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Employment agency to temporarily close its doors due to financial losses

IMAGE. Supplied by Choices Association of Fort McMurray.

Choices Association of Fort McMurray announced it will take a financial hiatus until further notice.

The non-profit employment agency located in downtown Fort McMurray will also suspend client services as of Oct. 30, 2020.

Rhonda Robinson, Executive Director of Choices, said the decision is due to financial shortfalls.

“It is with deepest regret that we are announcing a temporary closure of our agency as we take some time to strategize at a board level how, and if, we can continue to operate and serve the community in the wake of a devastating funding loss to our Employment Program (EP).”

Choices Association provided employment support and expanded opportunities for people with varying abilities for 50 years.

Through the EP, Choices also provided counselling, training, skill enhancement programs and other services to their clients.

“This is a decision that has not come lightly as the impact of our closure will be far-reaching, affecting our clients’ ability to secure and retain employment, our collaborative efforts with our partner agencies, and on our staff who are the front lines of our organization.”

In 1991, the Alberta government awarded Choices with a contract for the EP under ‘Career and Employment Services for Individuals with Multiple Barriers in the RMWB’.

In their most recent three-year contract, Choices supported 606 individuals averaging a 95 per cent success rate for gainful employment.

Choices’ typical clients are individuals with physical or mental barriers or various health issues.

Robinson said the delivery of EP locally is an important factor to the program’s success.

“Our clients have come to rely on and trust our staff, often building relationships through face-to-face interactions and consistent follow up. These relationships significantly contribute to an individual’s ability to maintain their employment through the program.”

Clients from the Choices Association previously delivered Photo Radar in Fort McMurray.

RELATED: Photo radar changes puts Choices Association at risk

Choices staff remain committed to supporting the region’s vulnerable populations.

Their clients participate in various boards and committees and provide expertise in local employment and social profit sectors.

Robinson said Choices will continue providing updates to their clients, partners, and the community as the financial situation develops.