A Message from the Board of Directors
As 2015 draws to a close, year ends are always a great time for reflection. Building on the
momentum of our milestone 25th anniversary, 2015 has continued to advance the mission of
Reaching Employment Equality Services in a strategic and meaningful way.
Serving our community and consumers to the best of our ability, as well as supporting our highly
talented and engaged management and staff, is a top priority for the REES Board of Directors.
Earlier this year we held an off-site planning session to identify goals and objectives for REES
over the next two to three years. We assessed our Mission and Vision Statements to ensure they
were current, reviewed staff feedback and suggestions, and looked at past successes and
failures. By the end of the session, we were able to develop an ambitious but achievable
roadmap for future growth and sustainability that will benefit our consumers, clients, and the
community.
The community service sector has always faced a number of challenges and will continue to do
so. REES has a remarkable team of management and staff, supported by board members, who
work very hard to ensure this organization achieves its full potential.
With thanks, on behalf of the Board of Directors,
Tom Scott
Message from the Executive Director – Winter 2016
Welcome the new year of 2016!
There is something always exciting about a new year – the freshness of new beginnings
with the anticipation of what the next 12 months will bring.
Some of the things REES has to look forward to in the upcoming months are as follows;
over the last few months REES experienced some changes to our Board of Directors.
We were disappointed to receive the news that Katherine Wyrostok, our Board Chair
would be leaving as she prepared to move provinces. But on the same note though, we
were really excited to hear the news that one of our current Board members Tom Scott
would be stepping up and into this role. We would also like to acknowledge and
welcome Rhonda Holden, from WCB who joined the REES Board in the fall of 2015.
REES is really looking forward to working with some new leadership in our Board of
Directors.
REES will be introducing some new computer classes to our consumers starting in
January. There has been an on-going need and request from our consumers for them to
be able to access resources around computer literacy, and being able to have the skills
to be competitive in the job market today. We are looking forward to rolling out these
new classes in the winter which we have called our LINKED Project.
Laying foundations
Increasing skills
with techNology
a Knowledge
Exchange venture for people with
Disabilities
Part of our employment services here at REES is to build up our consumers and assist in
their employment journey. As we all know, looking for work can be a difficult venture for
anyone. For REES these computer classes are not only to increase the tools and
knowledge base that our consumers are needing, but to create the building block for their
confidence and self-esteem as well.
Lastly, we have diligently been working on some of our projects within our new Strategic
Plan. In the new year REES will be announcing a new portfolio of presentations that will
be available to employers and businesses as they continue and/or consider to hire
individuals with a disability in their workplace.
All the Best in 2016!
Heather Korol, Executive Director
Employment and the individual who is Deaf or has a hearing loss
Workers who are Deaf or have a hearing loss face work challenges in barriers to communication including:
• Availability of technology such as assistive listening devices or effective communication technology
• Access to services such as sign language interpretation or real-time captioning needed for interviews,
meetings and training situations
• Consideration of environmental barriers (sight lines, lighting levels, distance and noise)
• Co-worker misconceptions about Deafness and hearing loss
• Invisible barriers of attitude and perception about people with a hearing loss
The Benefits
There are many benefits in employing and accommodating people who are Deaf, deafened or hard of
hearing:
• By focusing on ability rather than disability and offering an accessible workplace, an employer will
have access to a larger, more qualified pool of workers
• Promoting accessible communication in the workplace will create more diversity, respect and
understanding among all employees.
• Having demonstrated your respect for a diverse workforce, your employees will place higher value on
the organization, increasing morale and productivity
• There is a direct link between employee satisfaction and loyalty
• Company image will improve in the business community, making it a business of choice to the public
• Barrier-free communication is achievable at a low cost and provides a big payback for employers
Above article taken from ‘Breaking the Sound Barrier – Canadian Hearing Society, pg 6 & 7)
Creating an accessible environment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees
Whether workplace accommodations are very basic or technically advanced, they will increase the
efficiency, productivity and safety of Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing staff.
Lighting
 Room should be well lit to assist people who are Deaf or have a hearing loss see the interpreters
or speech read
 Adjustable lighting for instructors, interpreters, and visual displays are essential
 Choose light-blocking curtains, blinds or shades, as well as non-glare room surfaces
Other Visuals
 Book an interpreter if a Deaf person is participating in the meeting
 Ask an individual with a hearing loss if they need a computerized note-taker for meetings
 One person speaks at a time
 Repeating questions before responding helps clarify questions
 Point to the person who is speaking, or have speakers put up their hands
REES Deaf Services provides presentation on ‘Deaf Culture’, ‘Safety in the workplace for Deaf
Employees’, and ‘Including individuals with a hearing loss in the workplace’. Please contact Sue Tebow,
stebow@re-es.org and Usha Speer, uspeer@re-es.org for more information.
Back in February we took Andrew as an employee, provided by REES. Today he is still employed by us.
The work that he does is very valuable to the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba (SAM),
www.strokerecovery.ca. REES was able to cover Andrew’s salary while he settled into a new position and
gained valuable work experience. Andrew is SAM’s jack-of-all-trades. He does bookkeeping, computer
support, administration, recruiting, and membership renewals. He also has a big role in relationship
building with members, he is very compassionate towards all Stroke Survivors. On top of his paid work,
Andrew has volunteered countless hours at events and special programs, which further demonstrates his
loyalty and dedication to his work. Andrew has the determination, the dedication and the desire to get
the job done with a can-do attitude. He is a joy to work with.
Thank you Jenny!
Dave Dowd
Acting Executive Director
Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba
Unit B-247 Provencher Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G6
204.942.2880 l director@strokerecovery.ca
www.strokerecovery.ca
Reaching E-Quality Employment Services would like to welcome Adebukola Agboola.
Adebukola Agboola lived most of her life in her native country Nigeria in West
Africa. She has worked as an educator for several years, contributing and
developing various artistic programs for elementary schools while in her
country. She also held various administrative posts in schools and a publishing
house before relocating to Winnipeg Canada in August of 2014.
She decided to pursue a career in Administration by enrolling in CDI College, a
reputable school in Winnipeg where she obtained a diploma with outstanding
academic performance. Adebukola is an enthusiastic and passionate personality
who believes in hard work and diligence, her favorite quote is “Anything worth
doing at all is worth doing well”. She is happily married to Samuel Agboola and they are blessed with two
lovely daughters.
On August 20, 2015 from high above Portage Avenue approximately 95 people took a leap of
faith as they stepped off the ledge of the roof of The Royal Bank Building 220 Portage Ave.
Two of those people were Former REES Youth Employment Project participant, Peter Herget
and REES Technology/Network Support Coordinator, Joey Ste. Marie.
The event raised just under $150,000.00 for SMD. The support on the ground for those
rappelling was phenomenal, the crowds and cheering could be heard 210 feet up on the roof top.
REES staff showing their support
Former REES Youth Employment Project participant Peter Herget
REES Technology/Network Support Coordinator Joey Ste. Marie.
Planning to Retire? Already Retired? Same Question – Are You Ready for Retirement???
So you are retired, or are thinking about it. Are you ready? Have you asked yourself, and just as
important, your partner, all the tough retirement questions? Have you figured out how to live off of
reduced income and how to manage your existing debts and ongoing expenses? These are only
some of the questions you need to ask and answer even if you have already retired.
Did you know that in 2000 only 8% of retirees still had a mortgage; in 2015 it is now 64%! Thirtyfive percent of Canadians struggle to pay their monthly bills and 50% have no budget. Tying this
together is that the 55 + age segment is one of the fastest growing demographics who are
struggling with debt. So ask yourself, are you ready for retirement?
Retirement can come upon us quickly, and even though we think we are well prepared, the reality
of it may surprise us. Things to consider include replacing big ticket items, financially assisting
your adult children, income streams, and estate planning.
Have you planned for the eventual need to replace a vehicle, roof, or hot water heater? Will this
come from savings, a TFSA, or RRIF? Retirement planning must include more than meeting
monthly expenses. Further, we need to expect and plan for the fact that our health care costs will
increase as we age. This can include prescriptions, aid devices, home renovations to facilitate
staying in our home, and perhaps moving to an assisted living facility.
Children are a blessing and sometimes our adult children rely heavily upon the Bank of Mom and
Dad. It is important that we create a plan that enables our grown children to live financially
independent lives. It’s important that we communicate with our family that our income is fixed and
unless there is a legitimate emergency, the Bank of Mom and Dad is closed.
Consider your income streams – will you receive money from pensions, RRSP’s, OAS and CPP?
If you have debt, it’s important to understand that in certain circumstances the funds in your
account can be seized by creditors without your prior knowledge or consent.
As part of retirement it is very important to triage your finances and to fully understand your financial
picture including your assets, debts, and goals. It is important to discuss your goals with your
partner, and to realize that goals come with a price tag. Assign a timeline and a cost to your goals
and review them regularly.
Retirement planning is also an excellent time to conduct a legal checklist. Do you and your partner
have an estate plan that includes your wills, Power(s) of Attorney and Health Care Directives?
Have you reviewed the Will with your Executor(s) to ensure they understand your wishes? Proper
estate planning can make life easier when we’re going through very difficult situations of loss of
health or life.
These items just scratch the surface of retirement planning. There is so much more than filing
paperwork with your HR representative. To secure your retirement you must not only secure your
income, but you must also secure your debt. To address these and the multitude of other items I
strongly recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and an Accredited
Financial Counsellor (AFCC) specializing in Credit Counselling.
Tim St Vincent is a retired CFP and is a Financial Educator with the Credit Counselling Society (CCS), a Non Profit organization. If you
wish to contact the Society for further information or to attend a webinar, please call 1-888-527-8999 or www.nomoredebts.org or
www.mymoneycoach.ca
CCS assists those living in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, Nunavut and the
Northwest Territories. For assistance in Quebec and Atlantic Canada contact Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada at 1888-753-2227 .
What does REES and 2016
Have in common?
The promise of an amazing year
REES is looking forward to some exciting things in 2016. With a grant from the good
people at Assiniboine Credit Union, REES has purchased six new computers for our
computer lab, loaded with the latest software Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2016.
REES will be running Computer courses in our new…
Laying foundations, Increasing skills with techNology a Knowledge
Exchange venture for people with Disabilities
LINKED Project
Rees will be offering two courses to start; the first one scheduled for January 18 – 22, 2016 will be ICW
(Introduction to Computers / Windows) and the second course is (File Management / Online applications).
Together these two courses are certain to help REES Consumers gain some skills for the tough Winnipeg Job
Market.
Thanks to Assiniboine Credit Union for their generous grant that has helped us purchase 6 new computers for
our new computer lab. If you or your organization would like to contribute to the computer lab we could use 6
new monitors and a laser printer. So your directed donations are always welcome.
Reaching E-Quality Employment Services would like to welcome Wenny Jaminal. Here is Wenny’s bio.
Hello and welcome to REES! My name is Wenny Jaminal and I am one of the
Intake Counsellors here. I come from a very diverse industry of
telecommunications, group life insurance and bank credit cards. My
professional background includes, but is not limited to the areas of corporate
client maintenance, sales and training. A year after I landed in Canada, I
decided to go back to school to take up Addictions and Community Services
from CDI College, one the reputable schools here in Winnipeg. I studied for a
year and was fortunate to have earned my diploma with flying colours.
The notable career switch from almost 20 years in the corporate rat race, to
working for and with the community is part of a great plan I had created for
myself as an immigrant of this great country. I have always believed in the essence of empathic service: be
it with your own loved ones, or just about with anyone who might have a need for it. This is the one
direction that I have decided to put my whole focus into.
I hope that whoever comes across our organization will feel that same passion as we, the staff at REES,
will always have with your well-being in mind.
MABUHAY!
Deaf immigrant finds Winnipeg
filled with opportunity
By: Jessica Botelho-Urbanski j.botelho.urbanski@gmail.com
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 12, 2015 B4
RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Tuan Huynh, a deaf immigrant from Vietnam who has been helped by an interpreter from REES, a United Way service
which helped him in learning American Sign Language and employment services. Purchase Photo Print
Tuan Huynh has accomplished more in Canada than he could have dreamed of doing in
Vietnam.
The 33-year-old man is mostly deaf, but can hear a little bit with help from his hearing aid.
When he moved to Winnipeg in 2011 with his mom and dad, he was shocked by all of the
supports he discovered for deaf people.
Speaking with the help of an interpreter, Usha Speer, Huynh said he was "very, very
appreciative."
"I didn't even know of any disability services in Vietnam, but when we moved here, we found
out, yes, there are services here," he said.
Huynh said trying to find a job was next to impossible in Vietnam.
"There was stigmatization toward people with disabilities... What happens is they'll say, 'Sorry,
there's a safety issue. You're deaf. Communication is difficult,' " he said.
In Winnipeg, Huynh integrated with the deaf community, learning English and American Sign
Language at the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities.
A deaf friend he met at the society recommended he meet Speer, an employment counsellor at
Reaching E-Quality Employment Services. Since 1989, the organization has specialized in
helping people with disabilities find jobs.
"When they come to me, I find out what's their passion, first of all. What are the skills that they
have? And then I match them with the right employer," Speer said. "Not all employers are
receptive to hiring the deaf... I try to find a friendly environment and managers who are more
open-minded to try different ways of communicating, not just verbal."
Sure enough, Speer found Huynh a spot working as a courtesy clerk at Safeway -- his very first
job.
Armed with a notepad, a pen and a name tag stating he's deaf, Huynh said he hasn't had any
communication issues arise, and his co-workers and customers are very friendly.
Speer also immigrated to Canada from Malaysia 26 years ago. She said she especially enjoys
helping new immigrants transition into the workforce because she knows the struggle first-hand.
"What I like about new immigrants is they're so thankful. Tuan and his mom, look what they
gave me. Isn't that nice?" she said, showing off a hand-woven portrait of a Vietnamese woman
and a water buffalo.
Hyunh said he and his family never thought he would be able to get a job, let alone have such a
well-rounded life in Canada.
Hyunh is able to drive in Winnipeg, whereas in Vietnam, deaf people aren't allowed to get a
licence. He relishes being able to drive his mom to Lucky Supermarket on weekends. He eats
out at restaurants regularly and plays darts with his deaf friends. "I would really like to save up. I
would like to buy my own car. Maybe get married, have a family," Hyunh said.
"That would be really nice. I will help you find the perfect girl," Speer chimed in.
The organization that helped Huynh operates thanks to core Funding from United Way
Winnipeg. If you would like to help, donate to United Way online at unitedwaywinnipeg.ca or by
calling 204-477-UWAY (8929).