Recovery takes time and money. That’s why funding a new Inclusion Support Worker certificate and on-the-job training is kickstarting careers for multiple individuals here in the County.

Susan Treverton, executive director, Community Living Prince Edward (CLPE) shares, “We’re thrilled about Government of Canada funding support from United Way Hastings & Prince Edward for our new Learn & Earn pilot. Launched last fall, this fully integrated program offers 600 hours of education alongside practical work experience and mentorship. The cost of education can be a barrier to entering the human services field and this funding significantly reduces the cost of our new Inclusion Support Worker certificate program.”

Roxanne Bird and Kathy Dickson, Community Living Prince Edward

Roxanne Bird, director, human resources notes, “We saw great interest in Learn & Earn, with candidates attending info sessions from as far away as Kingston.”

“This creative initiative is poised to lead CLPE in the renewal and recovery from COVID by redesigning and modernizing their service model and infrastructure to be more effective and responsive to the needs of people and families they support. By revamping their staffing structure and developing their very own Learn and Earn Certificate program they will expand options for employees to develop the skills and talents needed to support the new model. Since 1965, Community Living Prince Edward has championed inclusion and the Learn & Earn pilot will support recovery and resiliency now and in the future.” shares Brandi Hodge, executive director, United Way HPE.

Hodge notes, “United Way Hastings & Prince Edward was proud to take part in the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund. The fund is being administered collaboratively by United Way Centraide Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada and is providing funding to Community Service Organizations responding to what charities and non-profits need right now as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development adds, “The projects supported by the Government of Canada through the Community Services Recovery Fund demonstrate that we are a caring and compassionate society that values the well-being of all its members. It is heartening to see the compassion and empathy of our citizens as they give back to those in need. Projects like the Learn & Earn program by Community Living Prince Edward are a testament to the power of our collective action and our ability to come together to make a positive difference in the world. I am confident that together we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in Prince Edward County and beyond.”

Community Living Prince Edward’s Inclusion Support Worker Learn & Earn project is funded by the Government of Canada under the Community Services Recovery Fund. This one-time $400 million investment is supporting charities, non-profits and Indigenous governing bodies as they adapt and modernize by making investments in their people, organizations and program innovation.

Individuals interested in learning more are invited to contact Roxanne Bird directly at roxanne.bird@clpe.on.ca or 613-476-6038 x123.