Tillsonburg, ON – On Friday, local MPP Ernie Hardeman met with the team at the Gyulveszi Centre through Community Living Tillsonburg, Options for Employment to celebrate a $99,300 Seed grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to fund the jobPath program.
“Congratulations to Community Living Tillsonburg on receiving this important Trillium grant to support vocational training and job coaching for individuals with disabilities, “said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “Your commitment to building skills, confidence, and independence is helping create a more inclusive and empowered community.”
This grant allowed us to hire a full-time facilitator as well as venue. This project will be able to enable participants to become job ready in the community. This allows the participants to utilize and develop marketable skills, ongoing support with their performance and paid placement. Participants raise self awareness about skills and how and where to put these skills to use. We can teach how to improve wellbeing and health to increase marketability. Mid Term and final evaluations give specific feedback for students strengths and areas for improvement. We provide OFT with a final survey and report at the end of our year allowing them the opportunity to view how these programs have affected our community positively.
jobPath is a 6-week comprehensive employment preparation program designed to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the job market.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Lorie Arends, Employment Coordinator, Options for Employment of Community Living Tillsonburg. “Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to launch our jobPath program, which will help participants get the skills they need to become job-ready in our community.”
Community Living Tillsonburg supports people to live, work, and play in their community. Their mission is promote acceptance and build a community where everyone is included. Community Living Tillsonburg has been supporting people in their community for decades; and this year will mark the organization’s 70th anniversary. The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Contact for Media Inquiries:
Lorie Arends, Options for Employment
Phone: 519-842-9008
Email: info@optionsforemployment.ca