Wellness, mental health & healing are more than trends—they are vital to our well-being. We offer gentle & effective programs for survivors of trauma, violence or abuse. Join us in a safe space and learn the tools to help you heal the past and look to the future.
Contact UsSOVA: Survivors of Violence & Abuse
Have you survived trauma and feel that you would benefit from a supportive training environment to find employment? Our holistic approach to training will prepare you for the job that you want. Together we will work to create a plan that addresses mental, physical and emotional supports to help you move forward in your employment journey.
From the moment you open the front door, we will make sure you feel safe and comfortable. All of our staff have participated in trauma informed workplace training and mental health first aid.
We offer men’s and women’s programs, and we welcome LGBTQ2SIA+ participants.
- Workshops on setting boundaries, healthy communication, self-care, impacts of abuse and shame, stress and anger management, self-esteem, self-awareness, yoga and mindfulness
- Access to free short and long term certificates and upgrades
- Workshops on job searches, resume writing, and interview skills
- Job placement support including wage subsidies and matching you with an employer
- Funding for transportation and childcare, refreshments on workshop days, required work clothing or gear, and a small weekly stipend
How it works
We will work with you individually or you can join a small group of other participants who have also survived trauma and work with us over three months to get or refresh the skills and certifications you need to be competitive in the labour market.
Meet your facilitator
Karina Allis has delivered trauma informed employment supports in group and individual settings for the past eight years here at the Skills Centre. She knows her stuff, and she knows how to help people find the confidence and comfort level to learn new skills and find a new job at any stage of their life.
Inquire today
"The skills and insights that I gained has positively changed every aspect of my life and reshaped my future. The kind, compassionate and knowledgeable facilitators created a safe, pleasant, and supportive environment to discover the kind of future that I have always dreamed about, but not had the skills nor confidence to pursue."
Funding for our programs comes from multiple provincial and federal sources, including:
- Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills and the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement
- The Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
- The Government of Canada’s Skills for Success Program
- The Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program
