At Connect Employment Services, the belief in the potential of every individual is at the heart of their work. As Robert Hensel, a leading advocate in the disability community, once said, “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see the person as more.” It’s a quote that continues to inspire their mission—to challenge perceptions, remove barriers, and create opportunities where everyone can thrive.
We chatted with the team at Connect Employment Services to learn more about how they support inclusive employment, the impact of their work, and why building a truly inclusive community benefits us all.
Q. What does your organization do?
Connect Employment Services Inc. is a local non-profit organization that helps youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people with Autism, to work and participate in the community.
Q. What inspired you to start or join your organization, and what drives your passion for this work?
Connect Employment Services was the brainchild of a group of concerned parents who envisioned an inclusive and meaningful future working in the community for their children, at a time when few community options were available for adults with intellectual disabilities. Full of passion and drive, these parents founded Connect to provide services that were committed to the values of inclusion, person-centered support, and a strength-based approach rooted in the knowledge that people with disabilities can and should work just like other Manitobans. They believed that people with disabilities deserved the opportunity to live and work in the community, where they would be respected and rewarded for their skills and accomplishments, and the role of Connect would be to support them to achieve that goal.
Q. What challenges have you faced in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges we have faced in our work are the myths that people hold about people with disabilities. The myths include assumptions about abilities and limitations, safety considerations and productivity. These myths are harmful and create barriers to employment and acceptance in the community. Over the 30 years of doing our work, we have seen progress as people with disabilities have taken their rightful place in our community – in school, in work, and all aspects of community life. Through a commitment to actively supporting jobseekers to achieve their goals, partnering with like-minded employment partners, and sharing their stories of success, we are doing our part to dismantling these myths and misconceptions.
Q. What’s something unique or exciting about your business that people might not know?
One thing that people might not know about Connect is that our services for employers are free! We are equally committed to both the jobseeker and the employer, and know that success only happens when we build mutually beneficial partnerships. We offer a range of services to employers to support them to recruit, place, train and retain the jobseekers we represent. Our services continue long after an employee is hired, and can include assistance with training and development, consultation on accommodations and navigating challenges. We have worked with hundreds of Winnipeg employers, in a wide range of sectors including retail, food services, manufacturing, warehousing, child & senior care, entertainment and office support.
Q. What upcoming projects, initiatives, or events are you most excited about?
Experience and evidence have shown that the earlier that youth are exposed to employment, the better chance they will experience employment success over their lives. With that in mind, we are offering a pilot project, “Expedition to Employment,” geared specifically towards students still in high school interested in exploring the world of work. The project offers students a range of pathways to learn, build skills, gain exposure and pursue work at a pace that works best for their individual needs. Whether the student wants to work part-time while attending high school, is transitioning out of school and seeking a job, or wanting to explore career options the project can support their needs and goals.
Q. How has being a member of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce benefited you or your organization?
Our membership with The Chamber of Commerce has been beneficial in many ways. Obviously it has provided us with opportunities to meet and connect with members of the business community, which is an essential part of the work we do. Having the opportunity to participate in Chamber lunches not only provides networking opportunities but also the chance to listen and learn from business and community leaders. They have also been great partners and advisors to work with, from helping us understand how to make the most of our membership, to supporting us through participating in events. Being a Chamber member also helps us demonstrate to other Chamber members and businesses that we are committed to building a strong and healthy economy for Winnipeg, one that includes and values people with disabilities.
Q. What advice would you give to someone new to your industry or considering joining The Chamber?
Our advice to new Chamber members is to take the time and opportunity to participate in the events, training and other opportunities offered and make the most of your investment.
