Project Rise is intended to help people who have experienced homelessness get a leg-up in becoming successful in a variety of future local job opportunities. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

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NANAIMO — Half a dozen people hoping to obtain more independence in their lives are enrolled in a newly launched employment program.

The Island Crisis Care Society (ICCS) started Project Rise last week, involving a month-long pre-employment training program, followed by an eight week paid job placement for six participants.

Inaugural Project Rise students all face challenges re-connecting with the community due to various barriers and the stigma of their past, Elspeth Erickson of the ICCS said.

“The first day people kind of straggled in, second day a couple people came early…by four days in the whole gang was here at least a half an hour early,” Erickson told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She’s confident the eager participants, all of which are existing ICCS clients, will be able to complement their motivation by gaining the required skills to help advance their lives over the next three months.

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“That’s enough to give these folks a bit of confidence and to get some skills and to have a step forward in overcoming those barriers in employment.”

A Project Rise participant in an ICCS office on Bowen Rd. during the opening week of the new program. The pre-employment training component involves 15-20 hours a week. (ICSS)

Resume writing and honing communication skills are key pillars of the program, Elspeth said, who noted another essential component is tapping into what participants want out of the program.

Employers from five different industries are partnering in the program, which will see business reps meet with potential employees in advance of the program’s work placement phase.

Project Rise coordinator Stephen Cochrane learned from previous experiences to not impose his own vision of what jobs will work for particular clients.

He said establishing face-to-face meetings in advance of a job placement helps participants feel more comfortable and get an idea what the expectations are.

“This way they take ownership of it. They are able to interact with the potential host, the host can also do the same so there’s no surprises.”

Cochrane said creating a safe, inclusive environment is essential in giving Project Rise participants the best chance of success.

“Each person has an individualized plan that focuses on and supports them as to what they need from the program.”

Originally 10 people were envisioned to take part in the initial update of Project Rise, however it was felt a smaller group would create a more ideal climate for the best results.

Stephen Cochrane, who has extensive experience in the job placement industry, is coordinating Project Rise. (ICSS)

Project Rise is intended to run four times annually for the foreseeable future.

Funding came from a variety of sources, including from the highly successful ICSS Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in late February.

Project Rise participants are paid during their two month job placements, which are subsidized by 50 per cent by ICCS.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes