The Achieving Concrete Essentials (ACE) Program was administered by Tewatohnhi’saktha from August 2017 – March 2021. Tewatohnhi’saktha received $1,508,144 in funds from Service Canada through the Skills and Partnership Fund to administer the ACE program over a 3-year timeframe.
ACE Program Objective
From August 1, 2017 – March 31, 2021, Tewatohnhi’saktha will deliver services to 232 unemployed or under-employed participants, with the aim to enhance their employability while testing the impact of innovative and collaborative solutions, which will assist in addressing a wide range of socioeconomic challenges within this Indigenous community.
Each cohort had the opportunity to experience:
1. On the Job Training
Participants will focus on such topics as interpersonal development, communication skills, employability skills and general awareness on several topics.
2. Professional Mentoring
Guest speakers from various organizations and businesses share employment opportunities, personal success stories, and general career building information.
3. Launching a Business
Real on the job experience, operating and maintaining a business, understanding what goes into the launch and upkeep of a business
Benefits attained at the end of the program included participants:
- Better understanding their personal priorities, including what type of work would best fit their aspirations and potential skills;
- Knowing more about community resources, needs and organizations;
- Having more insight into who they are, including what motivates them;
- Being capable and experienced in the planning and operating of a business;
- Having real on-the-job experience;
- Having increased competence and self-confidence in accomplishing their goals;
- Being oriented towards and having an understanding of social enterprises.
Expected Results
- 232 participants
- Completion Rate = 85%
- 45% Self-employed
- 55% employment in community
Actual Results
- 192 participants (129 youth + 63 young adults)
- Completion Rate = 92% (4 of 6 who dropped obtained other employment
Tóta Ma’s Café
Tóta Ma’s Café is a social enterprise that was established by the ACE 1 cohort in July 2018. Tóta Ma’s Café has provided individuals with the opportunity to implement and improve upon their learned skills of leadership, teamwork, communication and conflict resolution in a real work setting.
The ACE Program received an additional $222,167 for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 fiscal years to help cover some of the operating costs for Tóta Ma’s Café.
Tóta Ma’s Café is currently operational and will be open to serving our community for another year.
