Fredericton, NB – Anglophone West School District (ASD-W) has signed a contract with Jobs Unlimited to run the cafeteria services for Gibson-Neill Memorial School starting in September 2022. This marks the third ASD-W school to collaborate with Jobs Unlimited, and the partnership is meaningful in more ways than one.
Jobs Unlimited is a not-for-profit organization providing employment and work experience opportunities to adults with intellectual disabilities in the greater Fredericton area.
ASD-W schools are committed to the integration of individuals with varying abilities. The partnership with Jobs Unlimited is a clear affirmation of what the district strives to create in the school system. “It is very beneficial for students to recognize the value that every person plays in our community, regardless of individual abilities,” says Linda Dempsey-Nicholson, the Community Schools Coordinator for the school district. For Jobs Unlimited workers, daily positive social interaction with adults and students is equally beneficial.
In 2019 the school district required cafeteria services for Connaught Street School. The parent committee, school staff and administration were interested in accessing services from a not-for-profit, and Jobs Unlimited had a proven community record. ASD-W reached out to the Executive Director, Guna Kulasegaram, and in September 2020, the Jobs Unlimited school food program was launched at Connaught Street School. Due to the strength of the partnership and the quality of service provided, the following year, the program was implemented at Royal Road Elementary School. This fall, Gibson-Neill Memorial School is excited to follow suit.
Jobs Unlimited provides the schools with homemade, nutritious lunches at reduced pricing, and they also deliver lunches to some Fredericton and Oromocto area schools without kitchen facilities. The program’s success has allowed it to expand and now includes breakfast meals.
Additional Quotes:
Shawn Tracey, Director of Finance and Administration: “They are such great partners in helping find solutions in the Fredericton area, and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”
David McTimoney, Superintendent: “This partnership strives to provide meaningful employment to individuals who face significant employment barriers and is important to building a more inclusive society.”
Media Contact:
Jennifer Read, Director of Communications, ASD-W