2010 was a very successful year for the CLC’s Community Economic Development (CED) program.
As part of its CED program, CLC operates a contract laundry service, where our members do laundry on a commercial basis for clients in the community, such as gyms, doctor’s offices, spas and community organizations.
This program provides our members with the opportunity to develop work experience and life skills, while building self-esteem and earning a little extra money at the same time.
Highlights
· The 2010 CED Program has delivered the personal development, growth training and mentoring to 34 members of the CLC. Not only did this benefit the individuals themselves, but it has also provided a pool of members ready to take on CED roles when opportunities arise.
· Establishment and implementation of working relationships with Families Matter (FM) and its CED project.
· Our members continue to be our biggest success. 34 CLC members were involved in the CED Program in 2010; of those, 29 are currently engaged on a weekly basis.
· In 2010, among the 34 participants, CED had 6 single parents, 5 mentally ill individuals and 8 adults with developmental disabilities.
· Since CED was launched in 2003, 63 per cent of trainees have successfully transitioned to positions of greater responsibility; (e.g. one former participant has now been accepted to college; another found a part-time job).
· A waiting list to access the program is now in place.
· All CED participants complete “asset mapping,” an exercise in which they evaluate their own performance and identify goals. Average participant responses have indicated overall improvement at each assessment. Members’ stories consistently describe improvements as a result of participating in the CED program. They are able to realize the progress they are making.
· In 2010, the CED program reached $78,501 in revenue, or 40 per cent of CLC’s annual budget.
· The CED program has consistently grown and expanded its support to the CLC members at large during 2010. Not only is the program building stronger, healthier individuals, it is also contributing to a stronger Laundry Co-op and Ottawa community.