Aliyah Roller escaped an abusive relationship by moving across the country to British Columbia. Though she had no connections here, she knew that she and her two children would be safe.

Aliyah was glad that the B.C. government provided her with income assistance, but saw that only as a temporary measure until she could find work. Arriving with an energetic attitude, she connected with Global Vocational Services, a WorkBC Employment Services Centre in Ladysmith. “I’m here. I’m looking for work.”

Her worker was fantastic. In addition to helping walk Aliyah through the details, the worker connected her with the Single Parent Employment Initiative (SPEI). Aliyah was one of the first clients in the program, which offers funding for tuition, child care and other supports to single parents on income or disability assistance.

Aliyah had experience as a medical office assistant and other in-demand, administrative jobs. When a temporary position for a front-desk administrator came up at the WorkBC office where she was receiving support, she was a great fit – so great that she got the job and was kept on full-time.

The SPEI program is covering before- and after-school care for her son for the first year of her employment, which she could not otherwise afford.

“I don’t live large, I don’t roll deep,” Aliyah said. “But without SPEI, I would be way behind.”

She is the sole provider for her two children, eight and 15, both of whom have medical expenses as a result of the trauma they experienced prior to coming to B.C.

It’s because of some of these challenges that the supports from SPEI have been so vital, as well as the personal backing that her WorkBC worker has provided.

“Through the support, I am able to rise above it,” she said.

Aliyah thinks SPEI is such a great program that, along with the rest of the team at the WorkBC centre, she is helping to spread the word about SPEI. Global Vocational Services is designing an orientation session and workshop to help their clients better understand how SPEI can help them get where they want to be.

Aliyah has some advice of her own to add. “Jump on it!”

She goes on to note that it hasn’t just been of benefit to herself.

“It’s hard for the entire family to see a parent not working. Now, to see my children’s faces and see their growth is amazing for me,” she said.

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, understands that the SPEI program benefits whole families.

“There are a number of reasons that single parents may need extra support. I am proud that we could stand with Aliyah against domestic violence and, thanks to the Single Parent Employment Initiative, help her create a brighter future for her and her children,” Stilwell said.

The Single Parent Employment Initiative provides eligible single parents on income or disability assistance with supports including up to 12 months of funded training for in-demand jobs or paid work experience placement, transit costs to and from school, and child-care costs during their training or work placement and in the first year of employment. Single parents can also remain on income assistance while attending a training program.

Since its launch in September 2015, almost 4,300 single parents have become involved in SPEI and more than 800 have already found employment.