Program Description

Second Chance Thrift + Vintage is an online boutique specializing in thrifted, secondhand and vintage clothing that aims to reduce textile waste, extend the life cycle of previously loved clothing and provide employment opportunities in our community. PYCS provides support through successful employment and life skills programming to assist our participants in becoming job ready while addressing barriers to employment. Our life and employability skills workshops allow participants to get a hands-on, practical experience alongside guidance and mentorship. As participants gain confidence and build employability skills, they become better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in a growing economy. Our program model provides consistent, ongoing and stable support while participants learn competencies vital to their success in securing and maintaining employment. As a longstanding employment service provider with nearly 20 years of experience working with youth and people with disabilities, Pathfinder Youth Centre Society has the skills and expertise to provide high quality services.

Goals

One of the central goals of Second Chance Thrift + Vintage is to provide short-term job placements to individuals with disabilities experiencing barriers to employment through PYCS’s professional affiliation with Community Living British Columbia. The continued growth of Second Chance Thrift + Vintage will allow us to establish a recurring source of income for Pathfinder programs. This project was created in order to meet the need for employment programming for unemployed and under employed individuals living with disabilities. By building relationships with community stakeholders and employers we can support program participants in acquiring skills and knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market.

Training

Our Second Chance Thrift + Vintage work experience program consists of 2 service delivery components: Skills for Employment Workshops (SFE) and Paid Work Experience (WE).

The Skills for Employment component can be offered in a group setting and includes career planning, work experience preparation alongside life skills and self-actualization (life skills, self-esteem, goal setting, etc.). The curriculum can also include optional short-term occupational certification such as FoodSafe and Adapted First Aid. The Skills for Employment component will provide participants with the foundation for learning skills to prepare them to succeed in their work placements.

The Work Experience component will allow participants to master the skills they have learned through their Skills for Employment workshops. Providing short term job placements helps participants build confidence which will aid in their transition into the jobs market.

Eligibility Requirements

• Persons that self-identify as having a permanent or recurring physical, mental or neurodevelopmental disability that restricts their ability to perform daily activities

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada

• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

• Require assistance to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment, or advance in their careers