The Calgary Employment Resource Centre (ERC) supports job seekers with disability and mental health-based barriers to discover their skills and interests and plan for a career that best aligns with their values. Participants are assisted to develop their resume, action plan, and connect to training or educational opportunities that suit their needs. We offer a variety of virtual workshops to help participants build confidence and practice skills like interviewing and professional communication. Our team builds relationships with the local business community and facilitate talent matches that last.

• Samantha Grabinsky (she/her), Senior Program Manager
• Akinyi Aboka, Career & Inclusion Consultant
• Courtney Lanouette (she/her), Career and Inclusion Consultant/ Intake Coordinator
• Gene Lachica (he/him), Career and Inclusion Consultant
• Jae Lee (he/him), Workplace Inclusion Strategist
• James Bancroft(he/him) – Workplace Inclusion Strategist
• Marnie Quan (she/her), Career and Inclusion Consultant
• Nikkitta Miller (she/her) – Career & Inclusion Consultant
• Reham Jadallah (she/her) – Career & Inclusion Consultant
• Ricardo Yepez (he/him), Career and Inclusion Consultant
• Sarah French (she/her)- Workplace Inclusion Strategist
• Zehra Voong (she/her), Intake Coordinator

Learn more about the Calgary ERC team HERE

• Calgary Employment Resource Centre – 2024 AGM Report

  In 2024, the Calgary Employment Resource Centre (CERC) continued to be a pillar of support for job seekers with disabilities, providing career services, workplace inclusion consulting, and community engagement. Through individualized support and employer partnerships, the CERC empowered participants to build their careers, gain confidence, and connect with meaningful employment opportunities.

  Key Achievements

• 75 job seekers with disabilities received career services, including self-discovery, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, and on-the-job support.

  • 25 youth participated in the Gateway Employment Transitions (GET-Work Project), gaining training and real-world work experience.
  • 25 job seekers received support through IDEA Works, a national initiative helping individuals with disabilities access employment, training, or self-employment opportunities.
  • 25 participants engaged in the Workforce Inclusion Partnership Project, connecting them to meaningful and sustainable employment.

  Over 100 employers received workplace inclusion consulting and talent matching services to help create accessible and inclusive hiring practices.

  87 workshops hosted:

  • 18 in-person workshops
  • 69 virtual workshops

  Community Engagement & Events

  CERC staff hosted, attended, or participated in major events promoting workplace inclusion, employment equity, and professional networking, including:

  • Embracing Diversity: Workplace Inclusion for Black People with Disabilities (LinkedIn Live Event)
  • Bridging Possibilities – Professional Networking Brunch
  • YYC Collisions Happy Hour & HR Trivia Night with ADP and GEDI Hub
  • 3rd Annual Lawn Bowling Mixer
  • INCLUSIFY Career Fair & Employer Information Sessions
  • Queerly Disabled – Sponsorship & Event Hosting
  • DEAM 2024 Events: Career 360, Inclusion Perks, Cheers to Inclusion
  • Festive Open House & YYC Stampede BBQ Lunch

  Impact Story

  “Finding a job is never easy, but the amazing team at Gateway go above and beyond to support participants every step of the way. From resume building to working directly with hiring managers, they are dedicated to finding employment that fits your skills and aspirations. The CERC isn’t just a program—it’s a community. I am truly grateful for all the help I received while seeking employment. Thank you, Gateway!”

  In 2024, the Calgary Employment Resource Centre helped job seekers gain employment, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging in the workforce. With strong employer partnerships and a growing community presence, the CERC continues to drive change, foster inclusion, and create career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Check out the full Disability Services Family Resource Centre Report here!

The Gateway Association Family Resource Centre (FRC) is located on Treaty 6 territory. Founded by families that envisioned a “gateway to a better life”, our Family Resource Centre is here for families supporting loved ones across all ages with disabilities (developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or neurological) and/or health conditions impacting their well-being, independence and social participation.

The ultimate goal of our Family Resource Centre is to enhance each family’s expertise on their own children and provide concrete resources that can ease the journey as the family navigates the next steps. Our FRC team is made up of families, neurodiverse individuals, and multiple ethnicities that have varied experiences. The team partners with various organizations to continually increase our diversity of thought and capacity to work with all families.

• Sahana Parameswara (she/her), FRC Director, Executive Director
• Betty Hahn-Sidor (she/her), Planning Supports Manager
• Fiona Wilson (she/her), Fund Development Manager
• Jacqueline Dymianiw (she/her), Family Resource Centre Coordinator
• Li Li (she/her), Family Resource Centre Coordinator
• Miriam Ading (she/her), Family Support, Anti-Racism & Equity Strategist
• Shelley Meadahl (she/her), Family Resource Centre Coordinator
• Stacy Grainger-Schatz (she/her), Planning Supports Manager
• Yonique Ritch (she/her), Family Resource Manager

Learn more about FRC team members HERE

DS FRC Report 2024 Final

In 2024, the Family Resource Centre (FRC) continued to be a vital support for families navigating the complexities of Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), and Family Support Services (FSS). The FRC directly served 1,575 families through workshops, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), scheduled meetings, and presentations. A steady influx of calls from families at various stages of their journey underscored the ongoing need for clear guidance and support mechanisms, particularly in navigating contracts, overcoming technology barriers, and addressing language, cultural, and geographical challenges.

This year, the FRC facilitated 61 workshops, with 56 held virtually and 5 in-person, reaching a total of 306 participants. In addition to direct supports, the FRC made significant strides in expanding outward-facing resources, including translated workshop leaflets and videos to better serve diverse community members. These efforts were made possible through our partnership with Multicultural Health Brokers (MCHB) and have allowed us to provide materials in various formats, offer translation services, and schedule sessions that accommodate different family needs.

By addressing accessibility and capacity-building challenges, the FRC continues to empower families, ensuring they have the knowledge, tools, and support needed to navigate systems effectively.

See the full 2024 report HERE

MentorAbility is a national initiative that connects job seekers with disabilities with employers/mentors in their prospective fields of interest.

Gateway has been one of the facilitating organizations in Alberta for several years, facilitating mentorships in Northern Alberta.

At the end of 2023, we became the single facilitating agency for Alberta with 3 team members – two in Calgary and one in Edmonton.

• Susannah Twase (she/her) – Southern Southern Alberta Hub Facilitator/ Communications and Marketing

• Alia Aluma (she/her) – Southern Alberta Hub Facilitator/ Communications and Marketing

• Jamie Thiessen (they/them) – Northern Alberta Hub Facilitator

• Ashton Bennett (she/her) – Communications and Marketing

In 2024, MentorAbility Alberta continued to foster meaningful mentorship opportunities, supporting individuals, and employers in building more inclusive workplaces. Through our program, we facilitated 54 mentorship matches, creating direct connections that empowered job seekers with disabilities and strengthened employer awareness of inclusive hiring practices.

Our commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building was evident through 11 virtual workshops, engaging approximately 200 participants in discussions on mentorship, accessibility, and inclusive employment strategies.

Beyond workshops, MentorAbility Alberta actively contributed to the broader conversation on disability inclusion, hosting, participating in, or attending 73 events. These events—held in collaboration with community organizations, employers, and advocacy groups—amplified the importance of mentorship and fostered lasting relationships between job seekers, employers, and industry leaders.

Through these collective efforts, MentorAbility Alberta reinforced its role as a catalyst for change, driving equity and opportunity within Alberta’s employment landscape.

The Employment Resource Centre (ERC) supports participants to find meaningful, paid, employment and meets them where they are at throughout the process. We provide holistic supports and ensure that participants receive resources, and community referrals not only for their employment goals but also for other aspects of their life such as mental health resources. We continue to impact multiple facets of peoples lives by supporting them to find meaningful employment in areas they are passionate about while also supporting people to build their confidence, capacity, skills, make new connections and connect with community.

•  Ashleigh Benson (she/her)
  Manager of Edmonton Employment Resource Centre

  Cassie Shaw (she/her)
  Career and Inclusion Consultant

  Emma Kieftenbeld (she/her)
  Workplace Inclusion Strategist

  Jasmine Hasiuk(she/her) – on maternity leave- Intake & Mentorship Coordinator

  Kazeem Abolaji (he/him)
  Workplace Inclusion Strategist

  Menda Tesfaye-Visser (she/her)
  Workplace Inclusion Strategist

  Sandra Zilka (she/her)
  Program Coordinator/Database & Office Manager

  Skye Gladu (she/her)
  Career & Inclusion Consultant

  Taiba Hamza (she/her)
  Intake Coordinator

Learn more about the Edmonton ERC HERE

Edmonton Employment Resource Centre – 2024 Impact Summary

In 2024, the Edmonton Employment Resource Centre continued to be a hub of opportunity, connection, and empowerment, helping individuals secure employment, build community, and navigate major life transitions. Through our diverse programs and personalized support, we have seen participants gain stability, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose in their careers.

Key Achievements

88 workshops delivered:

• 20 in-person sessions
• 68 virtual sessions

70 participants completed career exploration, became job-ready, and gained clarity on their next steps.

35 participants successfully obtained and retained employment, transitioning into meaningful careers.

 A highlight was a participant securing a managerial role in communications with the Canadian Cancer Society—a position they had applied for in the past. When the opportunity resurfaced, the hiring manager reached out personally, recognizing the participant’s potential. This success story showcases the power of perseverance, skill-building, and strategic job searching facilitated through our programs.

Beyond Employment: Creating Lasting Impact

• Empowering participants to eliminate isolation, find stability, and gain a sense of purpose through meaningful employment.
• Providing interview attire for those who couldn’t afford new clothing, boosting confidence for job seekers.
• Supporting participants beyond employment, including connections to post-secondary education, driving supports, and other essential resources.
• Retaining long-term employment by offering accessible support when challenges arise.
• Strengthening partnerships with other service providers, increasing job outcomes and career advancement opportunities.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Presented at four conferences and delivered two major employer presentations.
• Career 360 was a major success, connecting job seekers with industry professionals.
• Expanded collaborations with employer partners and community organizations, fostering new opportunities for participants.

In 2024, the Edmonton Employment Resource Centre was more than just a place to find a job—it was a community where people could dream bigger, build resilience, and move forward with confidence. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to supporting individuals in their career journeys, strengthening our partnerships, and creating pathways to success for all.

The Inception:

With Alberta and Canadian workplaces currently experiencing workforce shortages, especially because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and with these shortages only projected to become larger in the next 10-15 years, Gateway Association was able to quickly identify an opportunity to formally and continue to support Alberta employers in becoming more inclusive. Utilizing proven workforce strategies such as equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and leaning into our existing 10+ years’ experience in supporting job seekers and employers informally through our employment program, plans for a provincial EDI resource centered were created.

The GEDI-Hub officially launced in February of 2022 and is Alberta’s first and only free workplace EDI resource centre. The GEDI-Hub offers customized consultations, free weekly workshops, and offers other resources located through the website. The team of Diversity and Engagement Consultants are located across the province and meets each workplace where they currently are in their EDI journey- whether starting from the beginning or finalizing an existing strategy!

The GEDI-Hub is a “one-stop-shop” in helping workplaces build their EDI capacity and knowledge. The GEDI-Hub is funded by the Government of Canada and its services will be offered at no cost to workplaces.

In addition to supporting workplaces, the GEDI-Hub will support the promotion of employment-focused service providers through a service provider directory and marketing activities. The GEDI-Hub also connects and introduces workplaces to a diverse talent pool of job seekers through a network of Alberta service providers. once launched, the Hub assists with all types of workplaces and organizations – ranging from small to enterprise-level and for and not for profit.

• Shannon Black (she/her), Marketing and Communications
• Nishan Yihalem (she/her), Program Administrative Assistant
• B Adair (he/him): Diversity and Engagement Consultant
• Judy Sillito (she/her), Partner – Consultant through Multicultural Health Brokers
• Rosanna Mascarenhas (she/her), Diversity and Engagement Consultant
• Vincent Wells (he/him), Diversity and Engagement Consultant
• Lauren Migrino (she/her), Diversity and Engagement Consultant
• Carol Sun (she/her), Community Engagement Lead
• Nafiaa Alokla (he/him), Diversity and Engagement Consultant, Multicultural Health brokers
• Stephen Wright (he/him), Diversity and Engagement Consultant
• Nazarana Lalji (she/her), Diversity and Engagement Consultant
  

• Sascha Thompson (he/him) – Videographer

  Alex Lutzko (she/her) – Diversity & Engagement Consultant

Learn more about the GEDI-Hub team HERE

Gateway to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Hub – 2024 AGM Summary

In 2024, the GEDI-Hub continued to be a leading force in workplace EDI education and consulting, supporting thousands of employers and service providers in building more inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplaces. As we transition into the next phase of GEDI’s legacy, we celebrate the milestones achieved, the impact made, and the groundwork laid for sustainable change.

Key Achievements

• 4,541 employers engaged with GEDI-Hub to enhance their EDI learning and workplace practices.
• 370 workplaces received customized EDI training and consulting to build their capacity, knowledge, and skills.
• 100+ service providers attended GEDI-Hub workshops, strengthening the broader ecosystem of inclusive employment support.
• 108 public workshops delivered in 2024, covering a wide range of EDI topics and best practices.

Impact & Growth

✅ 88% of participants would recommend GEDI-Hub’s workshops.
✅ 87% of participants felt empowered to create positive change in their workplaces.
✅ Expansion of employer engagement – GEDI-Hub’s reach has grown, influencing thousands of organizations.
✅ Development of the GEDI Learning Journey (Legacy Project) & Inclusive HR Toolkit, to be finalized in early 2025.
✅ EDI Learning Journey Platform launched, ensuring ongoing access to GEDI-Hub’s training materials.

Building a Sustainable Future

• As GEDI-Hub transitions into its next phase, its legacy will continue through new platforms, tools, and partnerships. Looking ahead, GEDI aims to:
• The launch the EDI Learning Journey platform for long-term accessibility.
• Continue supporting small and medium-sized businesses with EDI consulting.
• Strengthen employer-job seeker connections by ensuring workplaces implement EDI strategies.
• Host more intersectional employment events for Indigenous, racialized, and disability communities.
• Deepen collaborations with HR organizations to support sustainable workforce strategies.

In 2024, GEDI-Hub created real, lasting change—not just for employers, but for entire industries and communities. As we move forward, the work continues, ensuring that inclusive employment remains a priority, not a trend.

Gateway to Digital Inclusion (GTDI) is a Digital Literacy program for Alberta residents, age 18 and older, who self-identify as having a disability-based barrier. This program was designed to help people gain the basic digital skills to engage online and keep up with the changing digital world. Through a series of interactive online workshops, field trips, courses, and tutorials; participants can build online connections and network, create digital content, have a digital presence, and build employable digital skills. After intake, participants can sign up for any of the workshop they are interested in, repeat workshop if they choose, and access digital literacy tutoring sessions. Gateway to Digital Inclusion helps participants build the digital skills and confidence to work, play, and engage online in a way that is meaningful to them.

• Lee Pilkington (she/her), Project Lead, Digital Literacy Coordinator YYC
• Toby Grant – Digital Literacy Coordinator

Learn more about the GTDI team HERE

Gateway to Digital Inclusion (GTDI) – 2024 AGM Impact Summary

• In 2024, the Gateway to Digital Inclusion (GTDI) Program continued to empower individuals from the pan-disability community by equipping them with essential digital skills to live, work, and engage in the digital world with confidence. This unique program has grown significantly since its inception in 2021, exceeding expectations and expanding its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of participants.

Key Achievements

67 Albertans participated in the GTDI program, gaining vital digital skills for employment, community engagement, and daily living.

160 workshops were delivered online, for a total of 339 sessions covering topics tailored to participant needs.

1,386 workshop seats filled throughout the year, with an additional 42 one-on-one tutoring sessions provided for personalized learning support.

Steady program growth & waitlists introduced – As awareness of GTDI spread, participation surged, requiring waitlists for some sessions. The curriculum expanded based on participant feedback, offering new, in-demand topics.

Real-World Impact

GTDI’s influence extends far beyond technical training—it transforms lives. Participants shared that the skills they developed helped them:
✅ Complete tasks more efficiently in their jobs
✅ Apply for additional training and post-secondary education
✅ Engage more actively in their communities
✅ Advocate for themselves and others in digital spaces

By exceeding funder expectations and continuously adapting to participant needs, the GTDI program remains a critical resource for digital empowerment, breaking barriers and ensuring that all individuals have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.