History

In 1992, a group of agencies serving people with disabilities in the Westman Region formed a partnership, partly in response to the decrease in Social Assistance Recipient funds available, and partly in response to the need to streamline, co-ordinate and enhance services.

In September 1993, an Employment Placement Project Committee was formed. It included members from the Association for Community Living, Career Connections Inc., Canada Employment Centre, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities Inc.

By late 1994, a project assessment was completed identifying gaps in service. Subsequently, agencies in Brandon serving people living with disabilities explored innovative approaches to respond to client needs for employment-related services.

The Westman Coalition for Employment Opportunities Inc. was thereby established to co-ordinate activity and eliminate service duplication, by improving access to flexible employment services to meet the individual needs of people living with a disability in the Westman region.

Through the provision of quality service, the Coalition enhances the range of employment options. Service is delivered in co-operation with sponsoring agencies, who provide in-kind support.