
July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014
EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre - Edmonton
A “one stop” centre, providing assistance to Albertans with disabilities and
barriers to employment. Services include: skills training, supported job search,
development and review of cover letter, resume, and job placement services.
4913 visits to Career and Employment Centre
1255 individuals registered for skill development sessions
132 individuals participated in job placement program
79% of job placement clients attained employment
132
74% were still employed at 3 months
74% were still employed at 6 months
Entry Level Employability Skills Training Program - Edmonton
A 24 week skills training program that includes computer training, employment
readiness courses and work experience. The program prepares individuals for
employment in entry level positions in various industries such as administration,
transportation, customer service, and data support.
60 individuals participated in the skills training program
95% attained program completion
60
81% were employed at 3 months
73% were employed at 6 months
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EMPLOYABILITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Access to Success - Edmonton
A 20 week program open to youth with barriers to employment, offering sessions in life and
employability skills, job search techniques, computer training, and employment placement.
26 individuals participated in the skills training and work experience program
26
92% attained program completion
81% attained employment/further education
Northeast Career and Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities
A program providing skill training and employment supports to individuals with disabilities to assist in
finding, obtaining, and retaining employment in the communities of Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche,
St. Paul, Vegreville and Fort Saskatchewan.
69 individuals participated in the skills training and job placement program
78% of job placement clients attained employment
69
66% were employed at 3 months
59% were employed at 6 months
Bonnyville & Cold Lake Employment Services
A program offering employment and skill development services to individuals with
multiple barriers to employment in Cold Lake, Bonnyville and the surrounding areas.
49 individuals participated in the job placement services
80% of job placement clients attained employment
49
53% were employed at 3 months
42% were employed at 6 months
5
40 years of changing lives
Step Up
A unique and flexible pre-employment and employment placement program
specifically designed for persons with developmental disabilities.
17 individuals with developmental disabilities participated in this program
71% attained employment placement
17
47% were employed at 3 months
47% were employed at 6 months
WORKink Alberta
A leading, fully accessible, on-line career development and employment
portal designed for Albertans with disabilities.
55,600 visits to the WORKink Alberta provincial website
55,600
Employment Retention Enhancement Services (ERES)
A fee for service program for referred clients who are in skill development or employment destined. Referrals are made
by direct funders to areas of service provision such as Specialized Assessments, Worksite, and Educational Supports.
25 referrals were received by ERES
25
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EMPLOYABILITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Specialized
Assessments
Specialized
Learner Supports
Job Coach
Services
6 Completed
7 Completed
4 Completed
4 Approved and Active
5 Approved and Active
9 Approved and Active
Our stories
EmployAbilities: history Highlights
1974 Society incorporated as the Employment Service for the
Physically Handicapped, providing employment related
services to persons with physical disabilities in Edmonton
1979 ACE program begins provision of employment services
in Edmonton
1993 Name changed to EmployAbilities, services expanded
to include all disabilities, and mandate changed to a
provincial scope
1996 Basic Foundation Skills Training Program introduced,
currently known as Entry Level Employability Skills
Training Program
1998 Call Center Training Program initiated
2000 Niso Kamatotan Aboriginal program introduced in
partnership with Oteenow Employment and Training Society
2001 EmployAbilities introduced initial employment services
to Cold Lake and Bonnyville
2003 Opening Doors Program
developed for persons
with developmental
disabilities, currently
known as Step Up
2003 EA + Customized Employment
Program began, currently known
as EmployAbilities Career and
Employment Centre
First Graduating Class
1994-95
Computer Literacy Course
NAIT AVC EmployAbilities
2004 “Untapped Potential” brain injury initiative begins
Extensive Assistive Technology Showcased
2007 Access to Success Youth Skills Training Program offered
in Edmonton
2011 EmployAbilities awarded Mayors Employer Award for
hiring individuals with disabilities
2013 Employment and Retention Enhancement Services initiated
Lac La Biche Workshop,
Building Capacity from Within
This four day program was offered in Lac La
Biche to address the common barriers women in
our community are facing. Various organizations
partnered and provided speakers and resources for
these clients so that presentations could be provided
in-house, rather than having to send clients out.
The following is a list of identified barriers that were
addressed though the workshop:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Low education (literacy/numeracy)
History of abuse (intergenerational)
Generational cycle of dependency
Inconsistent/lack of pre/post-natal care
Child Services involvement
Feel no control of life circumstances
• Mental Health
(anxiety, depression, trauma)
• Poor self-esteem
• Difficulty with problem solving skills
• Stress due to life situations
Workshop topics included: Communication and Stress Management, Trauma and
Addictions/Empowerment and Healing, Staying Healthy in our Minds, Empowerment
and Healing from a Traditional Perspective
7
40 years of changing lives
Building Capacity from Within
Workshop Participants- March 3-6, 2014
Front row (left to right): Fiona Blood (Career &
Employment Consultant: AB Works), Danika
Scoville, Tanya Desjarlais, Brenda Hutton, Nadia
Bourque (Career & Employment Consultant: AB
Works), Roger Poulin (Employment Facilitator:
EmployAbilities), Charlene Larose, Stacey Castor,
Violet Cardinal, Jacqueline Pirnak (Career &
Employment Consultant: AB Works). Bottom row
(left to right): Falon Boucher, Danica Valentine,
Nicole Berard, Trina Jackson
Entry Level Employability Skills Program Edmonton
Donna Kozak obtained a degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta and
worked for five years before being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At this
time, she found herself unable to stay in nursing.
“You cannot make a
better investment than
taking the time to invest
in yourself,” says Donna.
Donna came to EmployAbilities looking for guidance and support in finding
suitable, meaningful employment. Working with an Employment Coach, Donna
researched several options and decided to focus on gaining acceptance to the
Entry Level Employability Skill Training Program to enhance her employability
and computer skills.
After graduating at the top of her program and completing her work experience
at DynalifeDX, Donna was offered employment as a DynaLifeDX Customer Care
Centre Specialist, a position which uses her new skills along with her nursing
and medical background.
“I have found this position at be a job that fits my beliefs, values, strengths and
life style,” she comments.
Bonnyville & Cold Lake Employment Services
Michele Gillespie moved into the Bonnyville-Cold Lake area and did not have
an established network. While she had excellent skills, Michele’s lack of
experience in the oilfield industry was a barrier to employment as she lacked
appropriate certifications to work in that industry. EmployAbilities’ Bonnyville
& Cold Lake Employment Services Employment Facilitator was able to access
exposure courses for Michele through Alberta Works, and tailored her resume
to specific jobs. Michele also participated in information interviews, mock
interviews, networking sessions and job fairs.
“The services I received provided me with a network of people and the skills
required selling myself and applying for jobs that matched my skills,” Michele
says. “I was able to access the certification training courses I needed to boost
my resume and make it more attractive to oilfield companies.”
Michele was introduced to a Human Resources person at Cenovus by
Bonnyville & Cold Lake Employment Services, and shortly after received a job
offer with the oil company. She is now happily employed and confident in her
ability to do the job well.
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EMPLOYABILITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2014
EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre Edmonton
Michael McHugh is 33 years old with a documented learning disability and asthma.
When Michael came to EmployAbilities he was looking for either a full-time or part-time
position in the customer service industry since he had eight years of experience in this
area. Michael had been looking for work for several weeks without any success and was
becoming frustrated.
EmployAbilities’ Employment Coach assisted Michael with resume development,
mock interviews, job search techniques and completing job applications. Michael was
also encouraged to attend workshops. As Michael’s self-esteem and confidence level
increased he became more positive that he would soon find suitable employment. The
Employment Coach worked with Michael for several months and Michael was ultimately
successful in finding a full-time position in the customer service industry clerk at the
Italian Centre Shop.
Michael continues to be successful in his new position. EmployAbilities has received
several phone calls from Michael’s manager and supervisor commenting positively on
his commitment to doing a great job and his strong work ethic. Michael has spoken with
the Employment Coach several times since starting his new position, which he enjoys
very much.
Step Up Edmonton
Katryna Dixon is a young woman who
joined the Step Up program for Adults with
Developmental Disabilities. Katryna had been
employed in the past, but had difficulty keeping
jobs as they were often not a great fit for her
physical limitations. Katryna also noted that
she felt she was not easily accepted socially by
her previous co-workers.
As Katryna attended the Step Up skills training
sessions and one-on-one meetings with her
Employment Coaches, she became more
adaptable to certain situations. Constant
mentorship was provided by the Employment
Coaches who strongly encouraged the positive
changes in Katryna’s attitude, and helped her
learn pre-employment and work culture skills.
9
40 years of changing lives
EmployAbilities’ Job Developer discovered an
employment opportunity which turned out to
be the perfect fit for Katryna. The Employment
Coaches prepared and assisted Katryna during
the hiring process, and she began her position
at Tim Horton’s as a Front End Attendant in
December 2013.
The Employment Coaches provided job
analysis, task checklists, and skill coaching
to Katryna during orientation and probation
periods. Customers and colleagues alike
have noted Katryna performs her job efficiently
and pleasantly. Support has also been provided
to the managers and supervisors at Tim
Horton’s as they embrace their emerging
diverse workforce.
Northeast Career and Employment Services
Osni Moscibroski participated in EmployAbilities Northeast Career and Employment Services
Program for Persons with Disabilities in Vegreville. Osni indicated that at times he would have
feelings of anxiety and nervousness when meeting with employers and that he feared being
stigmatized when disclosing that he had an invisible disability.
Osni demonstrated a willingness to learn how to conduct cold calls to employers, complete
information interviews, prepare for interviews and work with the Employment Facilitator in
“fine tuning” his resume.
Osni attended several networking events in the community. At the Career and Employment Fair in
Vegreville in May 2013 he met with several potential employers and was invited for an interview by
one. Prior to his interview, the Employment Facilitator and Osni practiced mock interviews. Osni
indicated that practice in the mock interview made him feel more comfortable attending the real
interview. After his interview, Osni called the Employment Facilitator to report the meeting went
very well, and that he was offered a position as an agriculture equipment assembler at Buhler
Industries. A year later, Osni is still happily working full time and enjoying his work.
Entry Level Employability Skills Program Edmonton
Rosalie was accepted into the Entry Level
Employability Skills Training Program for
the fall 2013 session. Rosalie has ADD,
was extremely shy, and due to past
abuse, had no self-confidence at all. In
fact, Rosalie would hardly talk to anyone,
including her Program Facilitator. Rosalie
also had a difficult time translating what
she was hearing on to paper. This barrier
added to her work time considerably.
Rosalie felt overwhelmed with frustration
and her inability to keep up with the
other participants.
Rosalie needed to achieve success in the
activities of the program.
EmployAbilities obtained a Specialized
Learner Support for Rosalie, through
Disability Related Employment Supports
(DRES). This support was exactly what
After completing her training, Rosalie
obtained a job with Comfort Keepers,
helping to support seniors in their daily
lives as a home care provider.
10
EMPLOYABILITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Kindness, coaching, and positive motivation
from the Program Facilitator helped
Rosalie to come out of her shell and start
to express herself. As Rosalie progressed
in the program she learned she had a great
many skills of which she was unaware, that
she was valuable, and had boundaries. She
began to express herself and show her true
colours. She transformed from a shy and
quiet person to a positive, expressive and
professional woman.
Access to Success Edmonton
Felix moved from Sierra Leone with his family to Edmonton in 2012. His goal was to
obtain employment and support his family in Canada and Sierra Leone. He was referred
to EmployAbilities to enrol in the “Access to Success” youth program.
Felix needed to work on barriers such as low self-esteem, confidence, shyness and lack
of Canadian work experience.
With support from the program team, Felix worked on his soft skills, never missing a day
during the program. Felix gained confidence and self-esteem and was more outspoken at
the end of the 14 weeks in the classroom.
Felix gained meaningful employment as a Kitchen Steward at Chateau Lacombe
Edmonton Hotel, where his supervisors find him enthusiastic, ready and willing to help
other staff as needed, and a valued addition to the staff.
Felix enjoys his job and the people he works with. He’s also happy to report he’s received
a raise and benefits since starting in March 2013.
Employment Retention Enhancement Services Edmonton
Trevor Hiar is a man in his forties who sustained injuries in a
motor vehicle accident that left him with memory challenges
and the loss of his thumb. This meant Trevor had to relearn a
lot of skills he had previously known.
Trevor’s EmployAbilities’ Employment Facilitator contacted
a local retailer Trevor wanted to work for. The employer had
concerns about Trevor’s abilities and lack of skills. A position
was offered on the condition that workplace supports were
made available during the three month probation period.
Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) were
contacted and supports were put in place. A specialized
assessment identified the need for 216 hours of job coaching
services. Trevor received supports in task development and
inclusion into the employment culture. He mastered all the
skills needed and transitioned to natural supports.
11
40 years of changing lives
His frontline supervisor
is very satisfied with his
performance. “Trevor displays
positive interactions with
customers, management and
frontline peers. We have no
doubt he will be with us for a
long time,” he comments.
“Now I have a job
to go to just like
the other guys,”
says Trevor.
Chili cook-off
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EmployAbilities
Supporters
We extend our sincere thanks to
every individual, business or
organization that donated or
supported EmployAbilities in
2013/14. You play an important
role in changing lives.
Head Office
402, 10909 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5J 3L9
Phone: 780.423.4106
Fax: 780.426.0029
Email: [email protected]