Employment
Employment
You can help newcomers, people with disabilities and youth find jobs that match their skills.
Breaking down barriers to workplace inclusion
For many, finding a job is much more than finding a way to make an income. It’s about finding a sense of purpose, and a place to belong.
There are major barriers to inclusion in the workforce
Newcomers, people with disabilities and youth face stigma, misinformed perceptions and biased or outdated assumptions.
of people with a disability in Canada live in low income, compared with 9% of those without a disability.
Over half of recent newcomers have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
employers in Ottawa report difficulties in recruiting the skills they need for their businesses.
Building a diverse, vibrant workforce
Throughout Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County, United Way East Ontario addresses employment disparities for vulnerable populations by bringing key community partners together. These include:
Employment Accessibility Resource Network
Led by United Way and supported by the Government of Ontario, this community-wide initiative brings together employers, service providers and other partners to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and promote inclusive and accessible workplaces.
Hire Immigrants Ottawa
Led by United Way and supported by the Government of Ontario, this community-wide initiative brings together employers, immigrant agencies and stakeholders to enhance employers’ ability to access the talents of skilled immigrants in the Ottawa area.
Partnering for Success in Youth Employment
Co-chaired by United Way, the Royal Bank of Canada and the Ottawa Employment Hub, this initiative includes employers and community partners from the non-profit and private sectors. It’s focused on improving entrepreneurial skills and employment rates for youth.
Building Community Wealth
United Way breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for people who are left behind by existing economic systems, using the tools of community wealth building. Supported by a table of champions and a community of experts, we support organizations in reimagining their business ecosystems in ways that promote better employment outcomes for everyone, including the most marginalized people in our communities.
Through a partnership-focused approach to prevention, intervention, training and employer engagement, we ensure often under-represented people can participate in the labour market and find employment. We also ensure that vulnerable populations have access to financial education, supports and tools.
Graduates with disabilities need our support to find employment
With the Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN), we’ve released our latest research report that helps us identify and find ways to address the systemic challenges faced by graduates with disabilities in East Ontario.
Our Impact
A new life in Ottawa
Originally from Syria, Anas trained to join the workforce in Canada and found a full-time job.
Paving the way to inclusive employment
We all want to be able to provide for ourselves—and our families—no matter our ability or background.
Thanks to our donors, United Way invests funds where they are needed most and will have the greatest impact. Together with your support, we can ensure more people in our communities achieve financial independence and stability.
