West Park Manor offers caring community to both residents and staff

West Park Manor offers care to seniors in our community, and opportunities for employment to those seeking careers in the health care sector. As an organization they embrace diversity and inclusivity in their workplace, and feel success is rooted in finding the right match so the employee can feel confident and able to function well in their job.  Executive Director, Ruben Wollmann points out the importance of West Park Manor’s Core Values & Resident Bill of Rights, which is an integral part of their organizational strategy, that all staff must embrace and practice.  Amongst the Core Values, it states that each person as unique and deserving of dignity – principles that apply to both the residents they serve, and the team of staff that provide the care.   

One of these staff is Brett, a person supported by Connect Employment Services, and who identifies as a person with a disability. When Brett joined Connect he had a clear goal in mind – to build a career working with seniors.  Brett had already taken steps towards achieving this goal, including beginning his Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator program at Red River College, and volunteering in the community at West Park Manor.  Volunteering gave Brett the opportunity to develop confidence and an understanding of the demands of his career of choice, a decision that his supervisor, Therapeutic Recreation/Volunteer Coordinator, Teresa Reynolds, thought was an important step for Brett to take in deciding if this was the right career path. 

When COVID hit, West Park Manor had to put volunteer placements like Brett’s on hold, but as soon as restrictions lifted, Teresa invited Brett to return.   By this time, it was clear to Teresa that Brett had chosen the right career path, and she wanted to support him in pursuing his goal.  He demonstrated the drive and commitment required of this demanding profession, along with a genuine passion for caring for and working with seniors.   

Shortly after returning as a volunteer, Teresa offered Brett a paid term position as a Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator, which he excitedly accepted.  In this role, Brett supported the Recreation team with tasks such as transporting residents, playing games, and assisting with feeding.  When the term position was finished, Teresa was determined to keep Brett as a member of their team, and he was offered a casual position in the same role.  By July 2022, Brett finally had the opportunity to be hired into a permanent position, and he is now a permanent part-time Recreation Facilitator.  Brett also completed his Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator for Older Adults certificate in October 2022. 

When asked about any challenges Brett may have encountered at work, Teresa shared that although Brett had been open about disclosing his disability and what supports he might need, he really hadn’t  required any exceptional accommodations or supports.  She pointed out that she appreciated Brett’s candor though, as it gave her the knowledge to understand his needs, and confidence on how she could support him to be successful and blossom at work. 

Throughout his time volunteering and being employed at West Park Manor, Brett has always felt welcomed, supported, and a full member of the team.  His supervisors and colleagues treat him as an equal, and value the contributions he makes to the team.  He is included in all aspects of work and the social life of his workplace, attending both formal and informal staff get togethers, and being friends with many colleagues.  In Brett’s works, “They are like one big family.  Everyone cares about one another.  I feel really lucky to be part of this team.” 

For West Park Manor, Brett is seen as an essential and valued team member.  Teresa shared that Brett is one of several employees and volunteers she has worked with over the years that were involved with supported employment programs, and she has always embraced the chance to provide opportunities to individuals that may face barriers to employment.  She believes employers and jobseekers are fortunate to have supports from organizations like Connect Employment Services to help them build a diverse workforce.  She sees the value that a diverse workforce that includes those who may have disabilities, brings to their team.  It is all about matching each person to the right opportunity – one that matches their skills, interests and gifts, and supporting them to be able to achieve their very best. In Teresa’s words, “Let’s help people be included and have success in their life.  For Brett, my goal is to help him succeed, at work and in life.” 

At an event held on October 30, 2024 the Manitoba Supported Employment Network (MSEN) presented awards to Winnipeg employers who exemplify the Best Practices in Employment Diversity. West Park Manor, nominated by Connect Employment Services, was the winner of the Large Business Category. In accepting the award on behalf of his team, Ruben Wollmann acknowledged the important partnership that exists between employers, supported employment agencies, and employees with disabilities:

“We thank MSEN and employment agencies for their continued support to employers by partnering and collaborating with us to help create win-win employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in our community.”

In his opening remarks for the evening, Loren Remillard, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce summed up the importance of supported employment, and the leadership of the evenings’ nominated businesses:

“In today’s world, it’s crucial for businesses to reflect their communities – which includes people with disabilities. Overlooking a talent pool that comprises over 20% of the population misses a significant opportunity…It’s clear that hiring inclusively is not only the right choice, but a smart business decision.”