Empowering people to achieve their potential

Assiniboia

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/01/2024 (706 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thank you to the people of Assiniboia for electing me to be your voice in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. I am so grateful for the opportunity to advocate for the needs of our constituency.

Before being elected as your MLA, I worked in the department of families for 16 years. During my tenure, I was a strong advocate for people living with disabilities, linking program participants with appropriate supports. I also became familiar with the incredible grassroots organizations which provide support to vulnerable populations.

One such organization is Equal Opportunities West (EOW), a non-profit which provides employment support services for adults living with disabilities. EOW is a strong and vocal force that aims to empower adults living with disabilities through various program initiatives. The staff at EOW are dedicated to not only providing program participants with the right tools for successful employment, but also transforming the societal culture and perception of people living with disabilities.

The Supported Employment Services program of EOW empowers its participants to seek meaningful employment opportunities by teaching the practical and necessary skills utilized by successful job applicants. This program supports nearly 40 people annually in creating resumes, completing job applications, and preparing for interviews.

EOW also hosts the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program, providing current and aspiring business owners with services such as mentoring, business loans, and training. Their primary goal is to enable the creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of people in the program, while also providing productive feedback and guidance.

In the effort to reduce Manitoba’s ecological footprint, while simultaneously providing meaningful work for individuals, EOW also hosts an e-waste and recycling program. With the donation of computers, laptops, printers, TVs, cellphones, small kitchen appliances and other electronic devices, people in the program break down devices into parts, and sort the parts into pieces that are sold to Urbanmine, a scrap-metal facility. Program participants are compensated with all the financial earnings received from sales.

Equal Opportunities West’s initiatives are clearly needed in Assiniboia and Manitoba. Their focus on inclusivity, and removing barriers through gainful employment, is helping to empower people living with disabilities, and assisting them in realizing their full potential. As our new government navigates how to make life better for Manitobans, I look forward to finding how best to support people living with disabilities with organizations like Equal Opportunities West.

If you would like to get in contact, please send me an email: nellie.kennedy@yourmanitoba.ca