Three local people are getting work experience helping Inclusion Powell River celebrate its 60th anniversary, as a result of more than $65,000 in government Job Creation Partnership funding.

The trio is helping deliver up to 10 special events over 25 weeks to help the society celebrate six decades of helping people with developmental disabilities. One participant is getting experience producing videos, editing, photography and event planning. A second is leading the event planning, marketing, and co-ordinating speakers and entertainers for the events. A third worker is writing and editing a book about the history of community living in Powell River.

These events will help raise the profile of people with disabilities, including people with developmental disabilities, in the Powell River area. The project wraps up on Feb. 27, 2015.

October is Community Living Month, a time to recognize the many contributions that people with developmental disabilities make to their communities year-round.

Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.

To date, more than 420 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 110 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Congratulations to Inclusion Powell River on their six decades of working in the community. I’m glad that a new Job Creation Partnership is giving people work experience to help this organization celebrate community living and raise the profile of people with developmental disabilities who make such a positive impact on their community.”

Inclusion Powell River executive director Lilla Tipton -

“This Job Creation Partnership is making it possible for Inclusion Powell River to celebrate and educate the community about our history and the work we do with individuals with diverse-abilities and with children with, or at risk of, developmental delays. This project is making it possible for us to document our history and provide some fantastic opportunities for the individuals we provide supports to be fully included.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2014/15, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation
• The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.

 Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

To learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

Media Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635