Blog
We’re All In This Together - Episode 05
The bonds that tie your community together can have a major influence in your success. Knowing who your neighbours are, authentically, and what motivates them can help to strengthen those bonds. And when people, workplaces, and communities allow for that authentic connection,
you are empowered to find your right fit.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why it’s important for communities to work together, especially if you live in a rural and remote region
How understanding your motivation (and the motivation of your team and colleagues) can significantly improve your workplace
What it means to allow for authenticity in the workplace in order to ensure strong fit
The Transportation Paradox: Disconnect Between Employer Expectation and Rural Realities - Episode 04
For this week’s episode, the team shares the most shocking disconnect between rural employers and the people they hire. We also dive into the importance of workplace environments, the role our financial realities play in our employment success, and the unique challenges faced by rural communities specifically.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How employers can make a difference in employment success by helping to solve one problem
What it means to have a healthy work environment
How unique rural challenges can often be left out of the equation – and how that impacts program success
Walking Through Spiderwebs: The Discomfort Of Change – Episode 03
Inclusive, equitable diversity in the workplace requires accepting that you’ll experience moments of discomfort. Growth and discomfort often walk hand in hand.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
About some of the challenges you need to prepare for in building an inclusive workplace
How gaining awareness of barriers faced by marginalized groups will help you be a better manager and employer
Why all employers need to keep a trauma-informed lens
New Skills On The Block: Bringing The Right Stuff For Success - Episode 02
What does it take to find success? Whether you’re a job seeker, employee, employer, or part of a community group, it often comes down to the unique combination of skills available to meet your goals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
· About the essential skills everyone benefit from developing – including the Skills for Success
· The value collaboration brings to a community
· How interpersonal skills impact employment success
Introducing The Diversity Disconnect Podcast: Episode 01
After hearing from the diverse residents of Agassiz, Hope, Princeton, Merritt, and Ashcroft, the Diversity Disconnect research team identified 20 factors that influence employment success. Whether you’re a job seeker or employee from an underrepresented group, an employer small or large, or a member of a small, rural community, it’s important to understand how these factors impact your life and the lives of those around you. Empowering yourself with this knowledge will help to improve your local economy, foster inclusive workplaces for all, and spark change for people with diverse abilities and Indigenous Peoples.
Job Opp: Case Manager/Employability Skills Facilitator, Career Cafe
Free Rein Associates is looking for a multi-talented person to work within our Career Café program as a Case Manager/Employability Skills Facilitator within an Employment program for People who face Multiple Barriers.
This position is a combination of Case Manager and Employability Skills Facilitator duties located in Hope, BC.
How I Entered The Career of Employment Specialist
Around 13 years ago, I met with a case worker from WorkBC while waiting for surgery. As we chatted about why I was there, I remember wondering what it would be like to have their job. Then I thought about all of the education they must have completed to be in that role and I decided it couldn’t be something for me.
Sensory Pathway Provides Elementary Students A New Way To Learn
A Coquihalla Elementary School hallway has been turned into an interactive sensory pathway thanks to support provided by Free Rein Associates. Filled with guided movements for kids to follow, this sensory pathway allows students to work off excess energy and develop motor skills such as balance, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness.
Care Connections Program Expands With New Funding
Free Rein Associates is excited to share that our Care Connections program has been expanded! Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have put access to services and health care directly in our hands. However, for many people, this technology is unavailable. If someone is unable to access a smartphone — whether do to cost or digital literacy skills — it often becomes a barrier to receiving critical health care and supports.
New Program Works To Connect Employers with Employees With Disabilities
'The Right Fit' is a new program in Hope that seeks to facilitate supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities and help create a more diverse, inclusive workforce.
Looks Can Be Deceiving: Understanding Invisible Disabilities
The word disabled usually evokes images of wheelchairs, canes, ramps, or other visible indicators of an impairment: sign language, hearing aids etc. But there are many disabilities that are considered hidden or invisible. Here are two examples.
Many Employers Know Creating An Inclusive Workplace Is Important, But They Need Help With The How
The Disability Inclusive Employer Self-Assessment is the first of its kind: a disability inclusion self-assessment designed for Canadian employers which helps them gauge their current state and connect to resources to help them improve. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and it’s free to access.
To Disclose Or Not To Disclose: That Is The Question
No matter your disability, an employee has no obligation to disclose it to their employer. It is your choice whether or not you wish to share this information, and when you may want to share it.
Somewhere Else Café Has A Place For Everyone
The Somewhere Else Café sits about 10 kms north of Hope on Hwy #1 in Dogwood Valley. For more than 35 years, owner and head cook Gail Marlatt has served up bountiful fresh home cooked meals to truckers, travelers and locals alike, earning trust and loyalty in return.
We spoke with Gail and her staff about their experiences with employing people with disabilities.
The Business Value For Inclusive Hiring
Why aren’t employers engaging more employees with disabilities? This is likely due to the misconception that a person with disabilities wouldn’t be able to perform the duties required of the role and the belief that hiring a person with disabilities would cost the business too much money. The reality is, employees with disabilities strengthen businesses and support business growth. Here are 6 reasons why you should ensure to follow inclusive hiring practices and not hesitate to hire a person with a disability because of their disability.
Rona Hope Building Supplies Lives By Their Values
We spoke with the store manager of Rona Hope Building Supplies about why being an inclusive employer is important to them!
Why It’s Important To Implement Inclusive Workplace Practices — Even If You Don’t Have Any Employees With A Disability
Ensuring meetings are accessible allows every staff member to feel welcome and included. This ultimately leads to more productive and inclusive meetings, fostering stronger creativity and team building.
Care Connections: Connecting Those In Need With Access To Mobile Services
Free Rein Associates’ new Care Connections program helps traditionally marginalized populations access health care and social support services by providing clients with a free smartphone.
Returning To Work While On CPP Disability Benefits
Many are under the impression they can’t work because their CPP benefits would be cut off or lessened to the point that it would not make financial sense to work. This is not entirely true.
Job Reference Etiquette: How To Help Your References Help You
Your references are an important part of the job search process. But because they are the last step of the process, many job seekers spend more time with their resume, cover letter, and interview skills, they end up sharing references without considering reference etiquette. By not following a few simple steps with their references, job seekers risk losing out on that perfect job.