The current cohort of Project Rise, now back at out Bowen Road location, is well into their pre-employment training part of the program when I connect with some of the participants. It is always inspiring to talk to them and find out how they heard about the program, how they like it so far and what their hopes and dreams for the future are.
Alicia heard about Project Rise through Mary’s Place. Encouraged by staff, she put in her application and got accepted. “So far it’s great”, she notes and adds that it helps her add some certificates to her resume that she didn’t have before starting the program. She mentions that she really enjoyed meeting some of the work hosts such as Pryde Vista and Growing Opportunities farm.
In the future, Alicia hopes to work in a daycare or be an office administrator.
Aline saw a pamphlet about Project Rise at Haven House where she currently lives. She loves the program so far. “Emily (Project Rise coordinator) is very supportive, very encouraging. I felt like quitting halfway through. I just didn’t feel confident inside and Emily encouraged me to pursue and I’m really glad she did. I’m at the end of it, so I’m really grateful I kept going,” Aline shares. It’s wonderful to see that participants gain more confidence and self esteem through the program. Aline also points out the value of the workshops and field trips to potential work hosts that participants take part in.
It was at the warming center that ICCS ran last winter where Jeffrey, my last interviewee, heard about Project Rise. He says he is really impressed with the program, how organized the content is and the access to resources and trainings such as Food Safe, WHIMIS, Serving it Right, Super Host and customer service.
Jeffrey hopes to secure full time employment to support himself. He is interested in food production and delivery and points out that he is grateful for the opportunity in taking the program and would like to be a volunteer to help others.
Project Rise is a program of Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) aimed to deliver pre-employment and employment skills training and work placement opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness but are now ready to re-integrate more fully into independence and community life.
Please go to our program page to find out more and to apply.