Moose Jaw Families for Change (MJFFC), much like the rest of the city, was hasty to close its doors and limit programming this spring when coronavirus surged, but the organization's Imagine Employment program is finally back in swing — and expanding.
MJFFC recently put a call out for resumés from individuals in the community interested in joining the popular program, which offers an opportunity for people of varying disabilities to pursue employment and gain some experience and skills.
“We’re at the point where we have different (COVID-19) protocols in place, where we can ensure the safety of anyone engaging in the program, so now we’re ready to open our doors to any applicants who feel they would be able to benefit from Imagine Employment,” said Katie Bookout, community co-ordinator with MJFFC.
The Imagine Employment program currently has work opportunities in two places in the city, the Kinsmen Café on South Hill and in the kitchens at Victoria Towers.
“We have a lot of very excited folks in our program and it's just really awesome to be able to modify each person’s participation in the program based on their needs and their wants, and what their goals are through employment,” said Bookout.
The Kinsmen Café reopened for service on June 16, is open seven days a week, and the program has returned to work at Victoria Towers as well.
Through the MJFFC’s partnership with the Moose Jaw Housing Authority, program members will be taking on some more duties after the expansion.
Imagine Employment launched last year as a new initiative from MJFFC and was greeted with plenty of interest from the community, so Bookout is hoping to see some of that interest return now that the program is expanding.
“When we started last year, there was a lot of buzz and a lot of applications, and we could only accept so many folks at once to ensure we’re providing the appropriate coaching and staffing models,” said Bookout. “So I’m definitely excited to be able to add a few more folks to our program, for sure.”
The employment program has been a success so far for the MJFFC, said Bookout, and has proven to be a valuable asset to both the individuals taking part and the community as a whole.
“It's about promoting the quality of life, promoting growth, and being able to see these folks grow in their employment is very rewarding,” said Bookout. “And I think it’s another avenue for us to spread awareness about varying abilities, and for folks in the community to become more educated.”
For anyone interested in applying to the Imagine Employment program from the MJFFC, Bookout says to email a resume application to program coordinator Liz Saldivar at lizmjffc@shaw.ca.
