SOUTHEAST SASKATCHEWAN - An agency dedicated to helping newcomers, people with barriers to employment and others has changed its name to create some simplicity.
An open house was held July 19 to discuss the name change to Southeast Advocates and introduce some of its new staff members to the community. Previously, it was known as Southeast Advocates for Employment, and had Southeast Newcomer Services, Settlement Workers in Schools and Southeast Transitions all under its umbrella.
Those services will continue to be provided, but under the Southeast Advocates name.
Interim executive director Shannon Fodchuk, who works out of the Weyburn office but is also in Estevan, said the agency represents a lot of different program that were being portrayed as their own entity.
"We wanted to bring it back as one, and make it just Southeast Advocates with all of the different programs … under one umbrella," said Fodchuk.
Clients have appreciated the change.
Cali-Marie Mack, who is the co-ordinator of Settlement Workers in Schools, and transition co-ordinator Ojhay Javier are two new faces at Southeast Advocates. They were pleased with the chance to meet the long-time clients and new families. They held a program at the Estevan Public Library on July 24 that also allowed them to meet new people.
"We're taking it step by step," said Javier. "I know we're new in these roles, so we're slowly trying to get to know each and every one of our families, and hopefully in the future there will be much more families and youths and kids that will be joining us in our activities."
Mack was born and raised in Estevan and used to work at the Estevan Daycare Co-operative, giving her lots of experience working with young people. Javier comes to Estevan from the Philippines, and he brings a variety of professional experiences.
"I love this position. I love everything about it," said Mack. "I didn't think, going into it, that I was going to enjoy it as much as I do, but it's something within this one month, I could see myself pursuing it for the rest of my life. Getting to know the staff here and the community, all the connections I have made, I just love everything about it."
Javier added he loves working with the youth.
"As a newcomer, I was given the opportunity to connect with the community," said Javier. "Because of my job, it gives me the chance to get to know other people, connect and co-ordinate with social groups and different organizations."
Mack believes the name change fits because they want to help the entire community. Javier added Southeast Advocates wants people, particularly the kids, to take advantage of the services they provide.
"We're here to help them feel included in the community … and to take advantage of the services, youth events and all the resources. We just want to make sure they have access to the social group, extracurricular activities and education."
Southeast Advocates serves the region and has offices in Estevan and Weyburn. Fodchuk said it has hundreds of clients and 14 staff members between its five programs.
"We're still the same service, open to anyone that needs help," said Fodchuk.
