We Candle Initiative: Empowering Individuals through Employment and Collaboration
Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby (CLAPW), Participation House Durham, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and We Candle have come together to create a meaningful partnership that provides employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment, including intellectual disabilities. This exciting initiative, called the We Candle Initiative, is designed to foster empowerment, skill development, and inclusion within the community.
The Power of Collaboration
The We Candle Initiative is built on the shared goal of creating sustainable, meaningful work opportunities for individuals who face challenges in the workforce. The partnership brings together organizations that are deeply committed to the well-being and success of individuals with intellectual disabilities. By working together, we can provide participants with valuable training and work experience, helping them gain confidence, build skills, and increase their independence.
A Commitment to Employment Accessibility
At the core of this initiative is the commitment to employing people with barriers to employment, including those with intellectual disabilities. We Candle is focused on providing hands-on, real-world work experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. By offering meaningful roles, participants not only contribute to the success of the program but also develop a sense of pride in their work.
Gratitude for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Support
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing the Seed Grant that helped bring the We Candle initiative to life. Their support has made it possible for us to launch this project, creating new opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to find employment. The grant has enabled us to build the foundation for a program that will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of many.
Looking Ahead
The We Candle initiative is just the beginning. As the program grows, we hope to expand the number of participants and partners involved, creating even more opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and other barriers to employment. Through continued collaboration, support from the community, and ongoing investment in these individuals' futures, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to shine.
We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited for the future of the We Candle Initiative. Together, we are lighting the way to a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Path to Employment
Welcome to the Path to Employment program! Designed for youth between the ages of 15 and 25, our week-long workshops offer comprehensive learning experiences in essential employment skills. Each week covers a diverse range of topics, including workplace accommodations, job interview skills, resume building, and social media safety in the context of employment. Participants will gain insights into handling money and banking, understanding the impacts of ODSP on employment, and developing crucial social skills. Join us for hands-on learning and valuable tools to enhance your employability. Limited spots are available, so secure your place early by reaching out to siobhan.pearce@clapw.org.
#WAITING TO BELONG
Too many adults with intellectual disabilities in Ontario are being underserved, with 50,000 still waiting for the developmental services they need to lead fulfilling lives. For most, these services are lifelong essentials—but without immediate action, many may never receive them.
Each year, approximately 3,000 more people apply, but only a fraction are approved, leaving so many individuals and families in a cycle of waiting and uncertainty, and causing the waitlist to grow longer. This is a crisis that affects everyone in our communities.
It's time to push for the support they deserve. Let’s make sure everyone has the chance to belong.
