First Nations Voice

PAGE 12 • JULY 2014 Job Quest - Career Services is an Employment Assistance Service program funded by Employment Manitoba that is delivered in the Selkirk and District region by the Selkirk & District Community Learning Centre. Job Quest strives to provide a welcoming and friendly environment where individuals seeking employment are treated with respect and compassion. Staff understands that every individual has a different objective for accessing Job Quest services. Job Quest is there to help unemployed and underemployed Manitobans acquire the essential tools needed to plan for and pursue meaningful employment. The main goal is to help registered clients pursue employment opportunities and take control of their career plan. Job Quest has two facilitators to assist clients in resume writing, interview preparation, job search techniques, career planning and cover letter writing. The Centre, which is located at 511 Robinson Avenue, features a resource area that is open to both clients and the public. The Centre offers free use of computers with internet access, job search related photocopier and fax services, regularly updated job boards, daily newspapers, and a large reference library. Jasmine Paluk, who is program supervisor for Job Quest states, "Job Quest is a great program specifically designed for the diverse clientele that we receive. Our services provide clients with the resources needed to find meaningful employment and pertinent training opportunities." Jasmine believes that going the extra mile for Job Quest clients is rewarding. "Knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone's future is the best feeling, even if it is just providing the resources and information for making better decisions." Administrative Assistant Fayanne Sayer added, "I recently emailed a resume for a client and she received a phone call for an interview that very same day…and after her interview she was hired on the spot." Fayanne knows from personal experience what financial strain means and what it feels like to look for employment under pressure. "For me to be helping others find meaningful employment is very gratifying." Shari Bear-Sinclair and Cherylynn Scramstad are the Job Quest Facilitators. "We enjoy helping people, especially the ones that feel that they have nowhere else to turn. Everybody needs help at some point in their lives and we are here to help better people's lives whether we are just listening or drafting a resume." Shari and Cherylynn enjoy finding the strengths and capabilities in clients and ensuring that they put their best foot forward when entering the job market. "The greatest reward is when clients realize they can believe in themselves." While clients often find meaningful employment others are referred to agencies that can assist in completing education gaps or entering skills building programs. The staff at Job Quest has been told more than once…"your services are the best kept secret in Selkirk. I will use the knowledge I gained time and time again, not only professionally, but personally." And, "the staff is very knowledgeable and caring. I felt very fortunate to be helped by the entire staff & reception staff. Once again, thank-you." If you are new to Selkirk or just require job search assistance, give Job Quest a visit or call at 204 482 2111. Karen Keppler, Selkirk, Manitoba dEvEloP your CarEEr Job Quest Staff, from left Shari Bear-Sinclair, Fayanne Sayer, Cherylynn Scramstad, Jasmine Paluk "Every year on June 24, Francophones in Manitoba celebrate Saint-Jean- Baptiste Day. Winnipeggers from across our city take pride in our country's vibrant French culture. French is not only the founding language of our province, but also one of our two national languages, spoken by 13% of the population in Winnipeg and central to our identity as a creative, diverse and successful society." The reaction to the Chamber de Commerce Francophone de St-Boniface mayoral debates on June 18, 2014 demonstrate that we still have ways to go to creating a completely inclusive and respectful society. While most candidates chose to speak English, Robert felt that to demonstrate respect one should be using the language of the group hosting you, if you have the capacity. Robert Falcon Ouellette was surprised by the reaction of on-line comments and says he "will not be intimidated and will stay undaunted when dealing with the haters that troll the internet." Comments such as "I am proud to be English ONLY... which it should be... but don't worry, your candidate has no chance. Lmfao... now... go to the corner and pick your momma up, she's out there again! You stink so bad of French Indian *bad s word*. You need to wear a mask... lmao. Get over it! You are lower-class. Potholes. No water, brown water. Massive taxes. Crime. filth. That means you. And well I could go on and on." Or "Indian *bad four letter word*... go back to drinking. That's where Indians belong... omg, it's the white man's fault... *bad four letter word* you" only represent a very small vocal minority that must be challenged every day. "This campaign must be about representing our most profound values and fulfilling the great Winnipeg dream of one city, together." "I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day as we continue to working towards a Winnipeg for everyone." Robert-Falcon Ouellette OuELLETTE CAmPAIgN STANDS uP FOR HumAN RIgHTS CuLTuRAL DIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF wINNIPEg

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