Vancouver – More women and non–binary immigrants and refugees
who have experienced violence, abuse or trauma will be able to
access employment services and supports through a $2.4–million
grant to YWCA Metro Vancouver.
who have experienced violence, abuse or trauma will be able to
access employment services and supports through a $2.4–million
grant to YWCA Metro Vancouver.
The three–year grant will enhance and expand YWCA Metro
Vancouver’s Axis, a trauma–informed, culturally safe employment
program. Since 2021, the YWCA Metro Vancouver has offered the
12–week Axis program, helping nearly 200 women and non–binary
immigrants and refugees develop the personalized employment and
training plans they need to pursue meaningful employment.
“Immigrant and refugee women and their families who are survivors
of violence deserve a good life,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of
Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This employment
service we are funding through YWCA’s Axis program will help them
gain the skills and jobs to help rebuild their lives.”
Axis provides one–on–one employment services and supports,
primarily online, with in–person services available in Metro
Vancouver upon request. Its language services are currently in
English, Punjabi/Hindi, Cantonese/Mandarin and Farsi. The grant will
enable Axis to expand its geographic reach throughout B.C. and add
Filipino, Dari and Ukrainian language services.
“When I first began the Axis program, I was a single mother of two
and I felt hopeless,” said Mary Jane Salvador, an Axis program
graduate. “Thanks to the YWCA Axis program and to my career
adviser, I am in a good place with Y housing and working in office
administration.”
Women and non–binary immigrants and refugees who have
experienced violence can be reluctant to seek traditional
employment supports and services or otherwise self–identify as
survivors of violence. Without access to the supports and services
they need, they can be at greater risk of poverty, social isolation,
anxiety and depression, and further violence.
they need, they can be at greater risk of poverty, social isolation,
anxiety and depression, and further violence.
“Not being safe or feeling unsafe is a real obstacle to gender equity.
Self–identifying women simply can’t be successful when living in fear
and uncertainty,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for
Gender Equity. “It’s for this reason we are taking action cross–
government to help prevent and end violence against women and
ensure survivors can access the care and supports they need,
including investing in the YWCA’s Axis program.”
The $2.4–million provincial grant to extend and expand YWCA Metro
Vancouver’s Axis program comes from the Canada–British Columbia
Labour Market Development Agreement. Under the agreement, the
Province receives more than $300 million each year to fund
employment services and supports, including those provided
through the 102 WorkBC centres throughout the province.
(news.gov.bc.ca)