About Us

History of 2nd Chance

Over 30 years ago 2nd Chance opened its doors – not as an 2nd chance 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 was 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 which include Ways2Work (for youth needing extra support in becoming employable), Youth Link and the Youth Job Connection and Youth Job Connection -Summer programmes. Also, we are an Employment Supports Service Provider and provide a program called ACE for individuals with disabilities. We also 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 into Wellington County. We continue to provide one-to-one counselling and access to job search resources in Fergus, Elora, Drayton, Clifford, Arthur, Erin, Harriston, Hillsburgh, Mount Forest, Palmerston, Puslinch and Rockwood. 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 have 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 locations information if you’d rather call or drop in.

 

What Are Our Counselling Services?

2nd Chance Employment Counselling

Provides personal, customized services for people who want to find employment or explore their training and career options. Unlike trying it on your own or using a temp service, we guide, assist and support you throughout the process.

And it works!

 

Most of our clients find jobs or enter education or training to move towards their goals.

We serve youth, students and adults out of all our locations across Guelph and Wellington County. Please call us for more information. We would love to hear from you!

Annual Report

202122 Annual Report