Inclusion Alberta, a non-profit based in Alberta, is celebrating its 25th year of helping people with intellectual disabilities find jobs.

In the past 25 years, the non-profit has helped 960 people with intellectual disabilities find meaningful jobs as part of its initiative to reverse disproportionate unemployment statistics. The very first person hired through this partnership is now celebrating 25 years at their job.

Inclusion Alberta works with local rotary groups through the Rotary Employment Partnership, a program that connects people looking for work with businesses willing to hire them. The program is also supported by the province and has helped create real job opportunities across the province. Inclusion Alberta currently works with about 165 companies to help more people with intellectual disabilities find and retain meaningful employment.

Most of the people helped by the non-profit have had challenging childhoods but have managed to succeed and grow in the jobs they found. Many are now living independently, earning their own income, and building friendships with co-workers, just like anyone else.

Source: Hannah Kavanagh, CTV News