Inclusion Lloydminster Receives TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Grant to Support Inclusive Employment for Youth Initiative
LLOYDMINSTER, AB/SK – Inclusion Lloydminster is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation®, through the TELUS Edmonton and Northern Alberta Community Board, to support its Inclusive Employment for Youth Initiative. This funding will help empower youth with intellectual disabilities in the Lloydminster community to access meaningful employment opportunities and build skills for long-term success.
The Inclusive Employment for Youth Initiative aims to break down barriers and create pathways for young people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in the workforce. The program will provide tailored support, mentorship, and job readiness training to help youth develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging in their communities.
“Meaningful employment is a key factor in fostering independence and inclusion for youth with intellectual disabilities,” said Tami Smith for Inclusion Lloydminster. “Thanks to the support from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, we can expand our efforts to connect youth with employers who value diversity and inclusion, and provide the resources they need to thrive in the workplace.”
Research shows that inclusive employment not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities by promoting diversity, equity, and social cohesion. The Inclusive Employment for Youth Initiative aligns with TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s commitment to helping youth overcome barriers and reach their full potential through innovative and inclusive programs.
“We are thrilled to partner with Inclusion Lloydminster on their Inclusive Employment for Youth initiative,” said Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “By investing in programs that empower youth with intellectual disabilities to access meaningful employment, we’re fostering individual growth and more inclusive workplaces, building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”
Inclusion Lloydminster is a family-based non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. For over 60 years, the organization has worked to promote community inclusion, family leadership, and equal opportunities in education, recreation, housing, and employment.
The Inclusive Employment for Youth Initiative plans to engage local employers, schools, and community partners to create a supportive network around participating youth.
For more information about Inclusion Lloydminster and the Inclusive Employment for Youth Initiative, please visit inclusionlloydminster.com or follow @InclusionLloyd on social media.
About Inclusion Lloydminster
Inclusion Lloydminster is a non-profit association committed to advocating for the full inclusion and participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities in community life. The organization supports families and individuals in achieving meaningful family life, community belonging, and equitable opportunities.
About TELUS Friendly Future Foundation
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is a Canadian registered charity that believes all youth, regardless of circumstance, deserve an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. By funding more than 500 charities each year that provide education and health programs, many enabled by technology, along with providing educational bursaries, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is helping more than 2 million youth in communities across Canada build skills, confidence and feel a sense of belonging. In 2024 alone, we provided more than $11 million in grants to 500+ charitable programs across Canada, and over $2 million in bursaries to 500+ post-secondary students in financial need who are committed to making a difference in their communities.
