From cashiers, cleaners and shopping cart managers, Gateway Resources in Winkler offers nearly 80 work placements in businesses throughout the community.
The long-running Gateway Job Development program partners with and gives participants a chance to experience the workplace.
"We give him a task and he accomplishes it," Don Fehr of Eco Plus says of their placement, Jayden, adding the camaraderie is a huge bonus.
The staff also surprised Jayden for his birthday with cake and sparklers.
"Everybody just loves it when Jayden comes around," he says.
Connie Sarrasin of Dollarama says working with Chelsea has brought an incredible positive attitude.
"We share in her excitement in her achievements, she is such a hard worker," Sarrasin says. "We can hardly keep up with her."
"She has so much to contribute both in her work and just in teaching us things in general," she says. "We think we'll be there to mentor them... I have found the opposite to be just as true, they enhance our lives as much as we can enhance their lives... I would encourage any business to do this."
Evan Toews of Winkler Coop says the program demonstrates the many abilities Gateway Resources participants have, "to show the value they bring to the community," he says.
Brenda Pohl, Director of Programs at Gateway explains many participants are eager to enter the workforce.
"They want to be at work rain, shine or snow, they want to be here and learn new things, they want to be invovled," she says.
Tue, Apr 16, 1:00 PM
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