Summary

• Governments of Canada and B.C. are investing nearly $1.3 million over two years to deliver the Horizon Employment Readiness Program in Chilliwack
• Delivered by Ruth & Naomi’s Mission, Horizon provides training, coaching, work placements, certifications and wraparound supports
• Horizon can support as many as 90 participants annually, helping adults build skills, confidence and employment readiness

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Adults in Chilliwack facing significant barriers to employment will receive personalized supports, workplace experience and employment-readiness training through a new program.

The Horizon Employment Readiness Program, delivered by Ruth & Naomi’s Mission in Chilliwack through Community-based Employment Services, combines employment-readiness training, individualized supports and practical work-experience opportunities to help participants gain stability and prepare for employment.

“People say they feel better and are better off when they have a job and community connections,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “That is why we’re reducing barriers for those who can work, while continuing to support those who cannot. Today, we are helping more people in Chilliwack and the Fraser region build the skills, confidence and experience they need on their path to work.”

Funded through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement, the governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing nearly $1.3 million over two years to support delivery of Community-based Employment Services in Chilliwack.

“Strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “The Horizon Employment Readiness Program will help people in Chilliwack build confidence, gain workplace experience, and develop the skills they need to find meaningful work. Through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement, we are helping break down barriers to employment and ensuring that more Canadians have access to the supports they need to reach their full potential.”

Building readiness for employment

Horizon is designed for adults experiencing challenges related to housing, mental health and substance use that can make preparing for work more difficult.

Delivered through a trauma-informed approach, the program provides individualized support as they work toward their goals. While achieving employment is a goal, Horizon aims to help participants build the skills, confidence and experience needed to take steps toward employment.

Participants work alongside an employment facilitator to identify goals, develop workplace skills and gain experience through community work placements. Depending on their interests and goals, participants may also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and connect with additional community resources.

Supports include:

• employment-readiness workshops and skills development
• one-on-one goal setting and coaching
• community work placements and experience
• connections to housing, health and other support services
• opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications

Certifications include:

• FOODSAFE
• forklift operator’s licences
• first aid
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Meeting people where they are

“So many of the people we walk alongside are simply looking for a chance to prove what they’re capable of,” said Kelsey Riley, director of programming, Ruth & Naomi’s Mission. “When we give people the space to learn different skills through our employment program, we see it first-hand: Confidence grows right alongside ability. That opportunity is often what gives someone the hope to finally step forward.”

The program has capacity to support as many as 90 participants annually and is open to adults 18 and older who face challenges related to mental health, substance use and homelessness that make it difficult to find or maintain employment.

Quote:

Scott Gaglardi, executive director, Ruth & Naomi’s Mission – 

“We’ve walked alongside people for years as they’ve rebuilt their lives. Employment can be an important part of that journey, but getting ready for employment can take time and support. Horizon gives people the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, gain experience and identify the next steps that make sense for them.”

Learn More:

• To read the 2024 B.C. Poverty Reduction Strategy Annual Report, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/poverty-reduction-strategy
• For WorkBC services, visit: https://www.workbc.ca 
• To read a news release about the Community-based Employment Services expansion, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026SDPR0011-000420