Employment Readiness Program
The Program
Women who have experienced episodes of homelessness or live in poverty are given the opportunity to gain transferable employment and life skills. The program provides a supportive environment where women can build the skills required to secure employment. They work in the boutique on a part-time basis for up-to-a-year, and are then supported in finding and securing employment in the community where they are able to become more economically self-sustaining.
Women will have the opportunity to:
• Improve their financial situation
• Increase their self-confidence, and self-esteem
• Gain transferable employment and life skills
• Learn to work independently and as a team
• Dress professionally
• Have a better quality of life
Barriers may include:
• Limited or no previous work history
• Lack of formal education
• Fear or insecurity about their ability to succeed in a work environment
• Anxiety related to past trauma and/or violence
• Addiction and mental health struggles
• Limited support networks
• Physical and/or developmental disability
• Difficulty managing stress or emotions that arise on the job
• Social anxiety or a fear of being excluded
How the Program Helps Women
- Builds self-confidence and self esteem.
- Gives women the opportunity to learn transferable employment skills to build their resume.
- Women are connected with St. Lawrence College Employment Services to learn interviewing skills, resume building, how to apply to a job, computer skills and many more opportunities.
- Women are supported through their whole experience.
- After they find and secure employment they are still supported and followed to ensure their success.