$100K federal funding supports Learn & Earn program at Community Living

Roxanne Bird and Kathy Dickson, of Community Living Prince Edward.

Funding for a new Inclusion Support Worker certificate and on-the-job training is kickstarting careers for multiple individuals in the County.

“We’re thrilled about government of Canada funding support from United Way Hastings & Prince Edward for our new Learn & Earn pilot,” said Susan Treverton, executive director, Community Living Prince Edward (CLPE).

Launched last fall, the 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,” adds Treverton.

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

“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,” said Brandi Hodge, executive director, United Way HPE.

Hodge added the Canada’s Community Services Recovery 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 as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Living Prince Edward’s Inclusion Support Worker Learn & Earn project is funded by the government of Canada under its $400 million Community Services Recovery Fund.

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

Click here to learn more about Community Living Prince Edward, its programs and services