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Island Crisis Care Society spearheads new program ‘Project Rise’

Programs aims to offer training to people who have experienced homelessness
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In a move to support people who have experienced homelessness find avenues to independence, Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) has started a new program called ‘Project Rise.’

Project Rise will give pre-employment and employment skills training and work placement opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness but are now ready to re-integrate fully into community life.

Many individuals who have experienced homelessness and concurrent challenges have gaps in their experience and learning around key areas of community navigation and integration.

Through early breaks from formal education and derailing experiences of adversity and trauma, many have missed learning essential skills as diverse as financial literacy to communication and conflict resolution – how to connect effectively with other people, and then move forward towards gainful employment.

Project Rise will aim to fill this gap through a three-phased program offering life skills and specific pre-employment and employment skills training.

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The first pilot round of Project Rise training is funded through a grant from BC’s Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, supporting six individuals with barriers to employment go through a 12-week program to help them move towards independence. Building on this pilot, Project Rise is planned to expand into 2022, offering more placements with flexible options to meet people where they are on their own road to independence.

After the first six participants complete the first round of training this December, Project Rise will expand in both Parksville and Nanaimo.

To make this happen, ICCS will need partners in both communities who recognize the potential in joining together to create a stronger community, in which all of its members have the support they need to thrive.

More information on Project Rise can be found at the ICCS website, www.islandcrisiscaresociety.ca.

Donations can be made through: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ProjectRisePartnership.

– NEWS Staff, submitted

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