The purpose of this program is to empower participants through social, educational and employment support and rehabilitation services.
The Education & Training program brings community awareness in relation to mental illness and mental health problems through community engagement, presentations and a weekly radio spot on 102.9 CHTM (on Tuesday Mornings- 8:40 AM)
It provides job skills development (resume and cover letter writing interviews skills and employment retention plans), education skills development, wellness and healthy lifestyle programs (Nutrition Program and Gardening Program), peer support and empowerment, capacity building, information and referrals, Transitional Employment Program, motivation to pursue goals, budgeting, Coats for Kids and the Graffiti program
The Education & Training program follows the model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
Connections Clubhouse
The Connections Clubhouse is based on a model of psychosocial rehabilitation and follows the International Clubhouse Standards. It provides support for people with severe and persistent mental illness. Participants in the Clubhouse are called Members and our programs focus on their strengths and abilities, not their illness. The Clubhouse is unique in that it is not a clinical program, meaning there are no therapists or psychiatrists on staff. All clinical aspects of the program have been removed to focus on the independence of the individual, rather than their illness.
Our program provides support for adults who experience a persistent mental illness or mental health problem. We provide an opportunity for member empowerment through peer support and skill development in both group and individual settings. By learning together there are many opportunities to develop patience, concentration, and social skills.
The Members and staff of the Connections Clubhouse work side-by-side to manage all the operations. This provides an opportunity for members to contribute in significant and meaningful ways. Through this environment of support, acceptance, and commitment to the potential contribution and success of each Member, the Clubhouse is a place where people can belong as contributing adults, rather than passing their time as patients who need to be treated. We believe that people with mental illness can successfully live productive lives and work in the community, regardless of the nature or severity of their mental illness.
Our Connections Clubhouse program includes:
Social Recreation Program
Social recreation programming includes all types of activities such as crafts, games, bingo, movies, and creative cooking classes.
Food Services
Want to enhance or learn valuable cooking skills or share your favorite recipe? You can share in the preparation of meals and snacks for Clubhouse activities and other CMHA events.
Other Services
As a Connections Clubhouse Member you will be able to access all of our educational, supportive and lifestyle activities and presentations! This includes our onsite gym.
Benefits of Membership:
- You would belong to a great club that is full of friendly people like you that share some of the same things you may be going through. A place to feel safe and belong.
- Access to programs at the Connections Clubhouse that are free or of little cost to you. Our club is a place to learn life skills, to get volunteer opportunities and to develop employment
experiences. - Motivation to pursue the goal of competitive employment
- Integration into the community
Charlie’s Store
Charlie’s Store is a vocational rehabilitation component of Connections Clubhouse that is funded primarily by The Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada’s Employment Insurance Account. It provides employment opportunities for our Members. The store also provides a service to the community – people can purchase used items that are in good shape at reasonable prices.
The primary goal of the store is to provide valuable work experience to our Members. The secondary goal is to have a positive impact on our environment by eliminating the disposal of items that can be reused.
Our Purpose
Charlie’s Store provides our employees with:
- Pre-transitional employment and job skills training
- On-the-job skill and confidence building opportunities
- Job preparation training and supported employment
- Linkage to other community organizations\
- Motivation to pursue the goal of competitive employment
- Integration into the community
Obtaining work is part of recovery from mental illness.
By exposing our workers to a low stress retail sales environment we are able to develop a wide variety of work skills which include, but are not limited to:
• customer service
• money and time management
• assertiveness
• communication skills
• personal hygiene
As with all of our employment programs through the Connections Clubhouse, workers are provided with a financial work incentive.
Donations
Donors can bring items to the store anytime during working hours. All donated items are tax deductible once the items are sold. Donations can be dropped off during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. We’re closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on these days.
Donations to Charlie’s Store helps to sustain our work experience program, and helps people to rebuild their lives. We exist because of generous donors in our community who want to help us in our mission. With community help our Thrift Store can contribute even more to the successful programs of CMHA Thompson Inc.
Furniture and household items in good condition are donated to Charlie’s Store and our Members work in the store to prepare, display and sell these items. It allows individuals of the community to donate items as charitable contributors, and customers can purchase these items at bargain prices.
Hours of Operation
Sunday Closed
Monday – 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday – 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Closed
Saturday – Closed
Located on 43 Fox Bay.
For any questions or concerns please call Charlie’s Store (204) 677-6055 or email: connections@cmhathompson.ca
Transitional Employment
CMHA’s Transitional Employment Program offers help to individuals who identify having barriers to acquiring employment as a result of mental health issues or concerns. Our employees are gently introduced into the work force through our work programs. The purpose of the Transitional Employment Program is to reduce the effects of anxiety, stress, fear, among other barriers. The right to meaningful employment is a fundamental component of life in a healthy community. Working brings a sense of dignity and self worth as well as a feeling of contributing to, and belonging to, the community.
Maintenance – No positions currently available
Position:
Maintenance Worker
Supervisor:
Education & Training Coordinator
Locations:
43 Fox Bay (Connections Clubhouse & Regional Offices)
31 McGill Place (Transitional Housing & Arrow’s Path)
Age Requirements:
18 and older
Wage:
A training incentive is provided & paid bi-weekly
Job Qualifications:
• Have a positive attitude
• Be dependable
• Be motivated to learn new skills
• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Hours of work:
Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hours may vary to suit the needs of the program as necessary
Duties:
• Working with the Education and Training Support Worker
• Have a positive attitude
• Coordinate maintenance activities
• Complete all cleaning duties as outlined on the Property and Regional Office Maintenance Checklist
• Assist with other maintenance duties as requested by Supervisor
• Ensure all cleaning supplies are maintained and purchased as required
• Attend any relevant training programs and workshops
• Consult with the Self Help Coordinator on an ongoing basis
• Consult with the Education & Training Coordinator on an ongoing basis
Apply:
Education and Training Program Coordinator
43 Fox Bay
Thomspon, MB.
R8N 1E9
Phone # (204) 677-6051
Fax (204) 677-5534
Email: educationtraining@cmhathompson.ca
Charlie’s Store – Positions Available
Position:
Thrift Store Clerk
Supervisor:
Education and Training Coordinator
Education and Training Support Worker
Location:
43 Fox Bay
Age Requirements:
18+
Wage:
A training incentive is provided & paid bi-weekly
Job Qualifications:
• Have a positive attitude
• Be dependable
• Be motivated to learn new skills
• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Hours of work:
Shifts are within the following hours of operation:
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Monday
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Tuesday
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Wednesday
Supervisor will make a schedule, with input by staff as to what works best for their personal schedule. Number of hours worked per week will be on an individual basis.
Duties:
- Prepare donated items for sale in the store (cleaning, sorting, pricing)
- Develop and maintain attractive merchandise displays
- Provide a positive and professional environment for customers
- Complete daily cleaning duties as outlined in the daily task list and as instructed by the Supervisor
- Complete sales transactions and ensure daily cash management is accurate
- Attend any relevant training programs and workshops
- Consult with the Self Help Program Manager on an ongoing basis
- Consult with the Education and Training Program Manager on an ongoing basis
Apply:
Education and Training Program Coordinator
43 Fox Bay
Thomspon, MB.
R8N 1E9
Phone # (204) 677-6051
Fax # (204)677-5534
Email: educationtraining@cmhathompson.ca