annual report //...

ANNUAL REPORT // 2015-2016

Christian Dubois

Melissa Plouffe

Kyle Chee

MELISSA PLOUFFE

Melissa was working at a local discount store, but month after month her hours were being cut until she was no longer on the schedule. Melissa was feeling discouraged because she really wanted to work. She contacted EmployAbilities to help find employment. Melissa was chosen to participate in a new program called Customized Employment. Customized Employment looks at developing a job around the skills and talents of the client but also explores opportunities for resource

ownership and self-employment. Melissa worked with EmployAbilities to discover her skills, interests, and talents and was keen to start her own coffee shop business inside a local book store in St. Paul.

EmployAbilities facilitator worked with Melissa on: creating a business plan, partnering with a local bookstore owner, purchasing equipment and supplies to run a coffee shop, obtaining a Foodsafe certificate, and purchasing a coffee kiosk. Melissa was able to access Quick Start funds to help cover some of the costs. Melissa has been happily self-employed since December 2015, as the proud owner of Miss Honeybee Specialty – her very own coffee shop. Melissa was able to realize her dream of doing what she loves to do.

When Melissa was asked about how she felt about Customized Employment she stated the following: “I get to make my own money and have a job. I get to make coffee and do what I love. I’m very happy.”

KYLE

Kyle is a young man, with a gentle soul and a quiet determination. He has a full recreational schedule with his involvement in Special Olympics, however, he knew that there was something missing. Kyle was interested in being a part of the working community, not only to earn money, but to actually feel like a valuable part of a team that helps the community or company move forward.

Innovation Success Stories

2 EMPLOYABILITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016

He joined the Step Up Program with confidence that together they could enhance his skills and find an employment position that would be a good fit for Kyle’s skills and abilities. Throughout Kyle's training in the program, he was motivated to do his best, and completed with success the many skills training sessions offered by the Employment Facilitators. Kyle was also able to add to his resume: Food Safe, Service Best, and First Aid/CPR Certifications.

Kyle’s name and resume were put forward for an administrative support role at the City of Edmonton, through the Abilities@work program. He was successful in the interview, and hired in June of this year. Kyle has been enjoying learning and adjusting to his duties in his position with the City of Edmonton. When asked the question ‘where do you work?” Kyle is certainly proud to tell anyone about his ‘City’ job.

CHRISTIAN DUBOIS

When Christian moved back into the St. Paul area, he was struggling to find employment; he had a lot of skills but was unsure of what he really wanted to do. Initially he worked with EmployAbilities facilitator to explore his skills and interests and discovered he really enjoyed helping seniors.

Christian wanted to come up with something innovative that would fill a service gap that seniors were facing in his small community of St. Paul. Through research, it was determined that transportation for medical and other appointments was high on the seniors’ list of needs.

EmployAbilities helped Christian develop his business plan for “DASH”, a personal transportation service. Assistance was provided to start his own business, including: acquire special training for a taxi licence, operating a business, first aid certificate, contacted agencies to secure work, and met with town officials to change a by-law so that he could operate his business in St. Paul.

Christian now has several contracts to transport clients for medical appointments to Edmonton and the surrounding region and is doing very well. Due to the support of EmployAbilities, the Customized Employment Program, and Christian’s own hard work, he was able to realize a dream and own his very own business. When asked about how he felt about the Customized Employment process he stated: “It got me to think about what I really want. It reinforced that my idea was good, and it worked out so good, I’m very excited about my future.”

Our Business is Getting People Employed 3

The President’s Annual MessageEmployAbilities was very busy with numerous projects undertaken by the Board of Directors and staff, over the past year. Some of the accomplishments included a major bylaw review to update the policies and be current and in concert with provincial legislation. A new policy and procedure manual was developed by the Board and staff. These new policies reflect the implementation of the bylaw changes.

The Board of Directors also developed an investment strategy that would help offset the operating costs incurred by EmployAbilities. With responsible fiscal management of our investments, EmployAbilities will remain viable and reduce the need for fundraising.

A membership campaign was started to gain new members to support EmployAbilities. This project is a new and exciting chapter in the history of the agency.

The past year was fulfilling and exciting, and it was a pleasure for the Board to interact with EmployAbilities management and staff. The next year will also bring many successes to EmployAbilities. Thank you to all who supported our organization.

DR. OLLIE TRISKAPresident, Board of Directors

VisionWe envision an inclusive society where all people are valued, respected and have the opportunity to work to their full potential.


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Back from left to right: Andrea Szabo, Carmen Thomas, Jim Dunbar, Ken Saunders

Front from left to right:Ed Lavallee, Dr. Ollie Triska, Logan Sawchuk, Edgar Jackson

JASON LOEWERExecutive Director

Message from the Executive DirectorThe theme of EmployAbilities Annual Report for 2015-16 is innovation. This past year EmployAbilities has developed very innovative approaches in how we provide employment services to Albertans with disabilities and barriers to employment.

EmployAbilities staff in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Athabasca, St. Paul, Lac La Biche, and Vegreville participated in Customized Employment training offered through the Innovation Fund of the Government of Alberta. The Customized Employment training has led the staff to develop a more detailed understanding of clients with disabilities through discovery activities, which have led to innovative approaches in job development and self-employment. Clients have started their own businesses based on this innovative approach to Customized Employment; these include a coffee shop, computer repair and a personal delivery service, just to name a few.

EmployAbilities has also partnered with Alberta Human Services to offer a pilot project, the first in Alberta to provide employment services to all Albertans with disabilities, through EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre. Individuals usually funded through Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) now fall under the same funding model of other individuals with disabilities. The program is outcomes based and focuses on placing Albertans with disabilities in employment.

EmployAbilities is also partnering with Jasper Place High School, in September 2016, to place 28 students with disabilities in part-time employment while still attending high school. The pilot project funded through Service Canada is the first of its kind offered in Alberta. The pilot project will look to bridge the gap for students with disabilities leaving high school and entering the working world.

These are just a few examples of innovation at EmployAbilities this past year.


Mission StatementTo provide specialized services to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment by creating opportunities for skill development, education and employment.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Audited financial statements for the fiscal year from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 are available by contacting EmployAbilities at 780-423-4106 or by e-mail to [email protected].

Programs and Services July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

EmployAbllities National Clients Average

Career decision making 48% 34%

Job search 48% 34%

Career management 42% 31%

Job maintenance 30% 18%

Social supports 41% 24%

Self-efficacy 42% 22%

6725

90

visits to the Edmonton Career and Employment Centre

78% of clients were still employed at 3 months

60% of clients were employed at 6 months

clients accepted into training or services

EmployAbilities clients improved significantly in employment readiness after completing programs and services when compared to the National average.

*Percentages based on the Employment Readiness Scale™


493 282

clients accepted into job placement services

clients placed in employment

“EmployAbilities programs and services are highly effective in preparing Albertans for employment!”

EmployAbilities Staff are committed to supporting Albertans with

disabilities and barriers to employment

EmployAbilities staff from Vegreville, Athabasca, Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Lac La Biche and St. Paul

EmployAbilities staff in Edmonton


ValuesWe collaborate and innovate to provide inclusive services with compassion and integrity to all Albertans.

A program providing skills 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 Athabasca.

NORTH CENTRAL REGION CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

CODY

This year’s success story from Lac La Biche features Cody Gelhert. Cody has been working with EmployAbilities since July of 2015 and has been very cooperative in his journey to find employment. Cody presented with a few barriers and challenges but rose above them to meet suggestions and share concerns when issues arose.

Cody and the Employment Facilitator secured employment for Cody at the A&W in Lac La Biche, where he has been working since the end of July 2015.

Cody`s manager has mentioned many times that she is very happy with his effort, and she noted that he is reliable and responds to corrections that need to be made. Management has assured EmployAbilities that it would be very unlikely for Cody to lose his employment at A&W as he is such a valuable asset to their team.

Cody has expressed an interest in moving out of his parents’ home and becoming independent. This has been a goal of Cody`s that has been documented. Considering the commitment to his employment, support of his employer and family, and discussions with the Employment Facilitator - it is very achievable. Cody has done tremendous work in maintaining his employment by asking for clarification on issues that arise, being reliable in completing the tasks assigned, accepting extra shifts, and maintaining the landscaping at A&W.

Cody has achieved one of his top goals of securing and maintaining employment. Way to go Cody!

64 were still employed at 3 months

48 were employed at 6 months


207 71



Bonnyville & Cold Lake Employment Services provides one-on-one assistance to those clients experiencing barriers to employment. Through Job Club activities, this contract also provides Albertans assistance with resume development, job search, online applications and computer skills.

TERRY

In the month of February, I approached Alberta Works for guidance in obtaining meaningful employment. I was directed to an EmployAbilities Facilitator in Cold Lake. We met once a week to discuss the trials and tribulations of finding work. Through this process I was helped to create a well-rounded resume, and I learned the importance of cover letters as well as how to write them. I also learned to be persistent in searching for work by continually following up with the employers of choice in regards to the possibility of employment. EmployAbilities Facilitator helped me get the required documentation and First Aid course that were needed. Off I went to apply for positions. After several appearances with the first employer, I was given an interview. The employer thought that I showed great interest in the position by returning so many times to follow up and because I took the initiative to get the First Aid course. I got the job at a local daycare! The position was only part time, and on a voluntary basis of two half-days a week, but I

had my foot in the door. The employer signed me up for the online course I needed for permanent employment. Within the next two weeks I was asked to work a full day to cover a shift for pay. When the first pay check came I was greatly surprised to see that they were paying me not only for the full day but all the voluntary work I had done as well. I was now truly employed in a field I had wanted to be in. Since then I have been assigned to a special project and love every minute of it. If it would not have been for the EmployAbilities staff I am sure that I would have approached this endeavor in a totally different way and would have given up on that dream.

BONNYVILLE & COLD LAKE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES




199 108



STEP UP - EDMONTON

A unique and flexible pre-employment and employment placement program specifically designed for persons with developmental disabilities.

MATTHEW

Matthew had been volunteering at Boardwalk Retirement Homes for several years. He felt that it was time to be financially independent and able to support himself. Matthew came to EmployAbilities to seek assistance to get paid employment. He met with staff at the EmployAbilities Career and Employment Centre (ECEC) program, during which Matthew realized that what he needed was employment skills to help pursue his career. The ECEC staff referred Matthew to the Step Up program to learn these skills and gain valuable experience while volunteering.

Matthew was a keen student and devoted to learning the skills he needed to succeed in class and also while volunteering at Meals on Wheels. Because of his experience serving at the retirement homes, he was well versed in the kitchen and displayed a natural aptitude for learning meal preparation. The Employment Facilitators made

the manager at Boardwalk Retirement Homes aware of what Matthew had been doing in the program and helped advocate for Matthew to get a paid position. After hearing of all the different skills he had learned while in Step Up and his experience at Meals on Wheels, Boardwalk agreed to give Matthew a paid position.

The Step Up team helped Matthew transition into his new position and it wasn’t long before he was comfortably settled in with his new duties. This was a wonderful success since Matthew got to stay in an environment where he was already comfortable and knew his co-workers while also getting paid for his work.




16 8



Hannah and Janine volunteering at the Food Bank.

GLORIA

Gloria has a Masters degree in accounting from Ambrose Allie University. She has worked several years in Alberta in a variety of roles and was searching for employment as an Administrative Assistant or Payroll Clerk. After nearly a full year of job searching and attending interviews weekly, Gloria was referred to EmployAbilities by Alberta Works. Gloria was very concerned about obtaining employment, and felt that she was being discriminated by employers due to her disability. Gloria has a physical disability, nerve damage on her right leg. The Employment Coach met with Gloria and assisted her with interview preparation and resume reviews. Gloria was advised on different interview

techniques and job searching strategies. She was encouraged to focus her job search towards obtaining positions that were realistic in the current labour market and to continue networking and practicing her interview skills. With the help of EmployAbilities Gloria was set up for a mock interview with an employer at Creative Doors. Gloria did so well with her interview that she was asked to attend a second interview at Creative Doors which led to an offer of employment. Gloria informed the Employment Coach of the job offer and thanked EmployAbilities for all of the help that they had given her.

Gloria is now working as an administrative assistant. Her job duties include inventory control, invoicing, way bills, and employee scheduling. Gloria is now being trained as a payroll assistant and loves her job.

EMPLOYABILITIES CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT CENTRE - EDMONTON

Our centre provides assistance to Albertans with disabilities and barriers to employment. The comfortable drop in model allows individuals to obtain skills training, supported job search, assistance and development of their resumes and cover letters.

*retention numbers are based on clients that may have been placed prior to July 1, 2015

6725visits to the Career and Employment Centre

775 1167clients registered in workshops

new clients


71 49





LEARN TO EARN

“Learn to Earn” Youth Skills Program at EmployAbilities is an innovative endeavor. The youth who enroll in the program come from diverse backgrounds with multiple barriers to employment. The focus of the program is to deliver services with “Person Centred” planning, which emphasizes the gifts, abilities, skills, dreams and desires of the youth. In order to facilitate this process, the program uses interactive methods to keep the youth engaged throughout the program. Youth are given opportunities to demonstrate their skills and provided with the tools to gain confidence, be motivated, and find meaningful employment.

SELAMAWIT HAILE

My name is Selamawit Haile. I am originally from Eritrea. I was a refugee in Sudan for the last four years. While I was a refugee in Sudan, I had no idea what my future life would look like. I had no opportunity of working or schooling. Thanks to the Government of Canada and my sponsors, I finally arrived in Edmonton on March 21, 2016. After a month, I joined this program, which was a life-changing and eye-opening experience. As a newcomer, the “Learn to Earn Program” was a challenge and a great opportunity for me. In the program, I learned many important courses including First Aid, Food Safety, computer skills, and

much more. I got an opportunity to meet many students who came from different countries. Most importantly, during the two-month program, I was really touched by the dedication and commitment of the staff in Learn to Earn. Without their educational and moral supports, the program would have been very challenging for newcomers like me. I am grateful for their continuous efforts to provide advice and inspire me. I am very thankful to Chandra and Rebecca who put in extra effort to connect me with the job market. Because of their support, I am currently working at Canterra Suites Hotel and supporting myself. This is a life transformation from a refugee to an ordinary person within a few months. The overall support I received from EmployAbilities is highly appreciated. Most importantly, without the generous funds from the Government of Canada, it would have been impossible to see myself graduating and being employed in Canada.


2 returned to school

14 11



*program start date April 2016Intake 2, Learn to Earn


LAUREN

An Albertan we would like to feature as our very first—and, might we add, successful—collaborative effort, is Lauren. This young Albertan with employment barriers wanted to expand her career prospects by returning to school at a private post-secondary college. She chose Academy of Learning and their Paralegal program. During the application stage she identified to her Admissions Advisor that she had learning challenges. Subsequent meetings led to the collaborations between the college, Student Aid, DRES and ERES, resulting in a service accommodation contract. Our learner supports provided the academic accommodations she

needed including: note taking and tutoring supports. Supports were phased out as she became more independent.

Lauren successfully completed her program with an average over 90%. Further, ERES procured Lauren’s practicum placement at a busy law firm downtown. To her delight and ours, she has been offered a full-time position within the firm, specializing in civil law.

She has been described by her new employers as “an ethical, diligent and good worker. She is not afraid to take on difficult or mundane tasks given to her and she is a great help with our workload.”

2016 was the year of Collaboration and Innovation. Employment Retention Enhancement Services (ERES) has done both. We have taken a new direction by providing learning accommodations such as Tutor, Note taker, Academic Strategists, etc., in private post-secondary colleges/institutions.

What that means is close collaborative working partnerships between ERES, private colleges and the funders - Student Aid Alberta and Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) – along with the federal and provincial governments to support Albertans facing learning barriers to achieving their academic and employment goals.

EMPLOYMENT RETENTION ENHANCEMENT SERVICES (ERES)

27 15

referrals received by ERES

clients currently employed or have successfully completed schooling

tutor

supports to

20 clients

American Sign Language tutor

supports to

3 clients

Job coaching services to

2 clients

American Sign Language

job coaching to

2 clients

8

clients currently receiving supports

SERVICES PROVIDED:


THERESA

Theresa enrolled in the EmployAbilities Entry Level Employability Skills Training Program (ELESP) in October 2015, as it was determined she needed training in computer and professional development skills. In the past, Theresa had been in a horrific accident in which she lost one leg and suffered memory loss. Due to her long recovery, she suffered from anxiety and depression and was on heavy medication. Upon enrollment in the program, Theresa realized that she isolated herself from others, tended to be a perfectionist, and engaged in self-sabotaging behaviors. With that new

awareness Theresa committed herself to making personal changes, worked diligently in skill training sessions, and displayed motivation for the duration of the program. She states that the ELESP “saved her life.” Theresa says that as a result of the training and guidance she received, she now enjoys working with others, has built solid self-esteem and confidence, and is enjoying her new life. Theresa graduated from the ELESP with an Outstanding Attendance Award for 99% attendance. After graduation, the EmployAbilities Employment Development Team was able to successfully market Theresa and she accepted a full-time position as an Administrative Assistant with the Spinal Cord Injury Association.

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.



2 returned to school

63 82%

individuals participated in the skills training program

attained program completion(of initial 33 clients)

30

currently enrolled in skills training

COMPUTER TRAINING Start of CompletionFALL 2015 Program of Program Clients scoring higher than 80%

Windows 7 5 12

Microsoft Word 2010 1 11

Microsoft Excel 2010 0 7

Excellent results achieved in computer literacy


Counterclockwise from top:

Long Service Award recipients: Faye Elliott 20 years, Therese Lehoux 15 years, Jon Garland 20 years, Rolando Vergara 15 years.Wow 70 years of service at EmployAbilities!

EmployAbilities was able to celebrate the grey cup victory with a visit from two of the Edmonton Eskimos: Calvin McCarty-fullback and Grant Shaw-place kicker, pictured with Step Up client Alex Caovilla.

See what happens when you go away on vacation somewhere warm in the winter!

Wendy, Faye and Jason - Halloween Fun

1

2

34

It's not all work at EmployAbilities ~ staff like to have fun as well!


HEAD OFFICE 402, 10909 JASPER AVENUE EDMONTON AB T5J 3L9

CONTACTPHONE: 780.423.4106 FAX: [email protected]

From left to right: James Gardner, Ken Saunders Sr. , Ken Saunders Jr., Keltie Maxwell and Michelle Campbell

EmployAbilities SupportersWe extend our sincere thanks to our funders the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada and every individual, business and organization that donated to, funded or supported EmployAbilities in 2015/16. Thank you

!

Iris Saunders Bursary AwardThe first recipients of the Iris Saunders bursary

award winners: Keltie Maxwell, James Gardner

and Michelle Campbell.

The Entry Level Clients each received funding

to go towards books and materials for the entry

level program.

Step Up clients and staff showing off their Food Safety Certifications. Clients also received certifications in First Aid and CPR.

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