Empower Forward Program Launches with Strong Community Support And

Early Success For Those Affected By Gender-Based Violence

 

 

The Pembroke Regional Hospital is seeing strong community support and early success for a transformative new initiative supporting Renfrew County residents who have been affected by gender-based violence.

 

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCSS), Empower Forward: Pathways to Employment and Financial Independence is a job readiness and placement program for those affected by gender-based violence. It supports healing and financial independence through personalized job coaching, skills training and short-term work placements.

 

In addition, the program offers a pathway to healing through support from a dedicated team including a recreational therapist, vocational specialist, peer specialist and social worker as well as assistance with transportation, work clothing, childcare, and financial planning to help reduce barriers to employment

 

Empower Forward is facilitated by Mental Health Services of Renfrew County, a program of PRH, in partnership with local agencies including Bernadette McCann House, the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre, The Phoenix Centre for Children and Families and Addictions Treatment Service/Renfrew County Youth Wellness Hub, ensuring care that is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.

 

“By working closely with our community partners, we are able to offer a more comprehensive and coordinated response - one that supports both immediate safety and long-term healing,” said PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann.

 

The program is open to individuals of all genders who have experienced harm in the context of intimate or close relationships and are seeking to rebuild their vocational lives. Participants do not need to be clients of Mental Health Services.

 

Since opening referrals on August 1st, 23 participants have been welcomed into the program and six have enrolled in 10-week work placements with local employers including Mallard’s Milk Bar, Mission Thrift Store, Bumpy Roads Studio, and the Pembroke Farmers’ Market.

 

“I truly love this program,” said participant Elke W., adding that it’s been such a big help financially. “I really appreciate all the support I received at the Career Café and I’ve also enjoyed my job at the Farmers’ Market where I’ve had the chance to be social while building my skills.”

 

Hayden who works at Mallard’s Milk Bar said their confidence boost will come in handy when seeking permanent employment in the near future. “If it wasn’t for this program, I would still be sitting at home with no confidence to look for employment on my own. The Mental Health Services staff provided the support I needed and helped me take that first step to go for an interview with Mallard’s.”

 

As the program expands, more employers are being recruited to join in creating safe, inclusive workplaces. Those who participate will receive:

• Financial support to cover wages and administration costs

• Onsite support for employers and participants

• Training opportunities to promote safe, inclusive workplaces

 

The work placements are up to 18 hours per week over a 10-week period with a flexible structure that can be tailored to the needs of the organizations and the individuals.

 

Mallard’s Milk Bar owners Sean Mallard and Chantelle Heeney-Mallard said their involvement in this program has given them different perspectives that have enabled their business to grow in ways that they never thought would be possible. “Overall, we had a good experience and would be interested in participating again in the future.”

 

And Christine Tomka of the Pembroke Farmers’ Market Canteen said she has enjoyed working with the participants and seeing them reach their goals and improve their self-esteem. “I’ve even watched a few graduate into the work force with great success. I would highly recommend others to consider being part of this useful program.”

 

To refer yourself or someone else to the Empower Forward program, please call (613) 732-8770 extension 8006. For general inquiries, or for businesses looking to partner with this initiative, please call (613) 732-8770 extension 8142.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Carolyn Levesque, Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator

Pembroke Regional Hospital

(613) 732-3675, extension 6165 / carolyn.levesque@prh.ca