“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”

Volunteers of varying abilities make an increasingly important contribution to social and economic wellbeing in society today. This vast and often untapped market of potential volunteers represents a significant portion of our society. As such, including this group in our recruitment plans aids us in diversifying our talent pools.

Ensuring that volunteering is inclusive and open to all is not easy. It requires an active commitment and hard work from many individuals throughout organizations. It requires a commitment to provide meaningful assignments for volunteers, and an acceptance from employees at all levels to welcome all volunteers to join the team.

In some cases, it is hoped that these actions can introduce basic job skills to volunteers. Then, conceivably they may develop and learn enough skills to enter the job market thus, in some cases, breaking a cycle of poverty and dependence on outside assistance. Together we are empowering people to make positive changes in their lives.

The provincial government has introduced a program that will assist with breaking down some of the barriers that exist in bringing volunteers of various abilities into our organizations. The Rewarding Work strategy was created to reduce poverty and to support sustainable employment. Of this overall strategy, the Rewarding Volunteer Benefit is just one aspect.

The Rewarding Volunteer Benefit began in February 2009. It allows persons with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) who do volunteer work to receive an extra monthly benefit. The benefit will encourage and reward volunteerism and cover related costs. People who volunteer at least four times per month will receive $50. People who volunteer at least eight times per month will receive $100 per month.

Tim Herkert, has been a Project Specialist (Family Services and Housing) two years with the Community Services Delivery division of the Department of Family Services & Housing and with the Department for over 25 years. In that time, he has held many roles including Income Assistance Counsellor, Program Specialist, EIA Director and as an FSH Area Director. He was also the Director of the Social Services Appeal Board for a number of years.

Presently, Tim is with a special projects unit that plans, supports and assists in initiating strategic service delivery initiatives across the range of supports being provided to Manitobans by the Department of Family Services & Housing. These include delivery of income assistance, vocational rehabilitation, children’s special services, support living, and childcare programs.

On Thursday November 19, 2009 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Westwood Community Church (401 Westwood Drive) MAVA will proudly present Tim Herkert as he brings information about:

“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers
to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”

Plan to join us for this informative event.