Goodwill’s Power of Work Grande Prairie Wins Premier’s Council Award of Excellence in Employment

Grande Prairie (Dec 1, 2017) – Goodwill’s Power of Work Grande Prairie is honored to receive the Premier’s Council Award of Excellence in Employment from the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

“It’s very special for our team to be recognized by the Premier’s Council because it means bringing awareness to Grande Prairie as an inclusive community,” said Sarah Christie-Wurz, Power of Work Grande Prairie Manager. “We are able to help individuals with disabilities find meaningful jobs in Grande Prairie because of the support of the local businesses,” Christie-Wurz added.

Christie-Wurz accepted the award on behalf of Goodwill at the International Day for Persons with Disabilities celebration held at the Paradise Inn and Conference Centre on the evening of December 1^st.

The Premier’s Council Award of Excellence in Employment is “awarded to an individual employer or team that has made a significant contribution to a barrier-free, inclusive work environment,” according to the Alberta Government’s Human Services website.

“As a parent I am most impressed with the ability of the Power of Work Grande Prairie team to work with my daughter whether in the paid position or volunteering,” said George Malcolm whose daughter is a Power of Work participant. “The staff have shown my daughter respect and look beyond her disabilities and in that way, have helped her adjust into the larger community of Grande Prairie and make her feel a part of something larger,” Malcolm  added.

Goodwill’s Power of Work Grande Prairie is a career development program that assists Albertans with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment and volunteer work in their community. The program provides skills building, employment preparation and job coaching. Goodwill also helps employers select fitting candidates by matching individuals’ skill sets and abilities to employers’ needs.

“We are grateful for the Premier’s Council’s acknowledgment of our program’s achievements,” said Dale Monaghan President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Alberta. “Our non-profit is committed to continue working hard to connect Albertans with disabilities to jobs in Grande Prairie,” Monaghan added.

Goodwill’s Power of Work program in Grande Prairie has been running for 16 years. Goodwill is a non-profit and registered charity with a mission to provide career training and employment opportunities for Albertans with disabilities.

Goodwill’s Power of Work has changed its name to “Career Connections” effective Nov 22, 2017.

Here is the list of  the 2017 Premier's Council Award winners

http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/department/premiers-council-award-winners-2017.html