Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) was developed as an initiative of the Women in the Workforce Sub-Committee of the Mayor's Committee on Employment Opportunities / Services to the Unemployed. This Sub-Committee was established in 1984 in response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties experienced by women attempting to enter the workforce.

 

During the course of the Sub-Committee's needs assessment, it became apparent the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minority women. As a result of those findings, the Sub-Committee applied for funding to research and develop a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women.

 

WEST first opened in February, 1987 with funding from Human Resources Development Canada and accepted its first group of trainees in April, 1987. It offers a unique training opportunity to visible minority women from Canada and other countries in preparation for entry into employment. Through skills enhancement and on-the-job experience, WEST graduates have been able to secure entry-level clerical positions.

 

WEST is incorporated in Ontario as a non-profit corporation and is registered as a charitable organization.

   

AWARDS

 

As a result of our expertise and experience serving the community and our ability to work with a wide range of partners, from newcomer service providing organizations to major Canadian corporations, WEST has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for excellence in service delivery and community service on several occasions including:

 

2006 - Herb Gray Harmony Award

 

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County presented this award to WEST as a non-profit organization that promotes a harmonious, multicultural society assisting newcomers achieve full participation in Canadian society and to build a more inclusive society by empowering women in vulnerable situations to improve their employability and fully integrate into the community.

 

2004 - Executive Women International - Philanthropic Award

 

The Detroit-Windsor Chapter selected WEST as an organization which exemplifies goals which supports literacy and educational opportunities for women in transitional period in their lives.

 

2002 - Windsor Essex Non Profit Excellence Award

 

The Windsor Essex Non Profit Support Network acknowledged the proven record of excellence in governance and administration and for setting and maintaining high standards of accountability and professionalism.

 

2002 - Volunteer Service Medals

 

The Government of Canada awarded service medals to four members of the WEST Board of Directors (more than two hundred applications received, only thirty-two medals awarded community-wide) for their commitment to volunteerism and community development.

 

1998 - New Spirit of Community Partnership Award

 

This national award of the Imagine Program of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy recognized the long standing community - corporate partnership in which WEST has worked together with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to meet local needs of unemployed women to fully participate in the Canadian labour market and local economy.