Gateway
The Gateway program cooperates with mainstream employers throughout the HRM to provide youth living with disabilities the opportunity to gain employment experience in their field of interest. This provides the participants the opportunity to tap into their potential as employees and members as of their community.
Participants receive 4 weeks of training and workshops resulting in a greater sense of self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence. Participants are then placed on an 18-week paid work placement to get hands-on employment in their community.
Just a few of the objectives of the GATEWAY program are to:
- Address and respond to real barriers faced by youth with disabilities.
- Provide participants with workshops that enhance transferable skills.
- Prepare participants for future work or education decisions.
- Ensure the community as a whole operates as a healthy, integrated entity
- Ensure participation of citizens with disabilities in the community.
- Continue a history of excellence in supporting high risk youth in fulfilling their employment dreams.
- Create a work plan
- Learn teamwork skills
Who is Eligible for the Gateway program?
Youth between the ages of 18-30 who are not eligible for Employment Insurance
Gateway Participant Quotes
“I met people with other disabilities which made me feel like there are others out there going through what I am.”
“I got to get a good insight on how the working world works.”
“The most useful part of Gateway was for me about seeing what it was like to work and make a lot of money.”
“Most useful part was evaluating my performance at work.”
“The updates on your work performance. Knowing this you can know what you need to work on if an area is negative and what to continue on with that is positive.”
“I can honestly say that this program and the staff have been tremendously helpful. I recommend this program 100%!”
How Do I Get Involved?
If an individual is already associated with a case management agency, then they can speak directly to their case manager about referral to Gateway.
If an individual is not already case managed, but wishes to participate in a particular program, they can contact reachAbility anytime for contact numbers for a case management agencies or questions regarding the referral process.
For more information about Gateway, please contact: Info@reachability.org or call us at 902- 429-5878.
Specific accommodation(s) available upon request.