About Joey Moss Memorial Fund
Joey Moss Memorial Fund - est. 2020
Joey was an inspiration to many and was an ambassador for people with diverse abilities.
The Joey Moss Memorial Fund (JMMF) was created after Joey's passing on October 26, 2020, in response to Joey's family's request for donations in lieu of flowers, to be provided to Winnifred Stewart.
In collaboration with the Moss Family, it was established that funds raised by the Joey Moss Memorial Fund would be used to continue Joey's legacy of advocating for employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with diverse abilities.
Joey was a strong ambassador within the disability sector who touched the lives of many. It is important to Winnifred Stewart to ensure his legacy can help create change for people with diverse abilities throughout Alberta, not just those supported by WS.
Along with the incredible support we have received from the community, major contributors to the fund include, the Edmonton Elks Football Team, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, and the Government of Alberta, through the Alberta Works Program.
Fundraising initiatives will be ongoing to continue Joey’s legacy, including collaborating with local community members and organizations who wish to contribute to the fund.
All proceeds of Winnifred Stewart’s Joey Moss Memorial Fund will go towards continuing Joey's legacy of advocating for employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with diverse abilities through:
· raising awareness about inclusive employment;
· fostering employment & entrepreneurship opportunities;
· and supporting employment programs for people with diverse abilities throughout Alberta
Joey Moss Memorial Fund Priorities
Through celebration and communication efforts, as well as the creation of the JMMF Employment Readiness Program, we will achieve the following:
Raise Awareness
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Convert “Joey’s Home” to increase capacity to provide dementia care supports for adults with diverse abilities (Mindful Hearts Program)
Petition City of Edmonton/ Government of Canada to proclaim September 25, Joey Moss Day
Create Joey Moss Month (September) - collaborate with other organizations to celebrate Joey throughout the month
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Celebrate Joey
Recognize supporters
Provide information about JMMF events (WS, partners, community)
Host Inclusiveness/ Awareness Campaign
Resources/ services (job board, etc.)
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Work with disability support agencies throughout Alberta to identify people with diverse abilities who are currently employed to be featured in awareness campaigns
Create awareness campaigns highlighting the individual, the organization and the employer
Create partnerships with local community groups (i.e., EE Football Team, Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Down Syndrome, Autism Edmonton, Special Olympics Alberta to help promote the campaign)
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Accept nominations for employers who provide inclusive workplaces by employing people with diverse abilities
Provide cash awards to award recipients on an annual basis
Recognize champions through campaigns and award ceremony
Foster Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities
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Employment
Work with WS team to identify and facilitate employment opportunities in the community for people served by WS
Provide training and guidance for successful employment (resume writing, job searching, interviewing, on-the-job training and support)
Provide short-term funding for internships when required
Entrepreneurship
Work with WS team to identify and create entrepreneurial opportunities for people served by WS
Provide training and guidance on business ownership requirements (budgeting, accounting, business plans, etc.)
Create WS Café - collective business model for training and experience
Provide equipment and supplies for “maker” opportunities for people interested in creating their own products for sale (i.e., screen printing equipment etc.)
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Work with EE Football Team and Edmonton Oilers to help facilitate continuation of employment opportunities within the clubs
Provide assistance in search for Joey’s successors as required
Provide short-term funding for internships as required
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Identify employers who wish to create more inclusive workplaces
Provide services/ assistance to employers to identify or create positions within their business for people with diverse abilities
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Provide a job board for employers to post available job postings
Promote job postings to agencies throughout Alberta to facilitate making a connection between employers and employees
Support Employment Programs Throughout Alberta
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Provide grant funding opportunities for not-for-profit and charitable groups providing employment and entrepreneurship services to people with diverse abilities
Direct funding to organizations to support programs and initiatives that support the goals of the JMMF