It’s a win for job-seekers, employers and the community

By Mathew Lajoie

“LakeCity Works is all about creating opportunities,” says Nicole Boutilier, Manager of Employment Services at LakeCity Works. “We were afforded the opportunity of time during the pandemic lockdowns, and we used it to invest in our clients. We provided training and skills-building workshops, so they could be confident, capable, and ready to enter the workplace when safety restrictions allowed.”

With local unemployment rates rising from 7.4% to 9.8% over the last year and anticipation over the economy reopening, Boutilier says many in our community could benefit from the free services and individualized approach of LakeCity Employment Services.

“My job is super rewarding,” says Marcelo Oriques, Employment Navigator at LakeCity. “I help people find meaningful employment, and I get to build relationships with these incredible forward-thinking businesses wanting to welcome new staff into a supportive organization.”

LakeCity Employment provides their clients, who are adults living with mental illness, with individualized coaching, training, and employment skills to navigate potential barriers and enhance their employability. When ready, Employment Navigators help build relationships with workplaces based on clients' aspirations and goals. This support continues even after hiring for both employers and clients.

“We know that our support can result in higher job satisfaction, less absenteeism, and help job retention,” says Boutilier. “We know this because we successfully run our social enterprises with clients at the heart of our team.”

“We welcome anyone who identifies living with a mental illness and is seeking employment to reach out. As well, we highly encourage businesses looking for support to fill upcoming recruitment to work with us. It's a win for our clients, a win for employers. It's a win for the whole community!”

To learn more about LakeCity Works Employment Services, visit www.lakecityworks.ca/employment or email employment@lakecityworks.ca.

About LakeCity Works

LakeCity Works is an award-winning social enterprise managing multiple innovative ventures to benefit community and the environment. Leaders and innovators in the field of mental health – they support people with mental illness to build on their strengths and access work experience, education, and employment.

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