ESTEVAN - The 2020-21 year-end results were discussed at the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Advocates for Employment (SAFE) annual general meeting on Sept. 22.
Outgoing chairperson Theresa Williams moderated the event, which was kept smaller than usual to allow for safe distancing.
Debbie Hagel, the organization's executive director, in her report, said that within the organization, they work with the most vulnerable of the citizens, and a lot has been done over the past year to help them.
"The supportive manner, in which we assure participants to take the risks necessary to become as self-sufficient and self-defined as possible, has proven to be empowering and rewarding for the individuals we serve. My congratulations to each of the staff of Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Advocates for Employment for your continued beliefs in what we do, and in the manner in which we deliver service," Hagel said.
Despite COVID, they have continued to provide service to many within their service area.
Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Advocated for Employment had a productive year. The offices in Estevan and Weyburn worked with 95 individuals, assisting in securing long-term sustainable employment or post-secondary education. With a funding partnership primarily with the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, they've had the ability to maximize on the potential of people within the communities they provide service.
Lack of work experience and mental health concerns proved to be the largest portion of employment barriers for their participants. Those with cognitive and physical disabilities, lacking childcare, involvement in the justice system and addictions accounted for the rest of the challenges faced by their patrons.
Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Newcomer Services processed 45 registrations and 1,881 inquiries.
"This service not only complements the existing service we provided to our region but also has proven to be exciting and continues to challenge our out-of-the-box philosophy," Hagel said.
Settlement Support Worker in Schools (SWIS), a school-based outreach program to help newcomer students and their families settle in the schools and communities, which is a partnership that includes a settlement agency, board of education, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, currently has 233 students registered and expects this number to increase as SWIS moves out to communities within the region. SWIS connects newly arrived families to services and resources in the school and in the community to promote settlement and fosters student achievement.
The Transition Project was once again successful in the implementation of their transition tutorial and this last year of service delivery, transitioning high school students from high school to the world of work or post-secondary education. With the continued partnership with the Â鶹´«Ã½AV East Cornerstone Public School Division and funding from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, they've had the ability to work with 13 students on their individual transition plans.
"This fiscal year we will continue to assist with the transition of students with disabilities ages 16 to 22, attending high school in their last years as they move into the workforce or post-secondary training. Congratulations to all of those who played a role in the development and continued partnership of this endeavour," Hagel said.
She also thanked the board of directors for their support.
"Thank you for your perseverance and patience for it is your belief in this organization and your determination that allows us to move this agency forward," Hagel said.
Marc Henderson with MNP guided the board through the auditor's report. To better assist their participants in Weyburn and surrounding area, they moved to a new location at 203 First Street.
Jane Howard became the new chairperson with the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Advocates for Employment board.
