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OBAA 2018 Finalists: Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award
November 20, 2018Since 1983, The Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs) have been the most recognized industry gala in the province with a single focus on celebrating business success. Throughout the evening, we will celebrate our spectacular Ontario business community, highlighting the incredible innovations and achievements of each one of our 2018 OBAA finalists. Join us on Wednesday, November 21 as we reveal our winners at the Liberty Grand in Toronto!
Presenting: Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award
The Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award recognizes a business that has created an accessible work environment. This organization values the contributions of persons with disabilities and promotes the development of an inclusive workplace culture for all.
Finalist #1: Indwell
Industry: Affordable Housing Services
When did your organization first open its doors? What motivated you to get into business?
In 1974, a group of Christians in the Golden Horseshoe saw the number of homeless people rising, largely due to the closing of psychiatric hospital beds. They banded together to provide a stable home for 7-8 people at a time. The house parents, along with dedicated volunteers, helped residents build a network of supports, find a health care team, learn life and work skills, and finally find apartments. For the last 18 years, Indwell evolved to create permanent communities; now we support 500 tenants in 13 buildings across three cities, with 350 apartment units under construction or in active planning.
What does being an OBAA finalist mean to you?
Indwell is thrilled to be selected as an OBAA finalist for the Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award. At Indwell, our lives are transformed by the tenants we serve. People whose lives were hindered by disability and stigma are redefined when they can showcase ability, competence and remuneration that comes through work. Creating access to employment is a support game changer; the conversation shifts immediately from “overcoming disability” to receiving and supporting the talents of remarkable people.
How does your organization positively contribute to Ontario’s economy?
Indwell makes a striking impact on Ontario’s economy. Currently, Indwell employs 100 people in permanent positions. Of those, we provide employment to 17 of our tenants in roles ranging from grounds keeping and property maintenance to hosting at our community development centre, making our housing communities real, beautiful and welcoming. We provide student placements for five post-secondary students. We employ 10-12 students every summer. Currently, five housing developments valued at $70M are under construction with $90M in projects to begin within the next two years. Finally, we are a cost-effective healthcare and social service provider.
What can we expect to see from your organization in the years to come?
Indwell is growing! We are currently transforming lives (and properties) in Hamilton, Woodstock and Haldimand-Norfolk. In the next two years alone, we will be opening programs in Mississauga and London, in addition to expansion in our current regions that will impact our extensive wait lists. As political leaders increasingly become aware of the effectiveness of Indwell’s supported affordable housing model, and as all levels of government grapple with issues around poverty, invitations to expand into even more communities will become more feasible. We expect our growth to continue.
Connect with Indwell on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube.
“Safe, secure housing is fundamental for health and wellness. For our most vulnerable citizens, that housing must be deeply affordable. With our dedicated teams, committed donors, and public partnerships, Indwell’s core values of dignity, hope and love transform lives – including meaningful accessible work for our tenants in welcoming communities.”
Jeffrey Neven, Executive Director
Finalist #2: LINC Employment Services
Industry: Employment Services
When did your organization first open its doors? What motivated you to get into business?
Community Living Parry Sound opened LINC Employment Services in 2004 to facilitate supported employment for people with disabilities in the Parry Sound area. Prior to this, the only opportunities for people with a disability to work were in segregated workshops that were hidden away from the rest of the community. LINC Employment Services opened its doors with the motivation to ensure each person is given equal opportunity to work meaningful jobs within their community.
What does being an OBAA finalist mean to you?
We work hard to ensure we live in a community where the opportunity for meaningful employment is accessible to everyone. We are grateful that the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is behind us in this pursuit. Furthermore, we are honoured to be recognized as a provincial leader in accessible employment.
How does your organization positively contribute to Ontario’s economy?
LINC Employment Services contributes to the Ontario economy by securing jobs for people with a disability who are currently unemployed and living on social assistance. By connecting people to employment opportunities, we are instrumental in decreasing both the unemployment rate and reliance on social assistance.
What can we expect to see from your organization in the years to come?
LINC Employment Services is currently building on its pre-employment program, which is focused on equipping people with the in-demand skills sought after by local businesses. Furthermore, LINC will create new partnerships to continue increasing accessibility through hiring practices, workplace accessibility, and workplace accommodations.
Connect with LINC Employment Services on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn.
“LINC takes a holistic approach which acknowledges employment as a meaningful attachment to community life. Our objective is connecting people who have employment barriers to sustainable, competitive jobs. At LINC, we ensure that individuals are matched with employment opportunities that are successful for both them and their employer.”
Jo-Anne Demick, Executive Director – Community Living Parry Sound