The Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is very pleased to announce the launching of a new workshop series, “Wings of Change”. Funded by EPCOR, Wings of Change is a hands-on program through which women are able to gain office and administrative experience in an interactive and supportive environment. At the end of the workshop series, women will have the opportunity for an employment mentorship.
This workshop series will facilitate learning on a variety of topics, including: how to operate office equipment such as fax machines and telephones; introduction to the internet; how to use office email and professional language; proper office attire and professional conduct; and conflict resolution in a professional environment. Workshops will run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1pm-4pm for 6 weeks beginning in September 2013.
This CALL FOR REFERRALS is two-pronged: first, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is looking for women who will most benefit from this workshop series. We are looking for women with a history of accessing community supports that are post-crisis. Applicants must have stable housing and be addiction free. Referrals must be eager to learn office administration skills and be able to thrive in an office environment. We will provide funding for daycare and transportation to and from the workshops and during the placements. At the end of the workshops each woman will have learned the skills necessary to perform office administration duties for a small business.
Second, we are looking for supportive, small business employers to mentor each woman for four weeks at the completion of the training. We are not asking employers to pay the participants, but to instead support the woman where she is at and create a safe environment she can test her skills and further learn.
Both the women involved in the program and the employers will be supported by myself, the Work 4 Women Employment Program Coordinator. My job during the workshop series and in the placements that follow is to offer support through weekly follow-ups and mediation if it is required. We believe that this experience will be truly rewarding for each female participant as well as each employer.
I look forward to answering any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Taylor
Work 4 Women Employment Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton
780-784-2207
