COMMUNITY WORK PROGRAM
The True Experience Community Work Program began in 1981. It is a client-centered program focusing on vocational training, skills development as well as employment, and is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The Community Work Program provides vocational training skills development and employment through the following activities:
- Spring and Fall Property Cleanups
- Seasonal Lawn Maintenance
- Seasonal Snow Removal
- Janitorial Contracts – “The Cleaning Crew
- Small moves
- Garage and shed clean outs
- Dump runs
- Piecework, Packaging, Sub-Assembly
There are no fees/charges to participate in the program.
There is no waiting list.
  
EXISTING CLIENT SERVICES
The True Experience Community Work Program provides:
- A self-sufficient, sustainable work program/environment
- A safe and healthy supervised work setting
- Individualized schedules for work/training/skills development for each client
- Diversity of employment possibilities dependent on client choice, interest and ability
- Support to clients who wish to secure private sector employment
- Non-institutionalized social enterprise – “Reality Based”
- Assistance and support to the client in attaining his/her optimum level of functioning
- Support for filling out O.D.S.P. Earnings Report Forms
- Encouragement to increase work/skills training/hours of participation
INTAKE AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Demonstrated means of income, i.e. Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan (Disability), Ontario Works, Children’s Aid Society support
- Self-referral
- Referrals from other Mental Health agencies, Clergy, Family Doctor, Family members, Hospitals, other community resources
- Completion of “Application for Service” and “Consent to Disclose Personal Health Information”
- Interview with Work Program Staff
- Legally able to work in Canada
BENEFITS FOR THE CLIENT
- Individualized program, i.e. hours of work per day/week
- Increase in skills development, vocational training and employment related activities
- Opportunity to increase income
- Clients are paid prevailing Provincial Minimum Wage
- Socialization with peers
- Staff support
- Community integration/re-integration
- Increased sense of belonging to the greater community
- Reduction of stigma associated with mental illness
- Realistic work/employment focus, i.e. expectations
- Increased sense of self-esteem and accomplishment
- Participation in a “highly thought of” program by the community leads to Social Inclusion
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Willingness to participate in the Community Work Program and meaningful activities
- Endeavour to arrive and be prepared to work at prescheduled days and times
- Willingness to adhere to workplace safety protocols
- Desire to acquire new skills and enhance present skills level
- Fully participate in their recovery and well-being which includes following medical/psychiatrist prescribed medication regimen, as an essential component in reducing re-hospitalizations and psychiatric episodes
- Being socially and personally responsible and accountable
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY...
“Since I’ve been widowed and my health has deteriorated I very much appreciate your services! Many thanks! K.A.
“The service is exceptional and very professional. Thank you.” D.H.
“I think this is a great service and good for our community. Keep up the good work.” B.C.
“I am very satisfied with all the services provided. I sincerely appreciate the respect that I am always shown. It is wonderful to know that I am in good hands – one less thing to worry about. Many thanks.” W.D.
“It was a positive experience and well worth the fee. Thank you.” J.D. |
WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY...
“Today I felt like a somebody.”- Anonymous
“It feels so good to get back to work.” - Anonymous |
APPLICATIONS
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True Experience Supportive Housing and Community Work Program is funded in part by Ontario Health. |
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