5 minute read
Cover Story: Career
No luck hiring?
Employers can find qualified job candidates through Career Connections
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BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78
If traditional hiring methods aren’t getting you the results you’re looking for, consider contacting Career Connections. Whether you’re looking to bring in fresh talent or top up your staff roster, Career Connections can help you find qualified job seekers ready to work and get the job done. Career Connections is an employment agency that specializes in securing work for people living with a disability. The agency works with job candidates across all industries and skill levels. From entry level labour force workers to seasoned professionals with academic degrees, Career Connections can help you find the right hire for the job. “When employers connect with us, we discuss what type of candidate you’re looking for and what your business needs are,” explains Tracy Williams, Executive Director, Career Connections. “Our employment counselors will then connect you to our talent pool, finding you the best person for the job and providing you with the support and tools you may need to onboard your new employee.” Williams points out that the word ‘disability’ often comes with a very narrow understanding. Individuals who are living with a ‘disability’ come in many forms. Career Connections works with a wide range of job seeking clients. “While we do provide career services to people who have physical and intellectual disabilities, we also help people who are hearing or vision impaired or who are living with things like depression or anxiety,” says Williams. “Disability is a big word with many misconceptions - but the reality is it includes a whole wide world of capable, qualified people who are often overlooked by employers.” It’s been proven that inclusive hiring can help boost an organization’s productivity, profits and public profile.
In fact, research has shown that when an organization invests in accommodating a variety of people from different walks of life, it benefits their workplace culture, customer reach and the community. “Staffing shortages are everywhere right now. We are seeing so many local businesses struggling to hire and retain staff,” says Williams, “My team and I are here to support local businesses in Brandon and connect them with the right job candidates. We have an exceptional vocational development program and we can guarantee we have a talent pool that is qualified, ready to work and can do the job.” The vocational training program at Career Connections prepares job seekers for careers in almost any industry. Hospitality, data processing, administration, construction, manufacturing and woodworking are just a few of the many programs Career Connections offers training and development in. “We’re here to support our local businesses and our clients. It’s been a tough couple of years, but programs like ours can help our community persevere and hang on to hope,” Williams says. “We have people with skills who can do real jobs and fill labour market needs. So many people are losing hope, but through our programs and the connections we make possible, I think we can bring back hope to people.”
Career Connections Inc. 710 3rd Street Brandon MB 204-728-9594 www.cciwestman.ca
Avis’s Place
provides connection and support for adults with an intellectual disability in Brandon
BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78
People living with an intellectual disability have the same needs as everybody else. We all need food, water, shelter, sleep, compassion and connection. With COVID impacting countless events and gatherings over the past few years, everyone has felt the sting of isolation and loneliness. If anything, we’re going to come out of these unprecedented times with a stronger understanding of how important it is to connect with each other.
That’s what makes organizations like Avis’s Place critical to our community.
Avis’s Place is a drop-in program for adults living with an intellectual disability. The drop-in center offers social, recreational and educational programming with the goal to increase the involvement of persons living with an intellectual disability in their community and decrease their isolation.
Avis’s Place is a program offered through Career Connections Inc., which is a charitable, nonprofit organization. “Avis’s Place is where people living with a disability can come and interact with their peers in a safe environment,” explains Tracy Williams, Executive Director, Career Connections. “We do everything from cooking classes and job training to bingo nights and group dinners. Avis’s
Place is all about building life skills and fostering friendships. Everything we do at the Centre is based on the wants and interests of our members.”
Avis’s Place has given many people exciting outings, gatherings and events to look forward to - but being shut down due to COVID for the better part of a year has been hard on members.
“Our programming has been consumed by COVID. People - everyone, really – we’ve missed out on and have lost so much,” says Williams. “No matter who you are, it’s been tough. Being able to re-open and provide a safe space for the connections and interactions people were missing during the toughest months has been extremely beneficial for the mental health of our membership.”
Despite setbacks, Avis’s Place has managed to relocate to a new building and find innovative ways to connect their membership and continue their programming remotely “The new space is wonderful and allows us to keep our members safe and be diligent with following public health orders and guidelines,” Williams says. “We’ve also started virtual activities for our membership, doing things like musical performances, coffee and chat, bingo and making crafts together. The response has been really good and we’re hoping to continue to offer more online as we go.” Avis’s Place has even led some of its membership to job opportunities through pre-employment skill development and volunteer and work experience. Anybody who receives funding from Community Living Disability Services (CLDS) is eligible for Avis’s Place membership.
“People living with a disability are just like you and I – their needs are the same. Every person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be part of our community,” says Williams. “Avis’s Place is a starting point for people living with intellectual disabilities and gives them something to look forward to. Our programming doesn’t just connect members and teach employment and life skills – we’re helping people hang on to hope for a better tomorrow.”
