In a Nutshell
2024 was a year full of challenges and triumphs for WISE, a pioneering organization in a very niche field of Inclusive Employment. Our dedicated team of employment professionals holds one principle close to heart: ‘There is no Inclusion without Economic Inclusion’. This belief drives us to innovate and push boundaries. We firmly believe that everyone who wants a job has the opportunity to secure one, including people with disabilities. Let’s reflect on the milestones we achieved this year.
Jobs: navigating a Tough Employment Landscape
2024 presented significant hurdles in the employment field. According to statcan.gc.ca, the unemployment rate, this year, was the highest since 2017, reaching 6.8% in November of this year. When our communities face these challenges, new immigrants, people living with disabilities, youth at risk, and any other multi-barriered people bear the brunt of these economic issue.
For WISE this was a major challenge. It is no secret that people with cognitive disabilities still face biases when it comes to equal opportunities. But they continuously amaze us with their grit and determination to be included. This year, we obtained several new jobs for individuals who rely on our services reinforcing our commitment to Inclusion and Opportunity.
Financial Literacy Pilot Project: Building Economic Independence
While employment remains WISE’s primary goal, we recognize that the ultimate objective is financial independence. Just as important as earning money is gaining the skills to build wealth.
This year, we launched Financial Literacy, a series of engaging workshops offered at WISE, in partnership with RBC. There, clients explore topics such as savings, investing, credit card management, and identifying banking fraud. This project empowers participants to manage their finances with greater confidence.
Youth Momentum 2024: Addressing Employment Gaps
In April, WISE launched Youth Momentum 2024, a groundbreaking initiative to tackle employment barriers faced by youth with disabilities from Black, Indigenous and other communities. Collaborating with Ready, Willing, and Able (Inclusion Canada), we engaged 15 local youth in skill-building activities, volunteering opportunities, and paid employment. By year-end, many participants had secured jobs, demonstrating the program’s transformative impact.
Celebrating You 2024. Honoring Achievements
Each year, WISE hosts Celebrating You, an event dedicated to recognizing the achievements of our clients, their families, community partners, and employers. This year’s celebration featured great food, inspiring stories, and tokens of appreciation for employers who champion inclusion. It’s a joyful occasion that fosters connection and community.
Impact 2.0: Empowering Youth Through Research
The Impact 2.0 project, a multi-agency initiative funded by the Ministry and supported by UBC researchers, has become a cornerstone of our work. WISE has participated from its inception, several years ago. The goal of this research project is to analyze the effects that early exposure to employment has on youth with disabilities. In the summer, the WISE team welcomed 13 youth aged 16 to 19. They participated in workshops, training sessions, work experiences, volunteering, and paid employment. The program equipped the youth with valuable skills, fostered their confidence, and gave them hope for a better future.
Storytelling: Dispelling Myths through Personal Narratives
Storytelling has seen a recent resurgence as a means of authentic communication. At WISE, storytelling works as a powerful tool to challenge the misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities. By sharing personal stories, we aim to inspire a broader community belief in Economic Inclusion and the value everyone brings to the workforce.
Critical design: Innovating Self-Discovery
‘What Else?’ in January of 2024, the WISE team dedicated a week to this question!
This introspective retreat led to the creation of a dynamic Discovery stage for clients. Moving beyond traditional assessments, we developed engaging activities that delve into individuals’ strengths, values, and passions. Rooted in Essential Workplace Skills, this innovative approach has enhanced our ability to support clients in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead
As we close 2024, WISE remains steadfast in our mission to promote economic inclusion for all. Through perseverance, innovation, and collaboration, we continue to break barriers and build a more inclusive future.
