Access Work Service (AWS) will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 2 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Opeongo Senior Centre, 19 Stafford Street, Barry’s Bay. At the event AWS will celebrate three-year Trillium funding to enable it to grow its expanding business.
Jane Smith, Program Coordinator for AWS, will talk about the newly-expanded program and its expected impact in the community. The program helps people experiencing barriers to employment to secure long-term employment. Using an in-depth “discovery” process, AWS works to thoroughly understand each individual need and custom fit job duties with welcoming employers in the community. The AWS goal is to help 50 workers become job ready by providing relevant training and practical job experience to build their resumes, and hopefully access meaningful employment with supportive employers.
AWS job readiness training
Last month AWS workers attended a specialized Working at Heights training session, approved by the Ministry of Labour. David Prange at Valley Worksafe conducted the all-day course and the Opeongo Senior Centre provided space for the session on its lower level. (Photo above shows some of the participants preparing for the Working at Heights written test.) Job coach Dave Archer said many AWS employers are homeowners and it is in a homeowner’s best interest to make sure workers at their home are safe. This type of training means that AWS can confidently explain their plan to homeowners about keeping workers safe on site.
(Left) David Prange uses job coach Dave Archer to demonstrate correct equipment use; Prange (centre) explains leash length.
MNRF fishing kit project
AWS clients fulfill a yearly Fishing Kit project for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, completing upwards of 500 kits. The Opeongo Senior Centre provided its lower level for the project. AWS clients ended the three-day project with a celebratory pizza lunch.
AWS clients celebrate completion of fishing kit project (from left) Judy Kuiack, Colleen Yantha, Maxine Stoppa, Anitia Kennedy (AWS Job coach), Rhys Geddes-Denning, Amanda Klett.
The Access Work Service’s AGM on May 2 is a great time to join or renew your AWS membership ($5 per year), while learning about the services your expanded AWS provides in the community. You can contact AWS at 613.756.0723 or email info@accessworkservice.ca
