Corrine Kelly-Hyde interim CEO of the Lloydminster and District Co-op. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
It was time for business members of the Rotary Club of Lloydminster to get a refresher on the Rotary Employment Partnership program to promote the hiring of persons with developmental disabilities.
One of those companies is the Lloydminster and District Co-op Marketplace, which hopped on board with the recent hire of an employee named Courtney who is doing just fine stocking shelves.
“It’s been excellent for us to have Courtney on our team and have her be part of the Marketplace,” said guest speaker, Corrine Kelly-Hyde, the interim CEO and vice-president of human resources.
“She fits in wonderfully. She’s kind and respectful and she does a tremendous job. We’re happy to have her there.”
Kelly-Hyde explained the hiring connection came from Jenna Pellerin, a Rotary program partnership coordinator who works for Inclusion Lloydminster and Inclusion Alberta.
“Jenna approached us because Courtney had some interest in working for us. Based on her abilities, we thought we could provide that employment for her,” said Kelly-Hyde.
She encourages other businesses who may want to follow the Co-op’s lead to contact Pellerin or one of the Rotary partnership committee members such as Jason Whiting.
“It’s a 100 per cent supported program and the hiring process is seamless,” said Kelly-Hyde.
Pellerin told Rotarians, the program has been active for 20 years.
“We have created 87 jobs in Lloydminster and we have 12 job seekers on our current list,” she reported.
Pellerin says it’s her job to help connect with Rotarians and businesses in the community to create meaningful employment for meaningful pay for persons with disabilities.
“We never focus on the disability; it’s about the person and what their interests are and what kind of work they want to do,” said Pellerin.
She says Inclusion Lloydminster helps to create natural supports in the workplace whereby, they can slowly phase themselves out.
“We are there to support the employer and the employee as well,” added Pellerin, who says the task is extremely rewarding for her.
“I love connecting with these individuals and Rotarians to create meaningful employment,” said Pellerin.
She says statistics show absenteeism is lower in people with developmental disabilities. Their drive and their mission to be at work are higher and they want to connect with employees.
“At the end of the day, you’re helping to decrease the 80 per cent unemployment for persons with disabilities,” said Pellerin.
“Just take the chance and make the connection. Think about hiring somebody with a disability and change their world.”
