Community organization to start new employment program in Victoria

In September, Beacon Community Services will deliver a program to help Victoria’s most vulnerable find work. 

The non-profit’s CEO Tricia Gueulette said the program was designed for people facing complex barriers to employment.

“It could be someone who doesn’t have a home or is street-entrenched,” said Gueulette. “It could include someone who has addictions issues, mental health issues, perhaps even severe disability.” 

The province has earmarked nearly $4 million to fund this program and four others in Vancouver, Surrey, Nanaimo and Prince George – part of its plan to support community-based employment services over the next three years.

To find meaningful, lasting employment, program participants will have the opportunity to learn hard skills, while receiving mental health and career counselling supports.

“Research shows that there is a direct relationship between people working and their overall health and well-being, whether they are housed or unhoused, dealing with substance-use issues or not,” said Guellete in news release

Councillors will work with every participant to create a unique plan that defines their goals, and this will determine the supports they receive.