newSTART is a community-based 13-week employment bridging program for women who are dealing with violence and abuse issues and currently on income assistance. Operating for the past 10 years, newSTART is funded by the Ministry of Housing and Social developmente (MHSD) and sponsored and administered by the Vancouver Eastside Educational Enrichment Society (VEEES).
 newSTART provides
- Career exploration
- Job search skills
- Introduction to computers and computer skills
- A 3-week work experience placement
- Educational upgrading (GED)
- Self-management workshops
- A monthly transit pass
- Identification replacement
- Daycare top-up
Participants are encouraged to obtain certificates in:
- SuperHost
- WorkSafe First Aid Level 1
- Self-Defence
In addition to employment-related workshops, such as WHMIS, FOODSAFE, Criminal Record Checks (CPIC) and pardon assistance (CPIC), newSTART also provides opportunity for free clothing and financial support to meet employment and educational needs.
Participants also have the time and opportunity to deal with family custody issues, legal issues, and health concerns that may be preventing them from moving forward.
One-on-one counselling provides the opportunity for staff and participants to develop individualized needs assessments, access community resources and develop a personal action plan and determine
educational needs.
As a part of our continuing commitment to program participants, newSTART offers past participants access to a variety of free services:
- Job search counselling
- Resume development
- Computer and Internet access
- Phone, local fax, message centre, and photocopy access
- Employment/education resources
- Job board, employment ads, employment postings and online job search
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