Rural Economic Development (RED) Program

Inspiring Rural Communities is a collection of stories from rural Ontario communities. It is inspired by people who see potential in their home towns and are eager to share their experiences

Chatham Project Helps Special Rural Clients

Having a job and earning a pay cheque helps build self-esteem. For some citizens, however, getting a job is a special challenge. That's why Chatham-Kent Community Living offers
training and on-the-job experience to adults with intellectual disabilities who really want to strive for a level of independence and contribution which others take for granted.

Chris Harvey manages the community living centre. He says, "On-the-job experience is a big step towards integration. When they have a job, they're just like everybody else. They go to work everyday and earn a pay cheque."

One new area of training at Chatham-Kent Community Living is the Cafeteria Program. It's a small program but it could mean a big future for those enrolled. It develops food service and hospitality skills and is an example of how partnerships are opening up opportunities for those with intellectual challenges.

The Cafeteria Program is designed as a stepping stone from which clients can go on to their next level of achievement and independence. "When adults graduate from the program, we help them find a job and once they're in their job and things are working out well, then we're only there if needed," says Harvey.

Joyce Carr runs the employment services program for Community Living. She sees the change in her clients' self-reliance when they go through in the Cafeteria Program. "It's remarkable how very proud they feel of the job they're doing. The self-confidence and self-esteem is very evident."

The Community Living clients who work in the cafeteria learn everything from marketing and scheduling to customer service. They get hands-on training in food preparation, cashier skills and workplace health and safety skills. They are trained in groups of four and when one group graduates, another group steps in. Currently there's a healthy waiting list for the program.

The Cafeteria Program is located in the Chatham-Kent Integrated Children's Services building thanks to Michael Stephens, the head of Children Services in Chatham-Kent. Stephens liked the service he received at Community Living's first restaurant and he asked them if they would run the cafeteria in the Children's Services building.

Joyce Carr is proud of her graduates. "When they make a commitment to a job, they're at the job. The people we support like to be productive. You get a hundred percent from them."

This sentiment is backed up by employers who have hired clients from Chatham-Kent Community Living. Not only is Stephens happy with the quality of work in his cafeteria but the manager of the local Canadian Tire is also glad he's hired trainees from the program. Mike Coyne feels that every business should try to get involved in the community, through donations, volunteering or through the kind of support he's giving to Chatham-Kent Community Living.

"If they're placed properly it's beneficial for everybody," says Coyne. Right now Coyne employs one person from the program but he has employed up to three in the past. "They have a lot of personality and they're just like anybody else. If you take the time to know them, there's no real difference. The only difference is your attitude towards them."

Chris Harvey feels there's a strong commitment to the program from employers, the community and the province. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs contributed some of the seed money to get the Cafeteria Program up and running.

"Through our Rural Economic Development Program, we invest in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships" says Minister Leona Dombrowsky. "Investing in the skills-training and employment program offered through this Chatham-Kent Community Living program creates opportunities in the food service sector for adults who take great pride in their work. It's a community initiative in every way and I'm glad we can help it grow."

At the Canadian Tire store, Mike Coyne is always on the lookout for creative ways to keep his special staff confident, productive and challenged. "The things that they do well, that they can succeed at, are the things that we utilize."

Chatham Kent Community Living is currently helping over 350 people and their families in rural, southwestern Ontario.

For more information about the cafeteria program, contact Chris Harvey from Chatham Kent Community Living at: charvey@clc-k.ca. Please contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at: 1-888-588-4111 or visit www.ontario.ca/rural if you would like more information about the Rural Economic Development Program and other projects near you.

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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-588-4111
Fax:1-519-826-4336
Email: red.omafra@ontario.ca