June 25, 2020
Jobs On 9th Providing Comprehensive Supports to Get People in Brandon and Surrounding Area Back to Work
BRANDON—A new service will help people prepare for and find employment, as well as get off provincial social assistance once they find work in Brandon and surrounding communities, Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced at a ceremonial grand opening here today.
“Our government believes in the value of work, and Jobs on 9th has been designed to connect people with the information and resources they need to successfully join the workforce,” said Stefanson. “The personalized, comprehensive approach of Jobs on 9th helps Manitobans move off Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) into meaningful work in their communities, creating a lifetime of benefits for themselves and their families. This is increasingly important as we address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Jobs on 9th, located at 157-340 Ninth Ave. in Brandon, began working with clients in November 2019. Three staff help clients who are looking for employment and training options by assessing their needs and rapidly developing personalized plans to help them enter or return to the workforce. Since it opened, Jobs on 9th counsellors have established strong partnerships with community resources and non-governmental organizations that support individuals seeking work, such as Samaritan House Employment Resource Centre (SH-ERC).
“With the launching of the new employment program Jobs on 9th, we will continue to work with the province to provide increased support to transition people into employment,” said Nataliya Masyuk, SH-ERC program manager/employment officer. “The new employment program will increase EIA recipients’ job readiness and boost their confidence by reducing and removing barriers for employment. In conjunction, SH-ERC will support clients in accomplishing their employment goals by providing resume services and delivering information through employment workshops. We will work collaboratively to improve clients’ success rate for employment and help them to achieve financial independence faster.”
Services at Jobs on 9th include resume development, job-search counselling, job, education and training referrals, and access to computers, phones and printers. Work-related expenses for clothing, transportation and equipment are also available for eligible clients. Staff follow clients’ progress for up to 90 days to support their success and to address any possible challenges.
Since it launched, Jobs on 9th has provided services to more than 170 clients and about one-quarter of them have gained independence from EIA to date, the minister noted.
“The City of Brandon is always pleased to see supports for job creation and employment opportunities in our community,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon. “The establishment of this service for our area has been well-received by local clients.”
This approach is modelled after the successful Jobs on Market office in Winnipeg. Since Jobs on Market launched in February 2017, it has worked with more than 6,600 people and over 3,100 of them have gained financial independence.
The minister noted that Jobs on 9th is highlighted as one of the priority areas for the Department of Families in its 12-month action plan, recognizing its importance to clients, the community and the province overall. The strategy is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pubs/shared-priorities-sustainable-progress.pdf.
Individuals in Brandon and the surrounding region who receive EIA should contact their counsellors directly for more information. Information is also available by phone at 204-726-6620, via email at JO9@gov.mb.ca and online at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia/index.html.
For more information on SH-ERC, visit www.samaritanhouse.net/employment-resource-centre.
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