There are no barriers here
Our innovative programs help adults living with a variety of disabilities through work, life, social, recreational and employment opportunities.
About WASO
WASO’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life for people experiencing disabilities through innovative training (life, social and vocational), services, advocacy and social opportunities.
WASO has been providing supports to individuals experiencing disabilities since 1981. Over the years, we have expanded our services from one location to six unique sites.
WASO has six different programs that provide a range of support options:
-
Head Office
840 McLeod Ave
Winnipeg, MB R2G 2T7
Karen Goodman Wong:Kathy Labossiere: -
Employment Services
9 - 836 McLeod Ave
Winnipeg, MB
Cam Postma: -
Kingsbury
6 - 1099 Kingsbury Ave
Winnipeg, MB
Anne Arnason: -
Mazenod
Unit 4 - 16 Mazenod Rd
Winnipeg, MB
Scott Johnson: -
836 McLeod
2 - 836 McLeod Ave
Winnipeg, MB
Jessica Careme: -
840 McLeod
840 McLeod Ave
Winnipeg, MB
Judson Smith: -
Regent
9 - 1600 Regent Ave W
Winnipeg, MB
Chantal Johnson:
Featured Spotlight
Keenan
Upon graduation, Keenan joined WASO Employment Services. He connected with the Executive Chef at the Wood Tavern restaurant inside the Norwood hotel. While impressing the chef, Keenan earned himself a prep cook position! Keenan loves his job, and is often seen in the back working hard, doing what is asked of him and joking around with his co-workers, who value him as a team member.
Keenan is a huge sports fan who follows hockey, football and wrestling. He also enjoys music and is often seen going to metal and rock concerts.
Keenan was a student at Windsor Park Collegiate. While he was in school, he discovered that he had a passion for food. He began to experiment with different flavour palettes and textures. He often made dinners at home for his family and friends. When he graduated in 2022, he left Windsor Park with a High School diploma, a Food Handlers’ Certificate, and a Culinary Arts certificate. While he was in school, he was able to find a part time job working for Superstore on St. Annes which he continued to work at after graduation. Even though he was happy to have a job he never gave up on his dream to one day work in a kitchen and learn new skills under the tutelage of a chef.
Upon graduation, he joined WASO Employment Services. Shortly after starting with WASO, Keenan was able to connect with Executive Chef Matt at the Norwood Hotel. Chef Matt was impressed with his attitude and willingness to learn. As a result, Keenan was hired as a prep cook at the ‘Wood Tavern. Keenan loves his job, and is often seen in the back, working hard, doing what is asked of him and joking around with his co-workers, who value him as a member of their team.
We here at WASO Employment Services are ecstatic that Keenan is living out his dream and wish him nothing but every success in his career in the culinary arts!
Programming Available
All WASO programs provide a variety of programming options, however, each location has an area of specialty.
Vocational Based Programs
Offer the opportunity to work on a number of different contracts. This provides individuals with the opportunity to try a variety of tasks and improve their skills on jobs involving light assembly and/or packaging. Vocational programs also have a recreational component available to the individuals that attend these sites.
Community-based Programs
Provide support to individuals that are interested in volunteering in the community and taking part in recreational activities available in the city. Both on and off site options are available every week.
Employment Services
Support individuals that are capable of working independently in competitive employment. Individuals are supported in employment preparation, job search and post employment support. All individuals working with ES are invited to take part in MentorAbility and experience a short term mentorship with a professional in a field of their choosing.
Ready to work for your business
Whether you are looking to hire one of our team members or are looking to contract out work, we are here to help.