Skills for Change
Heather McLean serves as the Senior Director of Programs and Services at Skills for Change since May 2023, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to Employment Services and Newcomer Services. Previously held the position of Executive Director at Hamilton Jewish Family Services, managing social service programs focused on poverty reduction and mental health. Earlier experience includes Programs Manager at The Mississauga Food Bank and multiple roles at Brock University Students' Union, including Director of Food and Beverage and Retail Operations Manager. McLean also contributed as an Adjunct Professor at Niagara College and completed Leadership Niagara, enhancing leadership skills in community contexts. Educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Brock University and various certifications in non-profit leadership, food security, and long-term care administration.
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Skills for Change
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38 Years of Serving Immigrants and Refugees. Skills for Change is known for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends. Skills for change provides new immigrants and refugees with a wide range of social services; free language training, mentoring, bridging programs, entrepreneurship programs, and employment and training programs for internationally educated professionals. The first program delivered in 1982 was an office training program that successfully led a group of women from Southeast Asia into full-time employment. Now a range of accelerated programs are offered to fit the needs of the newcomers and immigrants arriving to Canada from all parts of the world. Services we offer include information and referral, French and English language assessment, English language instruction, integrated language/skills training, employment preparation, business skills, mentoring and settlement services. Our Vision: We envision a Canada where every immigrant succeeds. Our Mission: We provide learning and training opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community. Skills for Change has received the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Citation of Citizenship Award; Conference Board of Canada Community Learning Award; and Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Newcomer Champion Award for exemplary services. Services *** Employment Services *** Mentoring Services *** Immigrant Settlement *** Language Training *** Youth Employment *** Bridging Programs *** Programs for Women and Seniors