A program at the Employment Services Centre of Prescott and Russell (CSEPR) which which supports the employability and professional development of people with disabilities has been extended. The InterActions project is being extended through continued partial support from the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
The announcement was made in Hawkesbury on Monday, June 15.
This renewed funding will allow 20 additional participants to join the program, bringing the total number of individuals supported since its inception to 137. The InterActions program focuses on concrete, person-centred interventions that promote sustainable workforce integration, including skills development, personalized coaching, and long-term employment support.
Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli said the program creates employment opportunities for people in the community.
United Counties of Prescott and Russell Warden Mario Zanth said the program encourages a more inclusive society.
“The positive outcome will ripple for years to come,” he said.
CSEPR President Carl Portelance said the additional funding is $164,000.
“This is an investment that can transfer the trajectory of lives,” he said.
Individuals with disabilities often face barriers to employment. The InterActions program allows them to develop the confidence and skills to achieve greater independence needed for employment.
Josée Lalande of CSEPR who oversees InterActions said the program began with 121 people in 2023, and so far, 62 of those participants are now employable.
