Welcome Kimberly!

Welcome aboard, Kimberly Harrison! Your role as Data Assistant is pivotal, and the Life Directions team is excited to collaborate and grow with you.

Become A Confident Mentor

Elevate your team's potential with 'Become A Confident Mentor' program. Explore the value of mentorship, delve into MentorAbility Canada, and acquire inclusive mentorship strategies—all conveniently online! For inquiries, contact Randy Schoch at LDBusiness@segss.com or call 226-750-2710. Choose either May 8th or May 22nd for enrollment.

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Reflect on the memorable events of April with us!

• Men's Group: The Men's Group is now a closed group. Stay tuned for upcoming dates.
• Library Tour: Chelsea Bullock welcomed LD to the library, discussing loanable tech and books, digital resources, and the seed bank. Additionally, monthly workshops were introduced. Two attendees registered and obtained library cards.
• Celebrating Milestones at the 16th South Grey Chamber AGM and 25th Chi-Cheemaun Networking Event! We offered portrait services and documented the event. Further details will be provided soon.

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Finding His Course: James Sails Towards a New Horizon with the Coast Guard

On Friday March 1st, Mentee James met with Craig from the Canadian Coast Guard. James has a world of mechanical experience and is looking to find a long lasting career as a boiler technician with the Canadian Coast Guard. Craig and James met for a conversation and resume review. Craig was very impressed with James’ resume and was able to explain what to expect during the application process, how recruitment works and details of a job on the water. Craig shared his experiences on the boats and they connected through a shared respect for hard work in challenging conditions! James left the meeting confident that his resume fits the position and Craig was happy to be able to share his experience about a job he loves.

Branching Out Support Services: "Dimensions of Neurodiversity Training for Teams" – A workshop with Sara Clarke and Kimberly Van Ryn to foster inclusive environments for neurodiverse customers and team members.

The Space Between with Alicia: "Letting Go of Judgment" – Transformative workshop focused on embracing diversity and releasing judgment for a more inclusive workplace.

St. John Ambulance: "Mental Health and Wellness for the Workplace" – Developed with TEMA Foundation to recognize and respond to mental health injuries in the workplace.

CMHA Grey Bruce: "Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)" – Learn to identify and provide early intervention for mental health issues, supporting recovery and resilience.

Canadian Association for Supported Employment: "Preparing to be a Mentor" – Learn the value of mentorship, the benefits for both mentees and mentors, and the details of the MentorAbility Canada initiative.

Self-Assessment Test: Gauge your understanding of inclusive practices and identify areas for improvement through our Self-Assessment Test.

HR Inclusive Policy Toolkit: Developed for SMEs to integrate skilled individuals with disabilities into their workforce with guidance from the supported employment service provider community.

Contact Randy Schoch, Life Directions Business Engagement Specialist, for sponsorship opportunities to access these trainings, often at no cost. Email LDBusiness@segss.com or book a meeting with Randy Schoch, Business Engagement Specialist ​

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At Life Directions, we're proud to collaborate with local agencies, fostering community engagement through skill-building and educational endeavors.

• LaunchPad Events Calendar: Discover the trades on May 25th, from 7:15 AM to 5 PM, at LiUNA’s Union Hall in London. Experience a hands-on interactive showcase, learn about careers, and explore apprenticeship opportunities. The trip, supported by the LiUNA Local 1059 Training Trust Fund, includes coach bus travel (with onboard washroom) for a $35 fee. With only 45 spots available, book now! Bring your lunch or purchase from the food truck on-site.
• South East Grey Community Health Centre: SEGCHC link to events calendarSharpen Your Digital Skills with Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB)! Join our 18+ digital literacy program on Mondays from May 6th to June 17th (10 am - 12 pm) at Erskine Centre, Dundalk. Email proficiency, document handling, and more! UGDSB - 18+ Referrals to the digital skills-building program - emailing, documents, organization. Mondays - May 6th to June 17th - 10 am to 12 pm Erskine Centre Dundalk email to register - Melissa DeBeer​

Disability Awareness Month: Neurofibromatosis

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This May, we recognize Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, shedding light on a condition that affects millions worldwide. As employers, it's our opportunity to understand Neurofibromatosis (NF) and create supportive environments that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion.

Neurofibromatosis at a Glance: Neurofibromatosis is a set of three complex genetic conditions (NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis) causing tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. While awareness is growing, our role as employers is to ensure that awareness translates into action.

Positive Workplace Accommodations:

1. Flexible Scheduling: Understand that medical appointments and treatments can be frequent. Offering flexible work hours or the option to work from home can be incredibly supportive.
2. Environmental Adjustments: NF can cause a variety of challenges including mobility, hearing loss, vision loss, and pain management. Discussing with the individual what their unique needs are is the best way to accommodate someone with NF.
3. Health & Wellness Programs: Incorporate wellness initiatives that promote and support a healthy lifestyle, which can be beneficial for all employees, including those with NF.

By integrating these accommodations, we not only support our colleagues affected by Neurofibromatosis but also enrich our workplace with a culture of understanding and respect. Let's wear blue and green, the colors of NF awareness, and show our solidarity this month.

Together, we can make a difference, one accommodation at a time. For helpful information, visit JAN (Job Accommodation Network).

Stay in touch!

• Check out the Life Directions Events Calendar for our upcoming May Events