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Programs & Services

Survive to Thrive

YWCA Survive to Thrive is a free 12-week program that offers specialized employment and skills training services for survivors of violence and/or abuse. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Group workshops and one-to-one support in a safe and supportive environment 
  • Job development services and employer contacts
  • Specialized Job Club for Survivors
  • Support by trained violence/trauma-informed career advisors and facilitators
  • Community referrals and access to other YWCA and WorkBC Services
  • Referrals to community-based Stopping the Violence Counselling or up to 10 counselling sessions via WorkBC Centres when eligible*
  • Financial supports such as transit, food cards, work clothing, child care and financial completion bonuses*

* Subject to funding and participant eligibility. 

OUR APPROACH
  • Creating a Safe Space: learn and try new things while enhancing or developing skills to move towards sustainable employment or education 
  • Closed Group Arrangement: gain confidence alongside peers and skilled staff who start and end together 
  • Trauma/Violence-Informed Career Development: trained staff who understand the impact of violence and abuse on employability and assist participants to overcome the impacts and move from surviving to thriving 
  • Building Trust: connect with a professional compassionate team to develop an education or employment action plan customized for your individual needs  
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
  • Those who have experienced any form of violence and/or abuse, from any source, at any point in life
  • Not actively participating in, and receiving financial supports from another provincially or federally funded labour market program
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person or landed immigrant legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Unemployed or precariously employed
  • Willing to participate in a full-time program

Next start date: January 20, 2025

We accept referrals on an ongoing basis. 

Sign up for an info session now

 

 

For more information on the program schedule, please attend an information session or contact us.

If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us to discuss accommodation. 

 


YWCA Survive to Thrive 
778 877 1533 | survivetothrive@ywcavan.org 
Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

 

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