During the project, the group created a project plan for meeting and completing the tasks, developed a budget, identified the skills that each member brought to the group, developed a process for conflict resolutions, and evaluated at the end. They dry walled, taped, mudded, sanded, painted, and installed a new window. Sonia's unfinished basement was transformed into a new living space. The team not only practiced some technical skills, but learned how to work effectively as a team.

When asked about lessons learned about teamwork, the responses included, "The more fun we have as a group, the better the teamwork, motivation, and the willingness to complete the project." Another response was, "More people mean more ideas."

On April 29th, the 2005 Carpentry class graduated from the Trades Training program. Over 90% of the graduates have already secured full-time employment in their trade.

Congratulations to the graduates!

For more information on the Trades Training program at MCC Employment Development, please contact Anand Stephen at 272-9310 ext. 237.

It would be difficult to meet a person more enthusiastic, energetic, and positive than Greg Maclntyre. He's been with MCC Employment Development as a Life Skills instructor since 1998, and has contributed to the success of over 200 individuals who have passed through his classes.

On April 6th, Greg was recognized by the Calgary Community Adult Learning Association for his contributions to adult learning in Calgary.

Greg is passionate about life long learning. He encourages his students to become involved in learning and also walks his talk by continuing to improve his own level of knowledge and skill.

To him, life is about working through the tough times, learning from your mistakes, constantly improving and growing, and then sharing your knowledge with others. This he does in abundance, freely and generoulsy.

Greg works with participants in the Trades Training Program at MCC Employment Development. The participants consistently rate his classes among their favorites. His classes challenge his participants to look

within, to examine, to risk and to grow. The work is hard and his expectations are high. The classes are highly participatory - no one sits around and just listens. As a result, people learn.

Greg Maclntyre, a Life Skills instructor at MCC Empolyment Development, was recently recongized by C-CALA witht he Life of Learning Award.

Greg brings a lot of life and energy to his classes and to the people around him. He genuinely cares for and about his participants and makes himself available whenever they need to talk or work out a personal issue. His ability to share his knowledge and his love of learning and life is much appreciated and valued by staff and participants. Perhaps the greatest gift he gives his participants is the gift of hope for a better future.
Congratulations Greg!

Gabi Townsend

Many immigrants come to Canada hoping to build a new life. However, for immigrants with international training, it is often difficult to secure a job in Canada where their professional skills are recognized.

To address this issue, MCC Employment Development - in conjunction with the Immigrant Access Fund Society - has created the Immigrant Access Fund.

The purpose of this fund is to provide micro-loans to internationally trained immigrants so that they can upgrade their training and pursue canadian accreditations.

Most immigrants arriving in Canada need to find work quickly to cover living costs. Often, they cannot afford expensive re-qualifying programs,

nor repeat their formal training. In additon, their lack of credit history, collateral, or suitable employment limits their access to traditional credit sources for education upgrading. The longer immigrants work ouside their area of expertise, the harder it is for them to re-enter.

With a small loan, immigrants can fund an accreditation process that allows them to work in their chosen profession. The Immigrant Access Fund is designed to assist immigrants to initiate the process of licensing and accreditation and secure employment in their profession or trade.

For more information on the Immigrant Access Fund or to apply for a loan, please call Anand Stephen at 272-9310 ext. 237.

On April 20th, MCC Employment Development celebrated the work of our volunteers. Three very special people were recognized for their commitment to the organization for more than ten years!

Dave Heinze, Don Thurston and Wayne Boss were each recognized for 10 years of volunteer contributions to MCC Employment Development.

Dave Heinze has been teaching our small business participants about understanding financial statements over the years. He has just started a new workshop on increasing profitability. Wayne Boss is also a guest instructor in the Business Development area and focuses on the 'entrepreneurial mind set' that is needed to succeed in small business. Don Thurston, Chair of the Board at MCC Employment Development, was also recognized for ten years of oustanding commitment to the organization.

All three volunteers received the "Silver Maple Leaf of Hope" from the Royal Canadian Mint. The maple symbolizes "a beacon of hope for Canada's newest generation of immigrants,

one that inspires them to believe in their dreams - that good fortune can be found in the shade of the maple tree."

Volunteers play a key role in our organization and are critical to the success of our participants. In 2004, 90 volunteers gave over 1500 hours of their time and talent toward the work of MCC Employment Development. Through their efforts, volunteers provide hope and opportunities for people struggling to make ends meet. Over 50 people attended the Volunteer Appreciation luncheon held at Fort Calgary. It was an opportunity for volunteers to get to know each other and to meet some of the MCC Employment Development Staff. As well, our new Volunteer Coordinator - Kerri Wilkinson was introduced.

Financial Literacy volunteer Emi Adachi and Lisa Hari, Coordinator of Financial Literacy, share a smile at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

Thanks very much to all of the volunteers at MCC Employment Development!

In April 2005, a new program called "Savings Circles" quietly began at MCC Employment Development.

Based on the savings and matching model used at MCC Employment Development, the Savings Circle program has been created to assist people living on low incomes. Participants can save for a specifc assest that will improve their quality of life. Items may include furniture, appliances, eyeglasses, other health costs, or tools for work - to name a few.

During this six month program, participants save on a regular basis while attending money management sessions. After six months their savings are

matched. For every $1 saved by the participant, MCC Employment Development matches it with $3. Participants must purchase their asset within one month of finishing the program. If a person saves $45 each month, by the end of the program, this multiplies to a total of $1000!

This program assists people to not only save for a specific asset, but also to build financial security through developing better money management skills. The first Savings Circles group started in April and the next group will start in September 2005.

Thanks to the United Way of Calgary and Area for funding this new initiative!

For more information on the Savings Circle program, please contact Andrea Shaw at 272-9310 ext. 244.