Making great 'Changes' for the community
New second hand store in Fredericton provides guidance and training for those deemed unemployable.
To the majority, our store 'Changes' will be perceived as just another quality seconds store, but it's so much more," said Pat Carlson, president and CEO of Changes Non-Profit Enterprises Inc. "Look beyond our array of vintage goods, jewelry, books, household items, clothing and footwear that have been supplied by generous donors and find the community helping others to help themselves." The goal of Changes is to offer renewed or initial retail training to persons, who for any number of reasons are unemployed or deemed unemployable.
"This is our target group," said Carlson. "Our trainee clients if you will. Where you come from is irrelevant, the only important thing is enhancing your employability." The client base could be from the shelters or other agencies such as self-referrals, post-treatment programs or those unable to make ends meet through income assistance. Trainees will be taught sorting, pricing, placement of products, acquiring basic work ethics, customer service and skills training on the cash register and computer.
Currently there are three trainees (clients) on board. Depending on the amount of funding allocated and depending on when that's to occur, they will embark on a six month training program referred to as a "workability program" by Carlson.
Bev, Earl and Amanda are the three trainees who have been selected for the program. Their backgrounds and circumstances are varied, yet are encased within the social assistance system network.
Bev wants to prove her worth through the program and like everyone else, says she simply wants more to life.
"I endured a 22-year abusive marriage that left me physically beat and caused a nervous breakdown," said Bev. "I was called stupid. I know I'm not, but so many times I began to think I was." She emphasizes that though she lives in a shelter, that does not make her a drunk or an addict, which is what's often thought about those in her situation.
Earl, originally from Fredericton, spent years out west working the construction circuit, but finds himself back home living at the men's Fredericton shelter for now. He heard about Changes and knew Carlson from the shelter, so he expressed his interest in the training. He couldn't be happier.
"I am getting the one-on-one training especially in the reading and writing and it's great," he said. "They care, and this program will work."
"The last 30 years have been spent raising my family," says another Changes trainee, Amanda. "I was looking for a way to enter the workforce figuring I have at least 10 years to contribute somehow. I knew that my age and my learning disabilities would restrict me from being considered for a job." Amanda is well aware of the challenges in maintaining appearance and clothing styles in order to maintain jobs.
"In my mind I have designed clothes and my goal is to one day open my very own dress shop. This training could make my dream come true," she said. "I went to see my career councillor who directed me to Changes and its new training program. I was interviewed and am beginning as a volunteer. I'm excited abut this because I'm being taught at a comfortable speed. I'm very at ease here and the trainers encourage us at every turn."
The staff at Changes represent years of experience in the non-profit sector working with and for people who have experienced difficulties in obtaining, maintaining or even being considered for employment. Store manager Rachel O'Regan is one of these people.
"I spent seven years working at a thrift store in British Columbia and then came back to New Brunswick," she said. "When I heard Pat was going to open this store and provide training to those in need I wanted in. Like Pat, helping is my calling.
"For the most part, people react positively in a structured setting which strongly encourages accountability and self-responsibility."
Carlson, former executive director of the Fredericton shelter, is a strong advocate for the disadvantaged and views Changes as a concrete example of leveling the field of employment opportunity for everyone.
Running or operating a non-profit retail store has meant relying on the public and private sector for both funding and labour. It's also the volunteers, who put in whatever hours they can, who provide their training and workforce experience to ensure client training is relevant to today's needs.
Mactaquac resident Carol Guimore, one of seven trainers volunteering at Changes, brings 35 years of experience within the New Brunswick educational system to the table. Her last 14 years were spent as a resource teacher facilitating emotionally and physically challenged children.
Guimore is both enthusiastic and optimistic to impart her literacy and communications expertise with the trainees.
"I will work on an individual basis, do assessments and develop a path for each that takes into account their strengths and weaknesses. The objective is a solid base of self-esteem which enhances their self-confidence. Of course," said Guimore, "being involved in the start-up process of the workability program encompasses the ability to adapt and be flexible on the fly. Pat has entrusted us with building parameters as we grow. It's also great to work with the trainees who are eager to learn and enhance both job and life skills."
To date Changes has established a growing customer base, and developed a client base very interested in the training. Carlson is optimistic about the future of Changes and like other non-profit entities is anxiously awaiting final clarification of the implementation of recommendations recently accepted by the newly formed Provincial Secretariat for Community Non-Profit Organizations.
"Given that this is all brand new, I am sure it will take some time to properly address all the agreed upon recommendations and how, when they will be implemented. The inclusion of the non-profit sector to an advisory board of the new provincial secretariat and the mere mention of stabilized five-year funding are just two points of light that I would point out," said Carlson. "Recognition of the impact the non-profit sector has on our economy is long overdue and this may be the first important step."
According to Statistics Canada information it is estimated that since the year 1999, $61.8 billion is attributed to the non-profit sector's contribution.
This contribution to the gross domestic product produces more employment by 11 times than the automobile industry. It also increased employment by four times then that of agriculture and twice the employment of mining, oil and gas extraction industries.
Changes is located at 173 King St. , Fredericton. Store hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information on Changes or the workability program e-mail changes@nb.aibn.com or call 506-454-1734.
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