Journey with us Through the Decades
This year, we are celebrating our 50th anniversary! Join us as we take a look back at our favourite music, questionable fashion choices, and impactful service over the last 5 decades.
Welcome to the 1970s!
In the beginning, Second Chance focused on rehabilitation, offering group and individual counseling to help young people overcome addiction and stabilize their lives. We operated out of the Health Unit, reflecting our therapeutic approach.
In 1973, we received federal funding to develop employment programs for people with special needs. This led to the Outreach project, which assisted individuals struggling with alcohol or drug abuse and their families. By 1979, we were also serving probationers and parolees, offering employment and support services.
Billboard’s Top 10 Songs for the year 1970:
Back to the 80s! 🎉 It was a decade of growth for Second Chance. We opened the Youth Employment Centre in Guelph and expanded our services to the County, offering programs in Fergus, Elora, Arthur, and surrounding areas.
We also launched the Youth Support Program to help young people with housing, life skills, and counseling. It was a time of innovation and expansion for Second Chance.
Billboard’s Top 10 Songs for the Year 1980:
Back to the 90s! 🎶
The 90s brought new challenges and opportunities for Second Chance. We continued to expand our services, delivering the RISE Program for adults with developmental challenges and becoming a founding member of the Youth Resource Centre. We also received funding for various employment-related initiatives, launching Job Connect and partnering with the Human Resource Centre for Students.
The decade was a time of growth and innovation as we introduced new programs like TRY Trucking and the Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
Billboard’s Top 10 Songs for the Year 1990:
The 2000s and 2010s marked a period of significant growth and innovation for Second Chance. As the digital age unfolded, we adapted our services to meet the changing needs of our community.
A major milestone was the launch of Employment Ontario in 2011. This comprehensive program provided essential support to job seekers of all ages, offering resources, training, and job placement assistance.
Additionally, we introduced new initiatives like Canada Ontario Job Grant and Ways2work, catering to specific demographics and employment needs. For individuals with disabilities, we pioneered programs like Achieving Competitive Employment and GROW. These initiatives provided tailored support, job coaching, and placement opportunities, helping people with disabilities secure and maintain employment.
By the end of the 2010s, Second Chance had established itself as a leading provider of employment services in the region, empowering countless individuals to achieve their career goals.
Billboard’s Top 10 Songs of the Year for the Year 2000
| 1 | “Breathe“ | Faith Hill |
| 2 | “Smooth“ | Santana featuring Rob Thomas |
| 3 | “Maria Maria“ | Santana featuring The Product G&B |
| 4 | “I Wanna Know“ | Joe |
| 5 | “Everything You Want“ | Vertical Horizon |
| 6 | “Say My Name“ | Destiny’s Child |
| 7 | “I Knew I Loved You“ | Savage Garden |
| 8 | “Amazed“ | Lonestar |
| 9 | “Bent“ | Matchbox Twenty |
| 10 | “He Wasn’t Man Enough“ | Toni Braxton |
For 50 years, Second Chance has been a humble servant to our community in Guelph, Ontario and Wellington County, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their career goals.
Starting as a grassroots organization, we’ve grown to serve our community across three office sites, offering a range of employment services tailored to meet diverse needs.
Today, we’re proud to continue delivering EmployNext by Serco services, assisting individuals of all backgrounds and all points in their employment journey. From job search preparation to securing meaningful employment, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our specialized services include Ways2work and the newly launched Women2Work, catering to women with self-identified disabilities. We also offer training incentives for employers, helping them invest in their workforce.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we express our deepest gratitude to the countless individuals, organizations, and communities who have supported our mission over the years. Your generosity and belief in our work have made a profound difference in the lives of many. Second Chance is more than just an organization; it’s a testament to the power of human connection, dedication, and hope. We remain committed to empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and building a brighter future for all.