Disability support agency plans to expand reach

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This article was published 09/06/2025 (290 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Career Connect Inc. (CCI), a long-standing employment support agency for people with disabilities in Westman, has unveiled plans to expand its reach.

The strategic moves are to amplify the organization’s visibility and expand its client base, especially among individuals living with disabilities and facing employment barriers, new executive director Rushana Davy, who assumed office on March 17, told the Sun.

Though new to the organization, Davy, former executive director of the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, said she brings with her a rich background in employment services, having worked previously with Westman Immigrant Services and the YMCA.

To boost visibility, Davy isn’t leaving awareness solely to staff. She is taking a proactive, multi-channel approach, including community outreach, media engagement and strategic partnerships with referral agencies.

“We’re working on solidifying a new strategic plan with our board,” she said. “And that includes how we tell our story — loudly, clearly, and with purpose. We have the right tools, the right team and the right vision. Now, it’s about letting the community know we’re here, and we’re here to help.”

Established over five decades ago, Career Connect Inc. has served hundreds of Manitobans living with disabilities. But Davy wants to change that narrative of invisibility.

“CCI has been doing incredible work, but it’s one of Brandon’s best-kept secrets,” she said. “We want to change that. Too many people are falling through the cracks simply because they don’t know we exist.”

Last fiscal year, the organization provided employment-related services to 389 clients, up from 313 the year before. Davy is confident that with increased outreach, they can support at least 500 clients in the current fiscal year.

“Those numbers reflect referrals from agencies that already know about us,” she explained. “There are many more organizations and individuals out there who could benefit, but just don’t know we’re here.”

Davy explained that one of CCI’s standout tools is the PRO 3000, a comprehensive employment assessment that evaluates interests, aptitudes and academic readiness to provide clients with tailored job recommendations.

CCI defines disability broadly, encompassing not only physical and intellectual disabilities but also mental and social ones. “Some disabilities aren’t visible,” Davy added. “We support clients with ADHD, anxiety and other non-visible conditions. A formal diagnosis isn’t always required.”

Davy acknowledged that both clients and employers face obstacles. Clients often report being undermined or underestimated in the workplace, leading to feelings of devaluation.

“Some employers just don’t understand the capacity of people with disabilities,” she said. “That’s where we come in. Our employment counsellors go into workplaces, support the training process and act as liaisons when misunderstandings arise.”

On the organization’s side, funding remains a challenge. “We’re government-funded, but I’m exploring new and existing funding sources,” she said. “We also plan to relaunch our volunteer program and engage the community more through fundraising and collaboration.”

Beyond increasing client numbers, Davy is working to change how employers view disability. “There’s this misconception that hiring people with disabilities is a burden. But many of our clients are more than capable—they just need a fair chance.”

To that end, she plans to actively educate businesses on the value of inclusive hiring and is developing a social enterprise model to provide clients with hands-on employment experience in areas such as bookkeeping, hospitality and food services.

“I envision a one-stop hub for all employment-related training. Whether it’s a coffee shop or a training facility, the goal is real-world experience under one roof.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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