However, there are many options for participants to choose from. Community Participation is a choice made by many social assistance recipients in order to gain valuable work experience. The Region ensures a good match for the participant and the agency. Benefits to the Organization Organizations can benefit by having participants assist existing staff in current programs and supporting new projects that may not have been possible due to fiscal restraint. The Region screens and sends suitable candidates for the agency to choose from.
Many participants are anxious to put their skills to use in a work setting.
A nominal payment is provided to host organizations to defray the cost of initial placement costs and administration expenses. If required, the Region of Waterloo provides ongoing support to resolve issues that may come up during placement. Community placements can be provided by Public sector organizations and their agencies or non-profit organizations. Participants on social assistance can also develop their own community placements under the direction of any of the above interested organizations. Private sector organizations' involvement is limited to offering financial support or in-kind support such as equipment, materials, and expertise.