“I was in a tough situation… nowhere to go and beginning my recovery to sobriety. I wanted to provide a better life for myself and my kids. With JVS Toronto, I was able to identify my strengths and goals. They have been a huge support.”
Hope dreamt of a better life for herself and her two young children, but at 24 years old having never completed high school, she didn’t believe she could achieve those dreams.
Hope had struggled with substance abuse issues, but was in a recovery program and had achieved over a year of sobriety. She realized her part-time job as a server in a bar was not the ideal workplace for her. However, without a high school diploma, her employment options were limited. She had some experience in construction and wanted the stability, hours, and pay the field would provide her, but her lack of training made it impossible to pursue as a career.
Through JVS Toronto’s YouthReach II York Region program, Hope learned about a pre-apprenticeship program offered by the Labourers’ International Union of North America, where she could build her skills and experience in the construction industry. JVS Toronto was able to subsidize Hope’s tuition and the cost of travelling to Barrie every day for classes. Hope committed herself wholeheartedly to the program. Since she completed the program, her confidence has only grown. She applied for a number of jobs in the field and had several interviews. She also began studying for her General Education Development (GED) diploma.
Today, she works for a construction company and is part of a union. Her determination, gratitude, and positive outlook have given her, and her children, a brighter road ahead.
#TogetherWeCan unlock the power of employment.
Last year, JVS Toronto helped over 3,500 youth find their own paths to success. This year with COVID-19, youth unemployment rates are at an all-time high. Donate today to link vulnerable youth to education, on-the-job training, and build meaningful careers.