Workfare called a success story:. Region celebration By HOWARD MOZEL Special to The Champion Based on the premiùse that Most people coliecting social assistance want to work, but often lack the skills necessary to land a job, Ontario Works - Haiton is celebrating what organizers and participants alike call a three-year suc- cess story. On November 20, Halton Region hosted an appreciation luncheon for ail the non-profit, public and private sector partniers that have supported Ontario Works since 1997. Special guest was Community and Social Services Minister John Bai, who praised everyone who took part and the results they have achieved. "Wherin 1 tirst became involved in this programn, the benefit I saw was the différence it made in some- one's self-esteemn - the pride that cornes with being independent," said Mr. Baird. It's vital, hie continued, for peo- pie to get the experience and refer- ences they need so complete job applications. People applying for, and those currently receiving, social assis- tance and who are employable are required to enroîl in Ontario uiniario e.ommunutxy anao Social Services MInlater John Baird pralaed everyone who have taken part ln the Workfare program. Works. Participation by the dis- abled and sole-support parents with young children is voluntary. With five différent programas tai- lored to the individual needs of clients, Ontario Works - Halton pairs clients with trained casework- ers, and together they develop the mot suitable action plan. This can incorporate everything from finan- cial assistance and employment support (interview akilîs, resume writing etc.) to placement with non-profit and community groupa and paid employment for job-ready participants. Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) offers teenagers with chul- dren the opportunity to finish high school, lesrn parenting skills, secure child care and find work. According to Regional Chair Joyce Savoline, more than 750 clients have landed community placements with in excess of 80 groups, while more than 150 clients enjoyed employment place- ments with 100-plus organîzationa. Heidi Schweinbenz is a single mother of one who, 18 months ago, was collecsing welfare- and in dan- ger of losing subsidized daycare. Ontario Works helped bier leamn skills and confidence through a volunteer placement keep hier day- care and get clothes to make an impression ait interviews. Then, afler a four-month placement, she landed a job with the Burlington Economic Development Corporation. "I cana havesa ninie-to-five job and stand on my own feet," said Ms Schweinbenz. One of the moat enthusiastie pro- ponients of Ontario Works ast the luncheon was Bob Beyette, CEO of TR Cox Aerofoils Lsd. His company has trained and hired 10 fulI-time Ontario Works clients and Mr. Beyette spid his firm's success is dioectly attribut- able to the employeea h'ised through thse initiative. The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, November 28, 2000 -7 CRYSTAL N EW S We are the exclusive dealer ln the ar ea, sa vIslt us todayl JEWEA - GIEMOLOIS INC. Milton Mal!(905) 876-4367 Servzsg Milton alnee 1966- A Name You Can "Trust» Designers & O'afs né- of p<ajeJeeery y:JM if ktf__ kew aTm" YJU Whltekhr - Wut lU-t teUebsgy Multi-celi compound provides enhanced absorption of water for better traction on !ce. Tread designed ta retain softness and grip at low temperatures. *N- teholg improves performance in ail conditions. *Limited Road Hazard protection.* Fme humln Fre BaCIeuh IL Vidve SIen: i1,t ire Sprhi changeve Mm Mltr %«mio for 4 x 4t, IM Muiti-celi compound absorbs walqr on ice ta give exceptionai trac- Uni-directional tread enhances wet anq snow UNI-Tt technoIoqy improves performance in ail conditions. Limited Road Hazard protection.*, Frs Mulcu Vale Sm$n Hl'mt ires SPrb Chuilever Mmila 1MTie..dmwOg New sm"TM mi km wu' * Pemium ice tire featuring UNI-Tt technology New muiti-cel technoiogy dispiaces water on ice ta provide exceptiona traction. Zig-zag sipes and ribiets contribute ta superior traction on ice. *Limited Road Hazard protection.* F Fr. hu10buil ires Baluulng a Valve Sisals FI'st ires Sprhhg ch.ueever aVEiltc»wr I Ti Mr" CALL FOR PRICING DETAILS S Ir à RZ i * 1: C Lt jTOWN TIE BÈJrnooEsràonqE 6'75 Steeles Avenue Ave. E. Milton VYFLES AEV (905) 878-6785 [L! Sticks te #ce 'LmtOdurafior replacemenf wth comparable Bridgesfone tire at prorated cost. Sonne restrictionso apirly. See dealer for def ails. -Trademark of eridgestore Corporafior. 'Tradeiari of 8 ridgestone/Firestore fr. Used onder liceose. à