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 AIS - Year in Review & Road Ahead
Friday, June 17, 2005
Anchor Industries Society
excerpt from the Program Coordinator’s AGM Report for 2004-2005
Mary Pratt
This past year marks the fifth year that Anchor Industries Society (AIS) has partnered with the Bedford/Sackville Literacy Network (BSLN). Financial support was again provided by Anchor through the programming budget so both classes could continue. Two learners from the Wednesday class moved on to employment, opening spaces for others. One learner from the Monday class moved to the Wednesday class. The Halifax Regional Development Agency at 11 Glendale Avenue provided their Boardroom for classes again this year. This is very much appreciated by the learners and by AIS.
The Offshoot Shop developed and utilized, for each employee, a Vocational Assessment tool this year. This tool, although quite lengthy, provides us with more precise information and assists in developing goals and plans for the coming year. Starting in November 2004, 3 applicants on our waitlist were offered a 4 – 8 week work assessment placement in The Offshoot Shop. The Vocational Assessment tool was utilized for each individual and provided us with information necessary for development of an Employment Action Plan.
On March 4th and 5th, 2005 a number of staff attended the Employment Conference sponsored by DIRECTIONS and partners. AIS participated in a panel presentation during the conference on “Supported Employment” along with Prescott Group and Dartmouth Adult Services Centre. Adam Bauld, a participant from the Community Youth Employment Project, and now an employee of Clearwater Lobsters, was asked to present on behalf of AIS. As well, two of Adam’s coworkers from Clearwater and Adam’s parents made presentations. The success stories were well received by the audience. Also at the Conference was a parent panel presentation called “Parents Who Have Been There.” Karen Romkey presented as a parent of an employee of AIS.
Over the past year we have again received funding for Cooperative Education students through the Department of Economic Development, Community and Rural Development. All of the students were from Acadia University. The students had much to offer and we appreciate that we continue to be funded for these positions. Most of their work placement is in The Offshoot Shop where the extra staffing has benefited the employees, particularly in the area of programming.
We also had funding for a summer student through Human Resources Development Canada. The student operated the lawn-mowing program for Community Employment and assisted in The Offshoot Shop. It was decided last fall to turn the lawn-mowing program over to a Community Employment Direct Entry client who has his own support system. This provides him with the opportunity to be owner/operator of his own small business. The agreement with the owner is, when extra help is required, he contact Anchor Industries Society and hire from our lawn mowing pool.
The employees continue to benefit through the dedication and innovative ideas of our staff. French Class, Sign Language Classes and Literacy Classes provide opportunities for individuals to continue to learn and experience.
The Community Youth Employment Program (CYEP) was a success. The projected outcome of “2 of 5 participants who successfully completed their work placements will secure employment” was exceeded. The Project ended with 4 of 5 participants securing employment. The 5th participant secured employment with support from the AIS Community Employment Program about a month and a half after the end of the Project.
Over the year a list of individuals interested in another CYEP was maintained. The list has the names of 24 individuals. We are optimistically pursuing funding for another Project. Although we are optimistic, it needs to be acknowledged that only 7 individuals from the list will be provided a service and 17 individuals will still be scrambling for a service that at this time is nonexistent.
The Road Ahead
The Literacy Program will continue through partnership with the Bedford/Sackville Literacy Network. We have observed such positive results for individuals through this Program that no matter what the funding situation the Program will go on.
The Community Youth Employment Project will continue and Anchor Industries will continue to develop an on-going program to fulfill the needs of youth who have intellectual challenges in the Sackville, Bedford, Fall River and surrounding areas.
“AIS promotes active involvement and participation in our communities.” The Community Employment Program of Anchor Industries Society will continue to grow and individuals will move into paid employment, volunteer work and be provided opportunities to explore options in their communities. We will constantly be supporting and “empowering people with disabilities to make their contribution to society.”
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