Making moves

Backstory: 

Kindergarten teacher from Ukraine; arrived as a refugee, faced language barriers and couldn’t work in her field.

Big win: 

Hired at a local bakery and as a cleaner at Winchester District Memorial Hospital; thriving in her new life and career.

How we helped: 

Career exploration, placement program, local employer connections, ongoing support.

From our team: 

“Tamara’s resilience is inspiring — she’s built a new chapter with real heart.”

Backstory: 

Biomedical Engineering graduate from Pakistan; immigrated to Canada with no local work experience, struggled with English, and faced unrecognized credentials.

Big win: 

Hired as a Customer Service Representative and New Product Development lead at ActivKare — finding meaningful work in the healthcare sector.

How we helped: 

Job search assistance, connection to the Job Matching Placement program, and support securing a placement aligned with her skills.

From our team: 

“Sidra overcame barriers to start a meaningful career in Canada — and our community is lucky to have her!”

Backstory: 

Faced challenges maintaining employment in past jobs; wanted help finding meaningful work that fit his goals.

Big win: 

Hired at FCM Recycling; excelling in his role and proving himself as a valuable employee.

How we helped: 

Supported Employment program, career planning, job coaching, ongoing follow-up.

From our team: 

“Jesse’s hard work has paid off — and we’re thrilled to see him shine in a role that fits.”

Backstory: 

Recent high school grad, unsure about next steps, interested in working with children.

Big win: 

Hired at Heart of the Family Child Care Centre; thriving in full-time work and now pursuing Early Childhood Education in college.

How we helped: 

Career exploration, Youth Job Connection program, hands-on placement, ongoing encouragement.

From our team: 

“McKenna found her passion and ran with it — we continue to cheer her on.”

Backstory: 

Recovering from major injuries, uncertain about job options.

Big win: 

Hired at UPI Energy; now a standout employee doing supervisory tasks.

How we helped: 

Workshops, career focus sessions, employer placement support.

From our team: 

“Dylan overcame his fears and is setting an incredible example.”

Backstory: 

Recent high school grad, no work experience.

Big win: 

Landed her first job at Pharmasave, promoted from Stock Clerk to Cashier.

How we helped: 

Resume and email setup, youth pre-employment program, and confidence building.

From our team: 

“We’re so happy to be part of Caitlyn’s journey!”