CCI officially launches MentorAbility Hub

Career Connections Inc. officially launched its role as Manitoba’s new MentorAbility hub last week, with leaders across government and Indigenous communities lauding its long-standing commitment to inclusive employment.

Representing Brandon East MLA Glen Simard, executive assistant Ray Berthelette delivered congratulations on behalf of the provincial government, calling the appointment “a significant milestone, not only for your organization, but for communities across the province.”

“Career Connections Inc. has long demonstrated leadership in advancing inclusive employment opportunities and supporting Manitobans in building meaningful careers,” Berthelette said. “Being selected as the provincial hub reflects the organization’s strong community partnerships and commitment to accessibility and equity.”

MentorAbility, co-ordinated nationally by the Canadian Association of Supported Employment, connects job seekers with disabilities with employers for mentorships that build workplace confidence and networks.

MLA Colleen Robins shared a personal connection to the work, telling attendees she has a cousin with disabilities who participates in programming similar to Career Connections.

“It fills my heart,” Robins said, describing how she met a participant who spoke enthusiastically about his winter employment and the opportunity it gave him. A former small business owner herself, Robins said she and her husband once participated in a school-based work program through their grocery store and gas station.

“Inclusion doesn’t just happen — employers have to choose to be part of it,” she said.

In a virtual address, Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen congratulated Career Connections on what he called a well-deserved recognition.

“MentorAbility couldn’t have chosen a better organization or a better community to partner with,” Balcaen said. “Rushana and her team have been leading with heart, integrity and a deep belief in the strengths of the people you support.” He said the new role reflects the trust and confidence the organization has earned province-wide.

Elder Frank Tacan of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation grounded the event in a message of unity and respect. He spoke about the importance of nations coming together on Turtle Island and urged attendees to see people for who they are, rather than focusing on outward differences.

“We’ve got to stop blaming people. We’ve got to see their heart,” Tacan said. “We’re all human beings … different language, different culture, religion — but let’s come together.” He welcomed attendees to Treaty territory and closed with a prayer in his language, encouraging honesty, kindness and love.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett called Career Connections “a great organization” and described its new role as a “super fit.”

“It almost guarantees success,” Fawcett said, noting the seamless alignment between MentorAbility’s goals and the organization’s decades of experience supporting employment pathways.

The launch marked more than a program expansion; it was a statement about the kind of community Brandon and Manitoba strive to be, executive director Rushana Davy said.

“For over five decades, we have worked to remove barriers and build bridges to employment,” Davy said. “Today, we expand that bridge even further.”

She thanked municipal and provincial leaders, businesses, funders and community partners, emphasizing that inclusion requires collaboration. Employers, she said, are essential partners in creating inclusive workplaces and strengthening the regional workforce.

“MentorAbility doesn’t change CCI’s direction; it strengthens it,” Davy said. “It allows us to deepen relationships with employers, broaden opportunities for clients, and create those critical moments where perception shifts, confidence grows and doors begin to open.”

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