MentorAbility Canada Hub Highlight Series
Every month, MentorAbility Canada proudly presents one of our implementing partners. They are the MentorAbility coordinators—the backstage workers who quietly go about their tasks to ensure that job seekers, employers, and service providers can shine in the spotlight.
For the French version of this post, please click here.
Pour la version française de cet article, veuillez cliquer ici.
MentorAbility New Brunswick:
Advocating Inclusion in a Diverse Landscape
New Brunswick, a bilingual province, presents a unique blend of industries, from natural resources and manufacturing to tourism and emerging sectors. This diverse economic landscape, coupled with the province’s linguistic and cultural richness, creates both opportunities and challenges for fostering inclusive workplaces.
MentorAbility New Brunswick is coordinated by avenueNB Cooperative, a new innovative non-profit organization that manages the delivery of disability employment services in the province. Marsha Hitchcock, MentorAbility Coordinator at avenueNB, fosters employment inclusion through a customized approach that reflects the province’s character and champions the value of a diverse workforce.
Seizing Opportunities, Addressing Challenges
New Brunswick’s economy is experiencing growth in key sectors, with recent increases in public administration and natural resources.
MentorAbility New Brunswick recognizes these sectors as promising avenues for inclusive employment and actively connects participants with mentorship and job opportunities within these growing industries. These matches benefit individuals experiencing disability who seek meaningful employment and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the province.
“We collaborate closely with employers in growing sectors to create meaningful connections and bridge the gap between professional opportunities and tangible social progress for people with disabilities,” says Marsha.
However, challenges persist. One of the key obstacles to inclusive employment is overcoming misconceptions about disability and persons experiencing disability. “I work with the business to address any barriers that arise so the mentorship can take place. Mentorships allow businesses to meet persons with disabilities and bring them into the workplace, helping to change existing assumptions,” explains Marsha.
A Tailored Approach to Inclusion
MentorAbility New Brunswick addresses challenges by actively promoting the program to local businesses, emphasizing the benefits of inclusive hiring practices, and offering support in navigating any perceived barriers. Regional disparities in unemployment rates also pose a challenge. MentorAbility New Brunswick tailors its approach to meet the specific needs of each community.
They focus on raising awareness among local employers, building strong partnerships, and using innovative strategies. For instance, they organize inclusive job fairs and virtual mentorships to connect participants with opportunities. Employers attend their job fairs, and some have become excellent inclusive partners.
A Flexible Approach for Diverse Needs
MentorAbility New Brunswick recognizes that inclusion requires a flexible approach. They offer options to ensure their services reach all individuals across the province, regardless of their location or language preference. The program uses a multifaceted approach, such as:
- providing materials and services in both English and French, and
- using a blend of in-person and online strategies to connect participants with mentors and employment opportunities across the province.
They also attend job fairs for newcomers in as many communities as possible to connect with new immigrants. They encourage newcomers to share information with friends and family who may not be aware of the various supports for persons experiencing disability.
Collaboration and Partnership Fundamental to Success
MentorAbility New Brunswick thrives on strong partnerships with employers, employment service providers, and community organizations. This collaborative network ensures that individuals experiencing disability have access to comprehensive support and a wide range of opportunities.
Partnerships with service providers and community organizations result in:
- invitations to job fairs,
- co-hosting events,
- sharing employer contacts, and
- mentee references.
MentorAbility New Brunswick connects employment coaches with businesses and involves coaches in the facilitation of mentorships. They have joined groups in their region, like the Job Developers Network and the Disability Task Force. Networking with business groups, such as Chambers of Commerce and the Connectors Program in New Brunswick, helps to strengthen employer relationships.
“As a result (of partnerships), I have made connections with many people, businesses, and organizations across New Brunswick.
“Most recently I’ve connected with a large hotel chain and the BGC. I met a handful of businesses at a job fair that I will reach out to.
“Collaboration and networking are the best ways to promote MentorAbility in New Brunswick. And businesses who want to support persons with disabilities and the community are finding me while I’m also finding them.”
Marsha Hitchcock, MentorAbility Coordinator,
MentorAbility New Brunswick at avenueNB
Building a More Inclusive New Brunswick
MentorAbility New Brunswick exemplifies a commitment to inclusive employment that is deeply rooted in the unique context of the province. Through their multifaceted approach, MentorAbility New Brunswick is building a more equitable New Brunswick where persons experiencing disability have the opportunity to succeed.
Marsha adds that “Mentorships may not always lead to employment, but they do foster meaningful change in a community. They open doors. I’ve had a couple businesses reach out to me for information on inclusive practices, resources, and hiring, even though they’re never done a mentorship. They learned my name through my networking, which is only possible due to MentorAbility.”
For more information, please contact the MentorAbility New Brunswick Hub:
avenueNB
(click on organization name to go to website)
Contact: Marsha Hitchcock
Email: [email protected]