History of 2nd Chance
Over 30 years ago 2nd Chance opened its doors – not as an open house employment counselling agency, but as a rehab programme for people with addictions. In 1973 the federal government, through the Employment and Immigration Commission, provided funding to develop and implement employment programming for special needs target groups in local communities. This was 2nd Chance’s beginning in employment programming.
Since 1982, our focus in Guelph has been on youth employment. We offered Job Connect from 1997 to August 2010, providing job search and career-planning resources including individual counselling to youth 16-24. Now with the new Employment Ontario Service, we see people of all ages. We still run some great youth programs, including Ways2Work. We have specialized counsellors that offer tailored services to youth, including those with varying disabilities. We are proud to provide a safe, welcoming space for recreation and youth engagement at the Youth Resource Centre.
In 1985, 2nd Chance started providing employment programs outside of Guelph in Wellington County. As with our Guelph sites, as of August 1, 2010 we see people of all ages in all our locations! 2nd Chance believes that people in smaller and rural communities deserve the same level of service as urban community members!
We have run many other great programs and enjoyed great partnerships over the years, for example:
- The Outreach project to develop and implement employment programming for people with addictions and their family members. (1973-1997)
- The Youth Support Program, which assisted youth between the ages of 14 and 20 with areas such as housing and life-skill problem areas (1985-1995)
- Employment Supports programs for Ontario Works recipients, including group-based and individual assistance to develop job search and job maintenance skills (1997-2006)
- TRY Trucking, a program for youth who wish to obtain employment in the field of long haul truck-driving (1998)
- The Youth Entrepreneurship Program (1999 – 2006)
and many more …
Each of these experiences has filled a community need and increased our capacity to deliver high-quality services for clients, employers, and the general community. If you have an idea for a new project or would like more information about what we’re currently doing, please let us know. Contact us by email, or check out our location information if you’d rather call or drop in.