After 30 years, Marina Paruup and her staff at MH Enterprises have seen many residents better their lives by seeking its employment services.
Paruup is celebrating three decades in the valley operating MH Enterprises, and to celebrate, she is asking for testimonials from former clients and businesses on how the organization has helped achieve employment success.
Just over three decades ago, Paruup recently graduated from the University of Calgary. At about that same time, the Alberta government was exploring how to deliver support for those receiving benefits to reintegrate back into the workforce, and a former colleague from Alberta Works presented her with an opportunity to take on one of the contracts for the area.
“I had done a student practicum in their office, and an opportunity came up for this rural area to bid on a contract. I put a proposal together. I think I was one of 10 people to bid on a contract, and I was lucky enough to get awarded,” she recalls.
“I remember getting the phone call saying I had received the opportunity and was awarded the bid. I remember him saying specifically, ‘You know it’s not going to last more than a year.’” I remember thinking wow, a year is a really long time, what a great opportunity, and now it is 30 years later. Don’t ever shut an opportunity or an idea.”
She recalls she had enough funding for an office and a part-time administrator. She hung her plaque on Main Street. Their office then moved to the Civic Centre, which is now the Town Hall. In 1999, they expanded to new services, took over the EI contract, and moved to their current location. A couple of years ago, they opened their Stettler office staffed with locals from the community to deliver these services.
Today, MH Enterprises is able to offer free-of-charge employment services to unemployed or underemployed Albertans. This can be anything from career counselling, resume services, job searches, placements and training.
“We always take a holistic approach. It’s not just ‘here’s your resume’, it’s ‘how is everything doing?’ We have to balance all aspects of our lives to be successful.” We take a look at everything that is going on in your life. We’re that lifestyle coach of how you connect to the career.”
She says the different levels of government she works with are investing greatly in rural Alberta.
“I am a huge proponent for rural services. You need these services in small towns, you need that door open for people to walk through, you need that kind person across from you to help you navigate this difficult situation,” she said.
MH provides that open door and kind face.
“I have gratitude for the amazing team of MH Enterprises, past and present, who are forever going above and beyond in sharing my vision to help others succeed in their goals and to the overwhelming community partnership support we have been given over the last 30 years! No one person can accomplish great things alone. It truly does take a community of friends and family supporting one another to be the best they can be.”
She is also grateful for the community connections the organization has built, not only with the public but institutions, employers and mentors.
Her rewards are intrinsic.
“It’s about what did we do to help someone? Did we make someone’s life better today? How did we serve?”
MH wants to hear these stories through their impactful campaign. You can email testimonials to MHenterprises@drumhellerjobs.com