Campbell River and District Association for Community Living received funding from MCFD (Ministry of Children and Family Development) for a Summer Youth Employment Program.
This program is designed to provide youth with intellectual disabilities to develop the necessary skills for the workplace.
After receiving funding from MCFD, Agnes King, supervisor of community access services; Maureen Brinson, employment services supervisor; and Richard Franklin, director of children’s programs, designed the program. Katelynn Jorgensen and Kathy Clarkson, youth employment workers, were given the task of bringing the program to life. Five students attended job preparation classes and eventually all the students were able to participate in both work experience and job placements.
The definition of employment means many things to many people and the individuals that we support are no different. The difference for intellectually challenged people is the barriers with which they are presented. These barriers tend to overshadow the gifts and abilities that they bring to the workplace.
The program is designed to provide assistance and support to youth with developmental disabilities so they can experience meaningful work.
The following businesses participated in the program:
- Jonathan Shead – Intersport/CR Hotel
- Sue Johnson – Odyssey Computers
- Chrystal Arnet – On Line Gourmet
- Megan Giblin – Snack Shack
- Carol Laverdure – Bubbles Laundry
- Diana Erdman – Rehabilitation in Motion
- Loretta Quin – Headquarters Hair Salon
- Murray Stoudt – Napa Auto Parts
The Downtown BIA hired Natasha Jack and Reise Collins to shine up the ornamental lighthouses along Shoppers Row.