YWCA Halifax is a multi-service agency that builds economic security, promotes wellness and creates opportunities for women, girls and their families by providing a strong voice and integrated services.

WEBSITE: www.ywcahalifax.com

FACEBOOK: @ywcahalifax

LAUNCH PROGRAM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Launch is a 19-week employment program for young women experiencing multiple barriers to employment. Launch includes: a paid seven-week virtual employment skills development group program and a 12 week paid work experience in the young woman’s field of interest. Each Launch participant engages in paid virtual group training and one-on-one support.

PROGRAM SUPPORTS: Portfolio & resume development; Microsoft Word and Excel; Emergency First Aid Level "C" & WHMIS certifications; Career & education exploration; Employability skills; Financial literacy education; Return to work action-planning; Access to digital devices.

PARTICIPANT INCLUSION: Trans and cis women/girls; 15-30; Currently out of school, unemployed or underemployed; Able to attend programming 30 hours a week; Priority provided to youth who identify: high school noncompletion, disAbility, Indigenous, residence in a rural or remote location, lone (single) parent, visible or ethnic minority, language barriers, recent immigration

REGION COVERED: Halifax Regional Municipality

LOCATION: 358 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS

PHONE #: 902-410-4594

HOW TO ACCESS: Fill out application form online

DIRECT REFERRAL: Manal - launch@ywcahalifax.com

APPLICATION FORM:www.ywcahalifax.com/launch-application-form/

PROGRAM WEBSITE: www.ywcahalifax.com/programs/employment-skills/launch/

STEP AHEAD PROGRAM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Step Ahead is a 16-week pre-employment program for women connected to Income Assistance who want to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Phase One: 4-week workshop delivery and group forming

Phase Two: 8-week Community Action Project

Phase Three: 4-week job shadow (with pre-arranged employers)

PROGRAM SUPPORTS: Workshops; Communication styles; Teamwork; Resume, cover letter, interview skills; Workplace situation navigation; Self-motivation; Leadership; Decision making; Problem-solving; Self-confidence; Personal management skills; Volunteer placement; Peer-driven; Shared-learning; 8-Week paid work experience.

PARTICIPANT INCLUSION: Trans and cis women; 19+; Currently receiving Income Assistance; Ready to return to work

REGION COVERED: Halifax Regional Municipality

LOCATION: 358 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS

PHONE #: 782-414-2304

HOW TO ACCESS: Ask for a referral from ESIA Employment Support worker and/or fill out application form online.

DIRECT REFERRAL: Jessica Gordon - stepahead@ywcahalifax.com

PROGRAM WEBSITE: www.ywcahalifax.com/programs/employment-skills/step-ahead/

SEE ALSO: Specialized CSEC Programs and Services; Housing; Housing: Additional Housing Supports; Youth Programs & Outreach; Family & Parenting Services; Systems-Based Services;