Go WEST With Women’s Enterprise Skills Training Of Windsor Inc.

By Joe McParland

In1993, the Pet Shop Boys had the number one “dance song” on the U.S. Billboard charts, GO WEST.

It is an uplifting anthem-like song capturing the famous 19th Century phrase, “Go WEST, young man, go WEST!”

I think of this each time I travel past the Herb Gray Centre For Nonprofit Excellence at 647 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor and see the large sign at the top of the building for the Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (known as WEST). This makes me smile and sing out: yes, indeed, Go WEST !

WEST exists to supply training for women to improve their employability in the workforce and/or further their education.

Since 1987, WEST has provided 50,000 women in Windsor Essex with support and programs to aid them in securing employment, enhancing their skills, along with providing newcomer and immigrant women with services designed to help them adapt and integrate into Canadian culture and their new community.

This not-for-profit organization has grown from its beginnings in 1987 to a current staff of 60, mostly under the leadership of Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST Executive Director for the past 27 years.

And she is doing an amazing job!

Hurst and her team are definitely doing something right as federal and provincial funding and grants keep coming their way.

On March 18, 2021, Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for WindsorTecumseh, announced that WEST was receiving $1,648,837 in federal funding for their Young Women in LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) program to provide 120 young women with hands-on skills training and on-the-job experience.

Kusmierczyk stated: “Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) of Windsor Inc. is a fantastic example of a community organization creating long-lasting change in the lives of Canadian women.”

Next, an early Christmas present for WEST arrived on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 when community members, participants, staff, and board members of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. gathered to celebrate the $150,000 Resilient

Communities Fund grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

“Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor has been providing essential training services to those women in our community who need it most, for many years now,” says Lisa Gretzky, MPP Windsor West “The organization was clearly deserving of this Resilient Communities Fund grant from OTF, and I congratulate everyone involved.”

Hurst adds: “This grant came at the right time to complement our return to in-person services. The Resiliency Fund grant offered the funding for the solutions we identified; we needed to offer an improved environment with innovative training solutions in a safe environment, so we can continue our work helping some of the most vulnerable in the community support their employment and training needs.”

Powered by the OTF grant, the funding was used to support the organization to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

This was achieved through supporting staffing costs, renovations, and equipment purchases for safe in-person delivery of a digital skills training program. New equipment included upgraded computers, desks, and chairs, along with other technological enhancements, including a Smartboard.

According to Hurst, the OTF grant has also aided with other strategic enhancements, including updating a communications strategy to improve the organization’s work and outcomes.

This plan will serve as a blueprint for the organization to proactively promote its programs reaching target audiences, and further the organization’s impact throughout the community.

One of the exciting WEST initiatives is Women In Skilled Trades. WEST has forged solid partnerships with stakeholders like St. Clair College and labour unions like Unifor Local 444. Over 280 women have already been trained with job ready skills to enter the skilled trades’ workforce.

On International Women’s Day — March 8, 2023 — WEST presents their 17th Journey Toward Success Awards and International Women’s Day Gala, with this year’s theme, Embrace Equity.

St.

College Centre For the Arts includes a terrific meal, music by Six Degrees, a silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $90 and can be ordered online at: WestOfWindsor.com/iwd.

This special gala is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only International Women’s Day, but the many successes of WEST in recent years.

In addition to the awards segment, WEST is thrilled to have as their guest speaker, Carolyn Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited –Windsor Detroit Tunnel

I was able to catch up with this very busy woman and asked her for a preview of her remarks. Here’s what she shared . . .

“I am honoured that the Board of Directors of WEST has chosen me to deliver the keynote address at their 2023 International Women’s Day Gala. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.”

Brown continues: “Equity is a journey, not a destination. As a woman of colour, whose family immigrated to Canada in the 1970s, my hope is that in sharing the road to my accomplishments and the challenges and opportunities that have placed an imprint on my career, that in my remarks the audience will hear something familiar, something inspirational and something that gives them ‘food for thought’.”

Biz X magazine is proud to sponsor WEST’s initiatives and their contributions to our community and congratulates them for their recent grants and federal funding. We hope to see many of you at the gala on March 8 as we collectively sing out, “GO WEST, GO …!”

Motivational Quotes

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Danny Gautama is an inspirational writer who writes for mental health organizations, hospitals, and is a blogger on: BizXmagazine.com. He helps many on social media and is a two time recipient of the LoveMakers Foundation Awards. Connect with him by emailing: dannygautamawellness@gmail.com.

The Rundown

In early January, the federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, together with the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada, announced that the application process for the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) is now open. Community foundations, including the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF.ca), are managing the application process alongside the Canadian Red Cross and local United Ways to reach a broad and diverse range of community service organizations, such as charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies. The CSRF is a historic one-time investment of $400 million that will help community service organizations to adapt, to modernize and to be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide, so they can continue to support communities across Canada through the pandemic recovery and beyond. “The Community Services Recovery Fund will support charities, nonprofits and Indigenous governing bodies in Windsor and Essex County,” notes Lisa Kolody, Executive Director, WindsorEssex Community Foundation. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, these organizations have stood up for and supported our community. We will be forever grateful for their efforts. Now, through this Fund, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation will support projects at charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies that invest in their internal systems and processes, making them more resilient for the future.” Applications for funding can be submitted until February 21, 2023. Organizations are encouraged to complete the interactive quiz to determine where and how to apply. Additional information and resources, including an applicant guide, can be found on: CommunityServicesRecoveryFund.ca.

The ATHENA Scholarship Fund (Windsor) is proud to announce that applications are now being received for its 2023 ATHENA Scholarship Program. Application forms are also available at: WindsorChamber.org/athena or on: AthenaScholarshipWindsor.com. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

(1) Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years as of January 1, 2023; (2) Be currently enrolled full-time (attending primarily during the day) in a college or university and (3) Have spent a significant and substantial period of time (at least 16 months as of April 28, 2023) in Windsor/Essex County. Students of any gender must demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement and be engaged in leadership activities. Most importantly, they must have increased the leadership opportunities for women by mentoring, role-modelling and leading activities to help women reach their full potential. Four scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded as follows: one to a St. Clair College student; one to a University of Windsor student; one to a student who is attending any college or university provided he/she has spent a significant period of time in Windsor/Essex County (see above); and one to a University of Windsor Faculty of Law Student. The submission deadline is Friday, April 28, 2023, 4 p.m. The 2023 ATHENA Scholarship Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.

The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS aka WECAR (WindsorRealEstate.com) has a new Board of Directors for the year 2023! In the accompanying photo below (courtesy of Mychailo Photography) from left (Back Row) are Directors: Damon Winney, Broker of Record, Jump Realty Inc.; Alyssa Ismail, Salesperson, Century 21 Erie Shores Realty Inc.; Brian A. Price, Salesperson, Real Broker Ontario Ltd. and Julianna Biondo, REALTOR, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd. (Front Row): Elica Berry, Salesperson, Jump Realty Inc. (Past President); Maggie Chen, Broker of Record, LC Platinum Realty Inc. (President-Elect); Mark Lalovich, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. (President); and Krista Gionet, CAE, CRAE, WECAR (Executive Officer).

Brentunes Publishing has recently released the first of three booklets on The Chantones, a Windsor, Ontario based group that had success as a quartet and trio from 1954 to 1976. They were well known as backup vocalists to singer Jack Scott on 18 of his charted singles between 1958 and 1961. The booklet has been developed in consultation with The Chantones’ members Jim Nantais and Jack Grenier. Part 1 covers the period of the band’s early years from 1954 until the release of their hit record, Ann Marie at the end of 1957. The 44 page booklet is available in paperback format from Amazon worldwide. Future booklets will be Part 2: The History of The Chantones — Jack Scott and more success — 1958-61. The final booklet will be Part 3 The History of The Chantones — The folk trio years 1962-76. For more information on these books or others by Paul Langan, you can reach the author through his website: PaulLangan.com.

On January 16, 2023 the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDevOntario.gc.ca), along with Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor – Tecumseh, announced $5 million for CapsCanada Corporation (CapsCanada), through the Community Economic Development and Diversification stream, to automate production and meet the growing demand for its made-inCanada products. Located in Lakeshore, Ontario, CapsCanada produces high-quality capsules used for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. This investment will support CapsCanada in growing its facility by 14,100 square feet and will also allow the company to purchase the equipment needed to produce a wider variety of capsule sizes. Supporting CapsCanada as it rises to meet growing demand for its Canadian made capsules, is why investments like this are so important. Our government states that it will continue investing in the potential of strong businesses so they can contribute to our growing economy. As a major employer in the region, with nearly 170 staff, the company will create an additional 50 highly skilled jobs in the manufacturing sector through this project. “This funding support from FedDev Ontario will help CapsCanada Corporation continue to grow our capacity and increase our product offering in our efforts to bolster our market share and service the growing demand in both Canada and the U.S. for HPMC capsules,” states Tom Breshamer, General Manager, CapsCanada Corporation. Founded in 2001 with a global clientele, CapsCanada is the only manufacturer in Canada — and one of only three manufacturers in North America — with the capabilities to produce twopieced, hard-shell capsules. Its popular HPMC capsules are a vegetarian alternative to gelatin capsules, and also certified by The Vegan Society, which are widely used in the nutrition and pharmaceutical industries. Learn more at: CapsCanada.com.

Earlier this year, the Town of Amherstburg received a non-repayable

Tasty Morsels

Pauly’s Protein Balls

By David Clark

Was your New Year’s Resolution to change your diet and start eating food that is good for you? Perhaps Pauly’s Protein Balls can help!

A one man operation since 2020, Owner and Operator Paul Konopaski has been creating healthy low calorie bite-sized protein balls for those with special diets out of his home based kitchen (following healthy and safety standards) where he works his magic.

As a fitness enthusiast and a healthy snacker — after trying all the protein bars and other similar items — he thought he could make a better, health-oriented ball with a taste that will knock your socks off!

“Most of the sugary stuff out there is like cardboard,” Konopaski believes. “Not an enjoyable experience at all. The offerings are unimpressive and lacked the essential properties I required, so I made a plan.” contribution of $100,000 from Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization (RTO1) to create directional wayfinding signs that will drive visitation into Amherstburg from major corridors and rural areas. In addition, Indigenous storyboards will be installed shortly and will provide unique cultural information. This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). RTO1 received nearly $11 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth. “We are grateful for this investment provided by FedDev Ontario and Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization,” expresses Mayor Michael Prue, for the Town of Amherstburg. “Tourism is important to the health of our economy, and this investment shows needed support for rural small businesses. With these funds, our town now has essential wayfinding to assist visitors with fresh, updated signs, in line with the Town’s branding. We are also proud of this opportunity to highlight important indigenous oral stories throughout our community.” The Town’s Tourism Department worked closely with a member and knowledge keeper of the local Indigenous community, resulting in the new storyboards that will promote history and information about the significance of the location where a visitor may be standing. QR codes will be accessible by smartphone for audio messages regarding each storyboard. The new signs and storyboards are bright, bold, informative and consistent and will identify Amherstburg as a thoughtful community with deep cultural, ecological and Indigenous roots. As one of southwestern Ontario’s oldest towns, Amherstburg offers unique attractions and programs that draw on its authentic history as a War of 1812 community. To see more details refer to: VisitAmherstburg.ca.

In a real life underdog story, he had gone down the wrong road and was in trouble on more than one occasion. If it weren’t for the love of his mom and dad, he would have stayed homeless.

Konopaski’s parents never gave up on him and continually encouraged him, which became a catalyst for good things to come, including educational courses and the industry he was interested in.

Through the InstaCert program, Konopaski completed courses for a Food Handler Certificate and has the necessary permit to operate from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

A light bulb went off when he realized he could mix tasty, honest-to-goodness natural balls with ingredients made to nourish the body at an affordable price, specifically for the fitness group and everyday snackers.

After all the preparation, he now has numerous customers and has sold thousands of protein balls in the area.

As Konopaski points out: “My product is made with whole, simple ingredients that your body can metabolize into essential ingredients to keep it strong and healthy, almost like the taste of a Timbit with loads of energy, but less sugar. Pauly’s Protein Balls are perfect after a hard workout, or just a pick-me-up when you need a shot of energy in between meals.”

With three flavours, including chocolate chip, vanilla coconut and oatmeal raisin, they are made with hearty ingredients and around 100 calories, low saturated fat and sugar too, all in one convenient bite-size.

It is a 30 gram rolled up ball.

The ingredients for one of them, the Chocolate Chip Protein Ball, is chocolate chips (of course LOL!), chocolate flavouring, flaxseed, 10% whey protein isolate, leucine, fibre, amino acid and Scottish steel oats.

The nutritional base is only 4.7 grams of fat, 8% saturated and a low 3% in sugar. Calories are at 127.1 on this one.

Always giving back, he does work through his church and the business by offering food to those who need it and he donates clothing as well.

His business offers online ordering on the website: Paulys.ca and free delivery for the Windsor/Essex County area from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., seven days a week.

“With great selections at Pauly’s, if you want to feel good, look great and eat tasty treats, I have you covered,” states Konopaski.