Eclectic Café has grown up alongside the CDC Youth Pathways to Employment program — from a scrappy 20-seat café to a full 45-seat space with catering and retail humming in the background. A large majority of our young team members have come through this program, and honestly, it’s been a game changer (and occasionally a…
11 Sports and Social Club’s co-owners Cesar Antonio and Abel Cruz saw an opportunity in Orillia and took it…and the Orillia Area CDC were right there with them! “We are Orillia’s all-season, indoor pickleball location,” explained Antonio. “The U.S. is about ten years ahead of us in terms of pickleball’s future, so it offers us a kind of crystal ball of where…
“Working in Conservation has been a lifelong dream, but I struggled to find opportunities to build experience as a newcomer to the field and someone beginning work after disability. The Pathways to Employment program let me be part of an incredible workplace where I got to contribute to the protection of natural areas, gain hands-on…
“My time in the Pathways to Employment program through the CDC was incredibly valuable. As someone starting out in hairstyling, the program gave me the support, structure, and confidence I needed to take that next step. It really helped me come out of my shell, build confidence in my skills, and feel ready to pursue…
As an immigrant to Canada from a completely different part of the world, I faced a multitude of challenges that tested my resolve. Despite arriving equipped with extensive technical expertise and education, I encountered immense obstacles in getting my credentials recognized, with many employers wary of hiring someone like me. It was during a presentation…
Lakeside Lagree owner Melanie Booth is enjoying steady growth at her new studio, and she is grateful to the Orillia Area CDC for helping her in that journey. Lagree is a high-intensity, low-impact full-body workout method that utilizes a patented machine called the Megaformer. Evolved from Pilates, it combines elements of Pilates, strength training, and endurance training, using slow, controlled movements…
We are so grateful for the support of the Pathways to Employment program, funded by the Orillia CDC. Through this initiative, we were able to hire Manpreet as a full-time Office Administrator and Scheduling Clerk. Stepping into a fast-paced healthcare environment is no easy task; scheduling client care, and supporting our front-line team all…
Last week, the Orillia Area CDC hosted its annual Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Show Up & Stand Out: The Business of Being Seen, bringing together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for a day of connection, inspiration, and practical learning. The event featured four dynamic speakers who each offered unique insights to help participants “show up…
Participating in the Pathways to Employment program has been a very rewarding experience. The CDC team was great to work with providing education to guide me through the process, maintaining strong communication, and following up to ensure everything was running smoothly. Through this program, I’ve grown as a manager, it has taught me how to…
BizLink™ Program Set to Expand Across Western Ontario Cambridge, ON – Today, through the program at the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) being hosted at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre, Community Futures Western Ontario (CFWO) in partnership with the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (Orillia Area CDC), announced their plan to invest in the…
