Business Inclusion Partners

In Canada, only 25% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are employed, as compared to 80% for the general population.

Young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are being left behind, when many of them could be productively contributing and included in Canadian society. Numerous studies have shown that productive, employable talent exists amongst Canadians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Small business in Durham Region are showing up for the job.

Below, you can find a list of business owners who have hired a Melly's participant as a valuable addition to their team. These businesses do not receive compensation or funding to hire our graduates. They are excited to mentor, support and lead their new employees as they would anyone else on their team.

This is a new era of social inclusion.

Frankie and LCBO Bowmanville

LCBO Bowmanville

Frankie came to Melly’s to focus on learning workplace and personal skills and his professionalism and dedication led to an opportunity to interview for a summer position at the LCBO.
After a great interview, Don at the LCBO Bowmanville saw a person ready and willing to work hard and apply himself and offered him a position.
The summer was incredible for all involved, we were thrilled to see Frankie in his element and a part of the team. Don and his team at the LCBO were also impressed and recently offered Frankie a position for the winter term.

The LCBO has partnered with Melly’s through their We Belong Program. They are leaders in inclusion with accessible interviews, on-boarding, training and team building.

We’re excited to share this video of Frankie and Don. It’s a great example of what can happen with hard work and great leadership.

Learn more about the LCBO Here

Charlie and Aspire Whitby

Aspire Climbing Whitby

We're so excited for Charlie and Aspire. Charlie loves climbing and being busy and Aspire is Durham region's largest, multi-purposed, indoor rock climbing and ninja facility. It's challenging, fun and they are able to support anyone that wants to climb with their adaptive climbing program.

Learn more about Aspire Here

Quadre and Crossfit Oshawa

Crossfit Oshawa

Quadre's big goal is to work in a gym and continue on his journey towards a career in fitness. Crossfit Oshawa hired Quadré as an assistant coach in December 2022.

Here's some more details on Crossfit Oshawa:

At CrossFit Oshawa (CFO), we build with purpose, execute with virtuosity, in the name of health. You too, can join us on our journey and build your greatness.

Check them out!

Courtney and Unique Town Boutique

Unique Town Boutique

This match couldn't have been more perfect. Nella at Unique Town Boutique and Courtney hit it off right away. Courtney is passionate about sales and learning every single detail about the businesses and products in our market. Unique Town Boutique is a collection of over 70 small businesses and makers in Downtown Whitby. Courtney is thrilled to start working at UTB in January 2023.

Check them out!

LCBO Whitby

Coen was looking to build his resume and find a role where he could work on his customer service skills and always be busy. LCBO Whitby hired Coen for a seasonal position in November 2023 and again in the Summer of 2024.

Check out a great article on LCBO's Inclusion strategy

LCBO Bowmanville

Frankie loves his job at the LCBO in Bowmanville. He stocks shelves, helps with inventory and is training on cash and customer service next. It's been an incredible employment experience for Frankie and he's excited to continue learning and growing in the role.

Check them out!

Eat My Shortbread

Georgia's dream was to work in a bakery and bake all day. Her dream came true! Eat My Shortbread is baking people happy since 1994, handmade shortbread that are free of added preservatives.

Trisha at Eat my Shortbread also hired Hannah, who loves all things packaging and inventory.

Click the link for a wonderful article about Eat My Shortbread, Georgia and Hannah!