partnering for chang e - microskills · helping you build a better futur e. ......

Partnering for Change

HelpingYou Build aBetter Future

Message from MicroSkills’Chair and Executive Director

Lynda Schultz,ChairBoard of Directors

Kay BlairExecutive Director

For the past thirty years, poverty in Toronto hasbecome increasingly more entrenched. Whileconcentrated in the downtown core in the early‘80’s, by the new millennium it had spread to theinner suburbs. In 2007, more than 25% of Torontofamilies were living below the poverty line.Etobicoke and North York are among theneighbourhoods most severely impacted by povertyand its spiraling consequences – deeper poverty,increased crime, and abandonment by residentsand businesses. Increasingly, the mosteconomically-disadvantaged people in Toronto aremembers of our target clientele - immigrant andracialized women, newcomers to Canada, childrenand youth. Their well-being, ambiguous at best, isseriously in question in times of extremeuncertainty, such as those we face today.

In light of two recent United Way reports, andconsidering the many clients we served from allparts of Toronto, last year we initiated a strategyto improve service delivery by adding new facilitiesin South Etobicoke and North York. This year, weused these buildings to create partnerships, growour portfolio, and substantially improve clientaccess to our programs throughout the city. We seethis past year as one of significant expansion, duein large measure to our continuous outreachefforts, our organization-wide knowledge sharing,

and – especially – the connections and partnershipswe have built with other organizations,corporations, institutions, and key individuals inour community.

Newcomer Services successfully met or surpassedits contracted service targets in 2007-2008. Ofspecial interest, however, is the development ofthe new customized Job Search Workshop forWomen program, offered to newcomer women inour community, in partnership with RexdaleWomen’s Centre. Based on the highly-successfulJob Search Workshops for Newcomers program wehave delivered since 2000, this new servicefeatures – as well as job-search assistance –cultural interpretation, women-friendlyscheduling, discussions about maintaining work-family balance, and delivery in various locationsthroughout Etobicoke. Its design andimplementation reflect our on-going commitmentto the special needs of newcomer women,recognizing the particular barriers so many face asthey work towards building a better future forthemselves and their families.

Women Services also enjoyed an excellent year,meeting most of its targets and diversifying itsprogram offerings in response to expressed clientneeds. In collaboration with Humber College, weare delivering a new Pre-Apprenticeship

1 Partnering for Change

Horticultural Program for Women, which enablesvulnerable low-income women to develop newskills, find employment, and achieve economicindependence. In response to our findings that thesecurity and stability of many women arecompromised by a lack of financial literacy skills,we commenced financial literacy and financialawareness training. Offered in conjunction withthe Learning Enrichment Foundation, the traininghelps women gain the skills needed for economicsurvival in uncertain times.

Client services at our new Centre of Excellence forWomen and Newcomers include many of MicroSkillstraditional programs, as well as opportunities forparticipants to develop leadership skills andstrengthen their capacity to integrate into theCanadian workforce. The Lunch and LearnSpeaker’s series helps women improve theirpresentation skills while offering themopportunities to share knowledge and networkwith others. Because many of the Centre’s clientshave completed post-graduate levels of education,executive workshops are available for people whowish to learn about new management thinking andtoday’s business trends. As interest in the Centre’sactivities continues to grow, we are indebted toour community partners for their support: clientscan receive job search assistance in the new CH2MHILL Resource Centre or training in classroomsequipped with state-of-the-art computertechnology provided by IBM.

This past year, we significantly expanded our YouthServices in response to the growing need forprogramming support for underserved youth. Wehave been active in building bridges and creatingconnections through which young people canengage with the wider community. A newEngagement Program encourages youth in threeneighborhoods to develop leadership skills andbecome proactively involved in social issues. Fornewcomer youth, who are particularly vulnerableto disconnection from the community, a Settlementprogram reflecting their special needs provides

referrals to community services, while the YouthHost program, a volunteer-based service, matchessettled youth with recent arrivals to help thenewcomers adjust to life in their new country.Leadership development is combined with skillstraining in our new Modern Batik Art Program, inwhich youth from Rexdale and Jane-Finch areaslearn how to create and market modern batik art.The program includes a Train-the-Trainercomponent, through which participants instructother youth in batik art techniques.

At this time, we are especially proud to announcethat this past year, MicroSkills was recognized bythe community for the excellence of its programsand services. We were honoured to receive theMinister’s Silver Award for Excellence in ServiceQuality from the Ministry of Training, Colleges andUniversities. We also received an HonourableMention for TRIEC’s 2007 Immigrant Success (IS)award for inclusive HR practices.

From our clients, and through partnerships andinvolvement in community networks, we havelearned a great deal over the years aboutproviding services to newcomers, women andyouth. We have also come to understand that whilewe can accomplish a great deal for our clients asan independent organization, we can do far morewhen we work together with other businesses,agencies, and institutions that share our vision of abetter life for the individuals and families weserve.

As we move toward celebrating next year our 25thanniversary of service to the community, weremain committed to creating opportunities forour clients, our program graduates and thecommunities that surround us. Similarly, weremain grateful to all the individual people, andthe funders, community partners, organizations,agencies, institutions and corporations that haveworked with us and helped us make a difference.

We sincerely thank all of you for your interest,your support, and your belief in our vision andhopes for the future.

2Partnering for Change

Newcomer Services

3

MicroSkills’NewcomerServicessaw anoverallincrease inthe numberof clientsserved in

2007-2008. This was due tobroader outreach, effectivereferrals from partners, and newservices responding to clientrequests. Many programs weredelivered as an itinerant serviceacross Toronto and in surroundingregions.

Settlement and SupportServicesSettlement orientation, trans-lation and referral services wereprovided to facilitate theintegration of newcomers andtheir families into Canadiansociety.

In partnership with RexdaleWomen’s Centre we extended our

delivery of settlement andsupport services to all of ourlocations, serving over 7,000newcomers.

Language ServicesOur Language Services includedLINC-Language Instruction forNewcomers to Canada, CanadianWorkplace Communicationclasses, and Speaking for Successconversation sessions. Theyprovided language practice andlearning opportunities to over400 newcomers.

This year, we expanded our LINCprogram, offering six full timeand part time classes thatcovered basic to advancedlanguage levels. An increasingnumber of our graduates arefinding employment or going onto training.

We continued to offer theCanadian WorkplaceCommunication Program, incollaboration with JVS and other

community partners. Graduates ofthis program went on to secureemployment consistent with theirIT occupational goals.

Our Speaking for Success conver-sation sessions helped clients toimprove their speaking skills andconfidence.

Pathways to Employmentfor Newcomers (PEN)This program providedopportunities for InternationallyTrained Individuals (ITIs) skilled inInformation Technology, BusinessAdministration and BusinessServices to obtain jobs thatmatched their skills andexperience.

Programming included one-on-oneassessment, workplace essentialskills workshops, leadershiptraining, and counseling. Over175 ITIs participated in theprogram during 2007-08. Asignificant component of thisprogram builds employers’


awareness and engages them aspartners to achieve successfulclient outcomes.

Job Connect ProgramThe Job Connect Program forinternationally trained individualsand other job seekers enjoyedanother very successful year,consistently exceeding provincialstandards.

By the end of the fiscal year,3,465 ITIs had accessed JobConnect services, through theInformation and ResourceServices, the EmploymentPlanning and PreparationServices, and the JobDevelopment and PlacementServices. Training subsidy wasprovided to 59 employers tosupport the labour marketparticipation of newcomers.

Job SearchWorkshop forImmigrants ProgramOver 500 newcomers accessedthe JSW program, which preparedclients with the requisite jobsearch skills to look foremployment in Canada. Using an

itinerant client centered deliverymodel, the program offeredthree-day workshops andindividual resume and job searchsupport. This resulted in themajority of clients findingemployment, entering furthertraining, or pursuing credentialassessment/licensing.

In the second half of the year, welaunched a new JSW model that iscustomized specifically to theneeds of newcomer women whoare facing a number of difficultiesin their search for work. Thisexciting, made-in-Etobicoke JSWfor Women program is beingdeveloped and delivered incollaboration with our partnerRexdale Women’s Centre.

Employment ResourceCentreThe Employment Resource Centreprovided walk-in information andresource services to over 12,000clients, of whom 5,050 were newclients to the centre. The centreremained open weekdays, fourevenings, and Saturdays tofacilitate client access. Clientassistance included job search,

computer assistance, one-on-oneresume critique, occupationspecific information andnetworking sessions.

EmployabilityWorkshopsand Networking EventsEmployability and Life SkillsWorkshops were delivered to over4,000 newcomers and other jobseekers, providing them withcurrent labor market informationand job search and job retentiontechniques.

At our quarterly NetworkingEvents, newcomers and jobseekers exchanged informationand experiences with employedgraduates and Canadianemployers, such as CH2M HILL,ASSET Computer Personnel, RBCand CIBC. Employers also sharedvaluable job search tips with ourclients during bi-monthlyindustry-specific DiscussionGroups.

Our annual CommunityInformation Fair drew over 13community agencies thatprovided services to newcomers.


Women Services

OurWomenServicesassistedwomento en-hancetheir

skills and build their capacity toachieve self-reliance. Women whomost needed our services thisyear were grappling with multiplechallenges associated withvulnerable livelihoods and manycircumstances beyond theircontrol. The support systemswithin our programs and serviceswere essential to assist them intheir return to work.

Expansion of Services andIncreased Access forWomenFor the first time this year, weoffered our Women Servicesprograms at two new locations inSouth Etobicoke and North York,and as a result, by year end wewere offering a full range of

specialized women’s programsat our

• Women’s Enterprise andResource Centre (WERC) andWomen’s Technology Institute(WTI) in North Etobicoke

• Women’s EmploymentServices in South Etobicoke

• Centre of Excellence forWomen and Newcomers inToronto East.

Programs offered at theselocations included Self-Employment and BusinessServices, Information TechnologyTraining, Bridging Programs,Employment Services and SupportPrograms.

Women in LeadershipMicroSkills continued to highlightand promote women’s leadershipdevelopment by offeringopportunities for women to honetheir leadership skills, and byshowcasing women who, throughtheir commitment to personalgoals, have become leaders andnow lead by example.

Entrepreneur of theYearAwardThis year, MicroSkills recognized 4graduates of its Self-Employmentprograms who were successful inestablishing and building smallbusinesses, by presenting themwith Entrepreneur of the YearAwards at our Annual Gala. Thesewomen then undertook leadershiproles in various capacities asvolunteers, supporting otherwomen and girls to develop totheir full potential.

InternationalWomen’sDay CelebrationMicroSkills embraced Canada’stheme for International Women’sday “Strong Women Strong

5

Dr. EkuaBenjamin,

recipient ofthe 2007Margot

FranssenLeadership

Award


World” with celebrations at all ofour locations. This year, werecognized this very special daycelebrating women’sadvancement with variouspresentations from local womenleaders, who openly shared theirjourneys through obstacles torealize their full potential. Dr.Cadiga Ali, Afie Mardukhi, andSabera Desai encouraged womento make their dreams a reality bysetting a goal and reaching out toothers for support and guidance.

Pamela Palmer, past Entrepreneurof the Year Award recipient,shared her journey in building asuccessful business, and hosted apeer mentoring workshop forwomen in business.

As part of this day, we alsopartnered with Women’s Habitatfor the staging of a Victory Marchin the vicinity of Islington andLakeshore. Clients from bothorganizations expressed theirsuccesses in overcoming violenceagainst women and createdawareness in the community.

Self Employment Trainingand Business ServicesThrough our Self EmploymentTraining programs, 60 womenpursued business training for selfemployment in a variety ofbusinesses, including home-basedchildcare. Training graduatesaccessed our expanded businessservices that include an interest-free Loan Fund, BusinessCoaching, Peer Mentoring,Marketplace, Business Seminarsand Networking Events.

Information TechnologyTraining forWomenWe continued to assist women tobuild technology and workplaceessential skills through ourInformation Technology Trainingprogram. This year, 120 womenupgraded skills and obtainedindustry recognized ITcertifications for Microsoft OfficeSpecialist (MOS), CompTIA A+ andMicrosoft Certified SystemsAdministration (MCSA). Graduatesof this program are working in avariety of sectors, in roles thatrange from network administra-tion to help desk support.

Bridging ProgramOur Bridging Program providedservices that helped women withdisrupted work experience tobridge their past experiences tothe realities of the Canadianlabour market. In addition to one-on-one counseling; careerassessments, referrals and resumecritiques, we offered threetraining programs to 48 women,addressing career and vocationalplanning, English and mathupgrading, and workplaceessential skills development. Asan outcome from these programs,women went on to employment,volunteering and further training.

Horticulture TechnicianPre-ApprenticeshipProgramThis year, we partnered withHumber College and LandscapeOntario in the development of aHorticulture Technician Pre-apprenticeship Program forWomen.


Support and OutreachServicesWe provided information, one onone counselling and referrals towomen who sought our assistanceto address a range of challengingcircumstances. The supportprovided by our staff enhancedwomen’s capacity to address theirconcerns and regain their sense ofhope.

Our focus in reaching andsupporting women in isolatedcommunities continued andexpanded during this year, withthe following services:

• Financial Literacy: Inpartnership with the LearningEnrichment Foundation, weinitiated financial literacy andfinancial awareness training to145 women in communitiesthroughout Toronto, throughthe “My Child’s Future”, aneducation savings incentiveprogram for low incomewomen. Women whoparticipated completed savings

plans, increased theirknowledge of RESP’s andopened accounts for theirchildren.

• Health Information Project:In collaboration with Humber-UNB nursing students, womenaccessing our monthlyWomen’s Information Network(WIN) received information onbreast cancer, HIV, STD’s,heart disease, diabetesprevention and treatment,free and affordable dentalservices, and health servicesfor pregnant women.

• Parenting Skills: Isolatedwomen in North Etobicokeparticipated in a ParentingProgram delivered inpartnership with RexdaleWomen’s Centre.

• Seminars for Entrepreneurs:We hosted several evenings ofdiscussions on business trendsand resources for womenentrepreneurs of Somali, SouthAsian and Caribbeancommunities.

• Itinerant EmploymentServices: Through ourpartnership project,Women@Work, wecollaborated with severalorganizations to coordinate a5-session workshop series andan employment fair for womenin the isolated communities ofFlemingdon and Thorncliffe.Women received informationabout opportunities inApprenticeship, Self-Employment, Teaching, andEarly Childhood Education,along with resources for careerplanning and upgrading.

• Career Guidance for YoungWomen: We continued ourpartnership with Jean TweedCentre in providinginformation and resources toyoung women who arepregnant or parenting and whoare recovering fromaddictions.



On September 29th, MicroSkillsopened a new facility in NorthYork at 200 Consumers Road. OurCentre of Excellence is dedicatedto creating opportunities forwomen and newcomers in allstages of economic and careergrowth, to develop their leader-ship potential and support oneanother. Along with offering manyof MicroSkills’ current programs,this centre also focuses on launch-ing new initiatives and innovativepartnerships that offer womenand newcomers a sense of com-munity and belonging as they seekto fulfill their potential in Cana-dian society. A volunteer AdvisoryCommittee of experienced leadersguides the development ofinitiatives at the Centre.

Knowledge CaféThe Knowledge Café is the firstinitiative planned and launchedthis year by the Advisory Com-mittee. It offers individuals whoare new to Canada an opportunityto network in a relaxed andfriendly setting, and meet others

with more inside knowledge andexperience of life and work inCanada. The first event “You gotyour first job in Canada! Nowwhat?” fostered small groupdiscussions about Canadianculture, and strategies thatwomen and newcomers can use toprogress on the job and achievecareer goals.

Lunch and LearnSpeaker SeriesThis weekly interactive speakerseries is held during lunch times inthe Centre’s conference styleevent space. It provides oppor-tunities for communication skillsenhancement and professional andpersonal development. This year,35 Lunch and Learn sessions wereheld, with presenters includingboth program participants andcommunity experts.

ToastmastersOur Centre is hosting aToastmasters club, which is opento our clients and other workingpeople in the area who want toimprove their communication andleadership skills. The club meetsweekly for members to practicedifferent kinds of speeches frominformal to formal. Members alsolearn skills to conduct meetingsand benefit from networking.

The CH2M HILL ResourceCentreSituated within the Centre of

Excellence is the CH2M HILLResource Centre, providing womenand newcomers with a full rangeof employment supports. As awalk-in service, equipped withcomputers and internet access,the Resource Centre offers self-help and supported job searchservices in a friendly, professionalenvironment.

The Resource Centre wasestablished with the support ofour corporate sponsor, CH2M HILL,who along with financialresources, offers the volunteerservices of their employees asguest speakers, workshopfacilitators, and volunteers atspecial events. CH2M HILLemployees provide our clientswith insight into the businesscommunity and opportunities toimprove business communicationskills. Their enthusiasm forassisting clients brings muchneeded business acumen and thewarmth that can be found insidecorporate culture.

IBMTraining Labs andFacility ResourcesTraining and office resources atthe Centre of Excellence weremade possible through a generousdonation by IBM Canada. Thefacility is equipped with four 20-seat computer labs, along with anequal number of workshop rooms,numerous offices and a largeevent space.

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Centre of Excellence forWomen and Newcomers

Last year, MicroSkills assistedmore than 2,000 children andyouth ranging in age from 18months to 29 years. To respond tocommunity needs, we introducedfive new programs, as well as aparent engagement component tohelp ensure youth success.

Community-SchoolPartnership ProgramsHomework Clubs were facilitatedfor 136 youth aged 13-18 at ourYouth Centre as well as at thesites of our partners, North AlbionCollegiate Institute and HumberCollege. The academic supportwas provided to youth by 50tutors, who were recruited fromsecondary and post secondaryinstitutions.

The Bridge to Success program atNorth Albion Collegiate Instituteempowered and supported 156youth through various academic

and social programs. At the endof the 2007 school year, 150youth participants receivedcertificates for bursaries that areheld in trust for their post-secondary education.

Leadership DevelopmentThis year, welaunched a newYouthEngagementprogram, whichprovided weeklyprogramming to71 youth in threeunderservedneighborhoods. Itsaim is toencourage youthto developleadership skillsand becomeproactively

involved in local communityissues.

Again in 2007, we participated inthe Youth 4 Youth Partnershipinitiative with local youthleaders, Kipling CollegiateInstitute, and Toronto Parks andRecreation. This summer programprovided leadership developmentopportunities to 80 youth in theKingsview-Westwayneighbourhood.

The Summer Leadership NatureCamp, delivered in partnershipwith the Humber CollegeArboretum, provided 10 youthwith skill building and volunteer

opportunities.

Our youth leaders this yearexplored new challenges andways to give back to theircommunity. The 14 members ofour Youth Advisory Groupcommitted to train and mentoryounger youth in life skills andleadership development. Another8 youth are working towards theirbronze award through the Dukeof Edinburgh’s Award Program,which encourages young peopleto participate in community workand self-discovery.

Pre-Apprenticeship andPre-Employment ProgramIn partnership with the YMCA,MicroSkills’ Youth Centre provideddrop-in Employment Workshops,Counseling, and Job SearchSupport to 249 youth.

This year, the second group of 15youth completed the Cook Pre-Apprenticeship Program, whichwe offer in partnership withHumber College. Eleven programgraduates are currently employedin the culinary sector, in theprocess of becoming apprentices,or continuing post-secondaryeducation.

Settlement ProgramsTwo new programs wereintroduced to address the specialneeds of newcomer youth. TheISAP/ Settlement program orientsyouth to their new environment,


and provides referrals tocommunity services. The YouthHost Program, a volunteer-basedservice, matches settled youthwith recent arrivals to help thenewcomers adjust to life in theirnew country.

Social/CulturalDevelopmentOur new Modern Batik ArtProgram, developed inpartnership with internationalartist David Kibuuka, instructs 90youth from the Rexdale and Jane-Finch areas in creating andmarketing modern batik art. Theprogram includes a Train-the-Trainer component, throughwhich participants teach others inthe techniques they have learned.

At our Youth Centre, 15 membersof the Youth Art Club exploreddifferent art forms and displayedtheir finished works in the centre.

The Girls’ Clubs providedopportunities for 34 youngwomen 13-18 years of age todiscuss common issues and buildfriendships, while 20 young menin the Boys’ Club developed lifeand social skills while they hadfun.

The Youth Centre’s weekly YouthCafé gave 35 youth a relaxedsetting to build social networksand positive peer relationships.

Summer Camps provided 230youth a variety of activitiesincluding dancing, cooking,biking, art, drama, music, games,sports, and field trips. During theMarch Break Camp, 55 youthparticipated in YouthDevelopment Days at CentennialCollege and Ryerson University.

Children’s ProgramsIn 2007-08, about 650 children 18months-12 years of age accessedMicroSkills’ childcare services,which provided learning

opportunities in a caringenvironment, while their parentsparticipated in meaningfulprograms and services.

In the second half of the year, ourchildcare services expanded toprovide a customized support fornewcomer parents accessing ouritinerant Job Search WorkshopsProgram.

We continued to offer daytimechildminding for children of LINCparticipants, drop-in childmindingservices, a holiday toydistribution, and a summerScience and Nature Camp inpartnership with the HumberCollege Arboretum.

Partnering for Change 10

Community Connections Gallery


A. Management staff and team leads develop workplanpriorities during management retreat at Geneva Park.

B. Clients and staff enjoy a holiday social together.

C. The valuable contribution of our Volunteers is recognizedwith certificates of appreciation.

D. An Annual Volunteer Event is organized for volunteers andtheir families.

E. Ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of Centre ofExcellence for Women and Newcomers.

A

C

E

B

AD


F MicroSkills receives honourable mention for TRIEC’s 2007Immigrant Success (IS) award for inclusive HR practices.

G.We celebrate the official opening of our Women’sEmployment Services in south Etobicoke.

H.MicroSkills Youth are invited to Caribana Imagine Festivaland attend press conference.

I. We are honoured to receive the Minister’s Award forExcellence in Service Quality from Ministry of Training,Colleges and Universities.

J. MicroSkills participates actively in the United Waycampaign’s kick-off rally.

F

H

J

G

I

Skills Training/Outreach Program/JobDevelopment


Skills TrainingIn January 2008 we responded tothe demands of the labor marketby starting the Materials Handlingand Warehousing Program.Participants learn to operatematerial handling equipment andperform inventory managementand material handling functions.

Ontario Works eligible clients alsocontinued to benefit from skillstraining in the following areas:

• Computer and CustomerService Skills

• Network Administration(MCSA)

• Computer Skills andAccounting

The four program streamsprovided training to a total of 81participants of whom 70% foundemployment.

Outreach ProgramBuilding on our strong reputation,we increased our presence inmany Toronto and GTAneighbourhoods and offered over100 Information Sessions duringthe year. Information Sessionsthat were held in variouscommunity locations enabledclients in isolated areas to gaingreater access to services.

Operating with a client-centredapproach, we conducted 30 focusgroups with different clientpopulations in numerouslocations, to identify service

needs and assess our programs'effectiveness. Based onfeedback, we modified currentprograms and planned newservices.

Similarly, we participated in 22Job Fairs, which provided us witha venue to showcase ourprograms and network with otherservice providers and employers.

Job DevelopmentThis fiscal year, the JobDevelopment Team implementednew strategies to recruit

employers who could provideviable employment options forour clients, as well as to engageemployers in programdevelopment and deliveryactivities, as advisory committeemembers, guest speakers andworkshop facilitators.

Over 125 new Employerscommitted to provide placementand employment opportunitiesfor our program participants. And20 Employers participated in ourprogram advisory and deliveryactivities.

The partnership with MicroSkillsallowed employers to have accessto skilled participants in ourvarious skills developmentprograms, and created a win-winsituation for both employers andMicroSkills' participants. Throughthese relationships, ourparticipants experiencedincreased employmentopportunities and job retentionin their specific job sector.Overall, 70% of programgraduates secured meaningfuland career enhancing positionswith our corporate partners.

Additionally, during the year weprovided training and support toemployers in the management ofa culturally diverse workplace,and on-the-job support to clientsto improve their job satisfactionand mobility.

“I’ve been workingwith MicroSkills for thepast three years, andhave been highlysuccessful in acquiringskilled permanent stafffor my company. Theirplacement system isvery effective inallowing me to becomeacquainted with theindividuals anddetermine theirsuitability for thework. At the sametime, I can assess theircompatibility with ourenvironment.”

Sybil Levine,

Founder/CEO,

Go Find Events, Toronto

Celebrating our Clients’ Successes

14

Meet a SuccessfulWomanCelia started her career in thefilm industry. Early on in hercareer, while working as aTechnical Props Master whoseskills in special effects were inhigh-demand, she became illwith a condition that preventedher from continuing in heroccupation.

As an alternative, Celia triedjewelry making, but she couldn’tmake a living with it, and hersavings soon ran out. Only thendid she realize that her skillscould no longer earn her a living.

Setting out to find help, Celiawent to social services to getassistance for food and shelter,and information. She inquiredabout help in preparing aresume, something she had neverneeded before, and was referredto Youth Employment Services.

The employment counsellor atYES recognized that she neededtraining for a job that suited herphysical limitations and referredher to MicroSkills InformationTechnology Training for Women(ITTW) program.

The ITTW program enabledCecilia to make the careerchange she needed. She movedquickly through the MicrosoftOffice Specialist and CompTIA A+training, soaking up everythingshe could use to redirect herfocus.

Today, Ceclia is working for aweb-based event company.Although she started with dataentry, she is now working with aspecialized database andproviding clients with technicalsupport.

She is thankful for the help shereceived. “Learning MicrosoftAccess and Excel in-depth reallyhelps me on the job. Not onlydid this opportunity atMicroSkills give me training, itgave me back my self-worth.”

More importantly, Celia is able tosee her possibilities for thefuture. “Now I have options, Ican see where my skills lead to,and what I can do with furthertraining and upgrading. There’snothing better than having thatself-worth - it comes fromhaving confidence in your skills,and employers can spot thatconfidence. If you apply yourselfat MicroSkills and takeadvantage of everything theyhave to offer, you will leavewith skills and self worth.”

“... Not only did thisopportunity atMicroSkills give metraining, it gave meback my self-worth.”

“... If you applyyourself at MicroSkillsand take advantage ofeverything they haveto offer, you will leavewith skills and selfworth.”


15

Meet a Successful YouthFor Omar, things did not start offon a good note in the beginningof the first year of high school,He was “kicked out” from onehigh school in grade nine andplaced at a neighbouring school,North Albion Collegiate (NACI).Once again, he was in and out ofthe office, getting suspensionsfor fights and being constantlylate for class. Teachers werefrustrated by his lack of respectand little effort, and as a result,he says, “I was labeled atroublemaker. In fact, I wasn’tinterested in getting goodgrades, I was more interested inplaying basketball and hangingout.”

During Omar’s grade eleven yearhe joined the MicroSkills After-School Boys Club operating atNACI. The program fosteredlively discussions in a relaxedsetting about issues facing youngpeople. Omar recalls, “While inthe program, I began to look atschool and life differently and tounderstand the importance ofgetting an education andbeing a positive role modelfor others.”

In grade twelve, Omarsurprised everyone, includinghimself, by making thehonour roll for the first timein his life! He graduated fromNorth Albion with a 78%average. Inspired by theMicroSkills Youth Worker whofacilitated the Boys Club,Omar entered HumberCollege’s Social ServiceWorker program.

Currently, Omar is in his last yearof studies at Humber. He hasstayed in contact with MicroSkillsthroughout his program: “Duringmy final co-op field practice, Ihad a great privilege to practicewith MicroSkills Youth Services,where I got the opportunity towork with at-risk youth as aprogram facilitator. I was able toplan and deliver programs, andhopefully motivate and inspire

someone, as the program haddone for me.”

He adds, “This was a remarkableexperience - I went back to myold high school and motivatedstudents who were at acrossroads in their life like Ionce was.”

What are his future plans? “I amplanning to go to university toget a degree in Social Work. Istill talk to my youth workerfrom the MicroSkills program Iattended, as I look to him as amentor and a role model in mylife.”

What has Omar learned that hewants to share with others? “I’vebeen able to turn my life aroundand go in a positive direction. AsI journey along my path, I willcontinue to shut down and defythe stereotypes about peoplewho come from a situation likemy own, growing up in an “at-risk neighbourhood” and living ina single parent home.”

“I’ve been able to turnmy life around and goin a positive direction.As I journey along mypath, I will continue toshut down and defythe stereotypes aboutpeople who come froma situation like myown, growing up in an“at-risk neighbour-hood” and living in asingle parent home.”



Meet a SuccessfulNewcomerLeila knew from her high schoolyears that she wanted to be amedical doctor. Although therewas no Medical University in hernative country of Mauritius, shewas determined to follow herpassion, so she graduated with aMedical Degree (MD-withDistinction) from LVIV Universityin Ukraine.

Leila migrated to Canada in 2007,with hopes of continuing herdreams. However, she soondiscovered that as anInternationally Trained Individual,finding employment in her field,especially as a medical doctor,was a daunting task. “When Ilanded in Canada and I did notknow how to apply for jobs inthis new system, I was reallydepressed.” Leila recalls.

As the saying goes, ‘A friend inneed is a friend indeed.’ Leila

feels very lucky that she has acouple of good friends in Canada,friends who brought her toMicroSkills, 3 days after herarrival.

Meeting with an employmentcounselor at MicroSkills helpedLeila to regain her confidence andgave her hope to once againpursue her passion. She learnedabout Career Transition Programsfor International Medical Doctorsand Credential Assessment.

Together with her counselor,Leila developed an employmentaction plan, and with furtherguidance, implemented the plan.

Leila also took advantage of thereferrals she got throughMicroSkills to jobs related to herprofession. As a result, she iscurrently working as a MedicalAssistant while pursuing thelicensing process to become aLicensed Physician.

Leila appreciates the guidanceand support she received from

MicroSkills. “You gave me theconfidence that I will be able tosurvive in this country”, she says.“You told me all the possibilitieslying in front of me. With yourhelp and support, I found a jobwhich is very appropriate for myqualifications and I really loveit.”

And she proudly talks about herbright future. “I will be taking mymedical examinations next year.Thank you again for everything.”

“You gave me theconfidence that I willbe able to survive inthis country”, shesays. “You told me allthe possibilities lyingin front of me. Withyour help and support,I found a job which isvery appropriate formy qualifications and Ireally love it.”

About MicroSkills

17

VisionOur vision is to help individualsbuild a better future.

We will achieve this by:

• Leading the way with qualityand relevant services to ourclients.

• Maintaining serviceexcellence and integrity inthe way we conduct ourbusiness.

• Continually developing andmotivating our staff.

• Continually growing andimproving our programs.

• Developing and maintainingrelationships in thecommunity.

Mission StatementCommunity MicroSkillsDevelopment Centre is a multi-cultural, non-profit, community-based organization committed toassisting the unemployed, withpriority to women, racialminorities, youth andimmigrants. Recognizing barriersthat immigrants, racial minority,youth and women face in theirefforts towards self-sufficiency,MicroSkills aims to enable themto participate more fully inCanadian society and assist themin acquiring the skills needed toachieve self-determination andeconomic, social and politicalequality.

CoreValuesThese are our beliefs andprinciples that guide how wedeliver our services, carry outour strategic vision, and guidethe behaviour of our staff:

• Service with Integrity,Respect and adherence to theCode of Conduct

• Accountability to All

• Anti-Racist operatingframework

• Superior quality in our servicedelivery

• Working together

• Open Management Stylewhich incorporates theprinciples of AppreciativeInquiry

• Achieving a balance inmeeting the needs of all ourStakeholders

Our Programs andServicesCommunity MicroSkillsDevelopment Centre is anonprofit, charitableorganization that has servedcommunities in Toronto andsurrounding areas since 1984.

Our programs focus ondeveloping clients' skills,increasing their information baseand facilitating opportunities forthem to apply their skills andknowledge in the Canadianworkforce. Our core programareas are:

• Newcomer Services

• Women Services

• Skills Training

• Youth & Children Services

• Leadership & CommunityDevelopment

The programs assist our clientcommunity to achieve economicself-sufficiency, activeparticipation in community lifeand productive contribution toCanadian society.


Agency Administration

Board of Directors2007-2008MicroSkills has a 15-memberBoard of Directors that sets thepolicies and strategic directionof the agency. The Boardprovides leadership to theExecutive Director, who isresponsible for managing thedaily operations of the agencyand ensuring that the clientservice and program prioritiesare on target. Standingcommittees are chaired by aBoard member working hand inhand with staff in addressingstrategic issues and developingeffective recommendations forreview and approval by theBoard of Directors. In this fiscalyear, Board members wereinvolved in the followingcommittees:

Centre of Excellence for Womenand Newcomers AdvisoryPrograms and Services AdvisoryYouth AdvisoryBusiness Advisory

FundraisingPersonnelHealthy & Safety

Board members, in maintainingtheir accountability as Directors,conduct an annual Boardevaluation and retreat.Additionally, they participate instaff and board developmentactivities, and are active inworkshops and seminars thatenhance their ability to provideeffective stewardship.

In-ServiceVolunteersOur volunteers at MicroSkills areinvolved in every aspect of theorganization. The VolunteerProgram is built on the strengthsof dedicated groups ofindividuals from a wide range ofcultural backgrounds,experiences, and skills. We oftenlook to our volunteers forsupport in our mission to providethe best possible service thatwill allow our clients toparticipate more fully inCanadian Society.

Our volunteers sit on committeeswhere they lend their expertiseand provide a wealth ofknowledge and experience to ourstaff. Volunteers also assist inadministration, IT, and manyother program areas where ourclients require assistance. Theyhelp out at ongoing events heldthroughout the year as well asworkshop facilitation, youthsummer camps, marketplace,information fairs, and so muchmore. We are proud of ourvolunteers and recognize thatthey are an integral part ofMicroSkills.

StaffingMicroSkills’ staff complementconsists of 89, including full-time, part-time and contractualstaff. Together, they speak 40languages to support the deliveryof culturally sensitive services toour client group.

This fiscal year we established aSuccession Planning Team that isbeing mentored and coached to

mirror the currentleadership of theagency.

Our weeklyConversation Cafécontinued to be a wayto supportrelationship buildingamong staff, andcontributing to staffbeing able toexperiencecommunity in theirworkplace.


Thank You


MicroSkills gratefullyacknowledges thebroad range ofcorporate, private andgovernment funders,sponsors and donorswho have supportedour programs andservices.

Government ofCanadaCanadian Heritage -Young Canada WorksMulticulturalismInternship Pilot Program(YCWMIPP)

Citizenship andImmigration Canada

Department of PublicSafety

Service Canada

Status of WomenCanada

Government ofOntarioEmployment Ontario

Ontario Ministry ofCitizenship andImmigration

Ontario Ministry ofTraining, Colleges andUniversities

Ontario Women’sDirectorate

City of TorontoCommunity ServicePartnerships Program

City of Toronto Parks,Forestry and Recreation

Ontario Works

Identify ‘N’ ImpactFund

Investing inNeighbourhoods

Youth Employment andLocal LeadershipProgram

FoundationsCanadian Women’sFoundation

CHUMCity ChristmasWish Foundation

CIBC World MarketsChildren’s Foundation

Geoffrey H. WoodFoundation

Laidlaw Foundation

Leacross Foundation

Levi-Strauss Foundation

Raptors Foundation

S.M. Blair FamilyFoundation

Trillium Foundation

Youth Challenge Fund

BusinessesAir Jamaica

All by Sara Boutique

All Fair Renovations

Amera’s Fashion

BaySt HR

Best Buy Brampton

Canada Bread CanadaLtd.

Carlson HotelsWorldwide

Carlson Wagonlit VictorTravel

CH2M Hill

Citifinancial

Classy Bed & Bath

Colonia TreuhandManagement Inc.

Coopers Office Supply

Crawford Chondon &Partners LLP

Credit Union Central ofOntario

Devine Skin TherapyWellness Spa

Edward Day Gallery

Enbridge GasDistribution

Fortinos

Fraser Milner CasgrainLLP

H.G. Porritt Real EstateInc.

Half Moon

Holiday Inn TorontoAirport East

Home Xcent

IBM Canada Ltd.

IBM EmployeeCharitable Fund

Insight Canada

Intuitive TouchTherapies

Jessie Eden Productions

Kacaba Vineyards

K&K Enterprises

Kelly Services

Leywaite Maintenance

Loblaws

Maximum Woman

National Silicates

Nick Gallo, Plan Group

No Frills

OMNI DiversityTelevision

Ontario Energy SavingsL.P.

People and ProcessSolutions

R & B Auto Detailing

Rainbow Creation

RBC Financial Group

Richard Tang, FranklinTempleton Investments

Rovili’s Petworld

Scotiabank Group

Small Office Mentors

Soothing ScentsAromatherapy

Soul Solace

Staples Canada

Stott Pilates

Studio Espinoza

TD Bank FinancialGroup

The CN Tower

The Co-operators

Topnotch

UPS Canada

Via Rail

Western Union Canada

WoodbineEntertainment Group


EducationalInstitutionsHumber Institute ofTechnology andAdvanced Learning

Toronto CatholicDistrict School Board

Toronto District SchoolBoard and variousschools

Toronto Training Board

OrganizationsCaribana

Career EdgeOrganization

Certified GeneralAccountants of Ontario

Fairlawn Avenue UnitedChurch

Findhelp InformationServices

Storefront Humber Inc.

Toronto Hadassah-WIZO

United Food andCommercial Workers -Locals 175 & 633

Women’s ExecutiveNetwork

Individuals Donorsand SponsorsWe would also like toacknowledge thegenerous contributionsof many individualdonors and sponsors.Their support each yearenables us to continueour services tovulnerable individualsand their families.

Mir Ali

Kristine Anderson

Michelle Apollinaro

Rodica Balaci

Mrs. Dragica Barbir

Behrooz Bazhvand

Kay Blair

Portia Branford

Pamela Brewster

Karlene Bromfield

Mr & Mrs Isabel Brown

Elizabeth Callon

Monica Callon

Patricia Callon

Ruth Callon

Aubrey Carrega

Paula Cassin

Sipai Chen

Elisabeth Coulson

Amy B. Crawford

Kathleen Crescenzi

Lynn Cullaton

Marilyn Curtis

Donna Dale

Mrs. Connie Dejak

Husam Dughman

Alexandra Eden

James Eden

Beverly G. Evans

Teresa Foster

Margot Franssen

Jean Fray

Yuxia (Nancy) Han

Laurane Harding

Marika Hare

Maureen Henry

Lucy E. Hume

Yacoub Idris

Dr. Michael Ignatieff,M.P. Etobicoke South

Pranvera Isufaj

Bashi Jibril

Donna Joyette

Pam Kahlon

Eunice Kimani

Fredrick Koh

Kathryn A. Kotris

C.M. Kruitwagen

Sandorne Lugosi

Amy Macfarlane

Patricia Macfarlane

Asha Maharaj

Albina Manaj

Mahes Maheson

Cheryl-Dawn Merith

Lucien Misiak

Mehnoush Modonpour

Alireza Movahed Kia

Jane Nakagawa

Dwayne Nelson

Charis Anita Newton

Magda Nicola

Franklin Osalador

Juno J.L. Piltz

Patricia Plant

Jennifer Ramsay

Lydia Renahan

Lynda Schultz

Rosemary Speirs

Rosemary Sutherland

Jasmine T. Urisk

Jun Valerio

Olenka Wasley

Hazel Webb

Jack Webb

Karen Webb

Christopher Webster

Richard Whyte

Jane Wilson

Karen Wishart

Mary Ruth Woods

Juliea Yonadem

Service Partners


MicroSkills works withmany organizationsacross the City ofToronto, as well asprovincially andnationally, to provideinformation andservices to ourclientele.

CommunityA.C.C.E.SAccess AllianceMulticultural CommunityHealth CentreAlbion NeighbourhoodServices and Albion Boysand Girls ClubArab Community Centre ofTorontoBraeburn NeighbourhoodPlaceCareer Foundation(Completing the Circle)Community of ResponsibleDevelopmentCOSTICredit Counseling Inc.CTI (Breaking the Cycle)Dejinta BeeshaDixon Community ServicesDixon HallDownsview ConflictMediation ServicesErnestine’s Women’sShelterEtobicoke ConflictMediation ServicesFlemingdonNeighbourhood ServicesFYI (For Youth Initiative)Harmony MovementHincks-DellcrestISSRA (Islamic SocialServices and ResourcesAssociation)It’s In MeJean Tweed CentreJobStartJustice for Children andYouthLAMP

Learning EnrichmentFoundation (LEF)MidayntaOn-TrackPathways to Possibilities(PTP)Rexdale CommunityHealth CentreRexdale Community LegalClinicRexdale Women’s CentreSalvation ArmySelf-Help Resource CentreSkills for ChangeSomali Women andChildren’s SupportNetworkSouth Etobicoke LegalClinicSOYATSt. Albans Boys and GirlsClubSyme-WoolnerNeighbourhood & FamilyCentreThistletown CommunityServices UnitThorncliffe NeighbourhoodCentreToronto Workers Healthand Safety Legal ClinicTropicana (AYCE)West Indian VolunteerCommunity SupportServicesWillowdale CommunityLegal ServicesWindfall ClothingWomen’s HabitatWorking Skills CentreWorld Education Service(WES)YMCA (Rexdale YouthResource Centre)Yorktown Family ServicesYouth Without ShelterYWCAHumber Institute ofTechnology and AppliedLearningRyerson UniversityRyerson University - The

Chang School ofContinuing EducationToronto Catholic DistrictSchool Board and variousschoolsToronto District SchoolBoard and various schoolsToronto Training BoardUniversity of TorontoWorld Education Service(WES)York University

GovernmentCity of Toronto andvarious divisionsCanada Revenue AgencyToronto CommunityHousing Corporation

Professional andRegulatory BodiesCGA (Certified GeneralAccountants of Ontario)Wired Woman NetworkProfessional EngineersOntario

FoundationsCanadian Women’sFoundationOntario TrilliumFoundationWomen in MediaFoundation

BusinessesASSET Computer PersonnelCanada’s WonderlandCH2M HILLCIBCCompass GroupDeloitte & ToucheEtobicoke Chamber ofCommerceHallmarkKPMGLevi Strauss FoundationRBC Financial GroupScotiabankTD Bank Financial GroupToronto Board of Trade

Umbrella GroupsA Commitment to Trainingand Employment forWomen (ACTEW)Brighter FuturesCamps UnitedCanadian Federation ofUniversity Women -EtobicokeCoalition of RexdaleOrganizations ServingYouthCommunity SocialPlanning Council ofTorontoConsortium of AgenciesServing InternationallyTrained Persons (CASIP)LINC CoordinatorsEtobicoke CAP NetworkEtobicoke Chamber ofCommerceEtobicoke EmploymentService Delivery NetworkJSW Advisory CommitteeJSW CoordinatorsNational Visible MinorityCouncil on Labour ForceDevelopmentNorth EtobicokeRevitalization Project(NERP)Ontario Council ofAgencies ServingImmigrants (OCASI)Ontario Network ofEmployment Skills TrainingProjects (ONESTEP)Rexdale CommunityNetwork News (RCNN)Rexdale NeighbourhoodAction TableRexdale PartnersTESL OntarioToronto Board of TradeToronto CED NetworkToronto ERC NetworkVoluntary Sector InitiativeWest Toronto Women’sServices NetworkWomen’s CED Council

1984-85 Incorporation. Beganmicrofilm/office skillstraining for immigrantwomen.

1987-88 Relocation. Expandedtraining programs to serveimmigrant and racialminority women.

1991-92 Recognized as settlementagency by Ontariogovernment – NSP grantawarded.

1992-93 Commenced LINC classes.Delivered communityworkshops.

1994-95 10th anniversary. OpenedCareer Resource Centre.Began apprenticeshipaccess project for racialminority individuals.

1995-96 Capacity building –organization restructuring/ funding diversification.Strategic plan. SecuredUnited Way funds towardsservice expansion

1996-97 Program / servicerestructuring. Businessplan developed. Launchedself-employment programfor women. BecameUnited Way memberagency.

1997-98 Relocation, refinement.Opened EmploymentResource Centre, withspecialized services toimmigrants. Beganchildminding services.

1998-99 Service plan modification.Opened Women’sEnterprise and ResourceCentre (WERC) forimmigrant and racialminority women.

1999-00 Established Women’sTechnology Institute.Developed pilot LINCcurriculum for foreigntrained IT professionals.

2000-01 Began Job SearchWorkshop for ImmigrantsProgram, ESL classes, Self-Employment program forimmigrant women ITprofessionals. New 5-yearstrategic plan – servicesustainability focus.

2001-02 Refined 5-year plan. Begandelivery of TOEFL classes.Opened IT ResourceCentre. EstablishedCorporate Spirit Award.

2002-03 Opened satellite JSWprogram in partnershipwith Syme-WoolnerCentre. Established newpartnership projects:Dixon NeighbourhoodYouth Centre, EtobicokeComputer Access Projectto bring public accesscomputers to immigrantserving agencies at 11sites.

2003-04 Organizational review,new plan, new vision.Established HomeChildcare Self-Employmentprogram to developculturally sensitivechildcare services. BeganBridging to Technologyprogram forinternationally trainedwomen, Opened JobTrackCentre.

2004-05 Designated TDA for ITApprenticeship trades.Partnered with HumberITAL, TDSB, TCDSB andCity to deliver after schoolprograms and pre-apprenticeship project toimmigrant and racialminority youth.Established West TorontoWomen Services Network.

2005-06 Opened Job Connect forInternationally TrainedIndividuals. Partnered withTCHC to deliver tenantengagement services.Established Women’sLeadership Award.

2006-07 Expanded women andnewcomer services toNorth York/Scarborough,south Etobicoke. Expandedyouth services: launchedBridge to Success programin partnership with NorthAlbion Collegiate,organized youth exchangeto Newfoundland, beganYouth Employment andLocal Leadership program(YELL). Received the 2006Minister’s Award forExcellence in ServiceResults (MAESR) fromMTCU. Developed 3-yearstrategic plan (2007-2010)

2007-08 Opened new location insouth Etobicoke to providespecialized services forwomen. EstablishedMicroSkills Centre ofExcellence for Women andNewcomers in eastToronto. Began Pathwaysto Employment forNewcomers (PEN)program. EstablishedCH2M HILL ResourceCentre. Received theTRIEC IS award forinclusive HR practices.Received Minister’s SilverAward for Excellence inService Quality fromMTCU.

A brief history of MicroSkills


HelpingYou Build aBetter Future

Our Locations

Head Office1 Vulcan StreetToronto, ONM9W 1L3

Centre ofExcellence for

Women and Newcomers200 Consumers Road, 9th Floor

Toronto, ONM2J 4R4

Women’sEmployment

Services140 Islington Ave

Toronto, ONM8V 3B6

Business andTechnology Services

forWomen7 & 9 Vulcan Street

Toronto, ONM9W 1L3

Youth Centre235 Dixon Road,Units 12 & 106Toronto, ONM9P 2M5

CommunityOutreach

Office2468 Eglinton Ave W

Toronto, ONM6M 5E2

Tel: 416.247.7181 • Toll Free: 1.877.979.3999Fax: 416.247.1877 • Email: [email protected]

www.microskills.ca A United WayMember Agency

partnering for chang e - microskills · helping you build a better futur e. ......

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