VBIS partners with the John Howard Society of Victoria, creating job opportunities for hundreds of brain injury survivors
Hundreds of people may soon return to work thanks to a new partnership between VBIS and the John Howard Society. The program, scheduled to begin this August, aims to remove barriers to employment experienced by brain injury survivors.
Look & Learn, the societies’ joint program, will offer free job skills training, industry-recognized certifications, workshops, and counseling to help individuals safely re-enter the labour market. Participants will receive classroom training and be coached in resume building and interview techniques. They’ll also be supported through the job search and application processes, which mainly targets the service and hospitality industries.
According to Pam Prewett, VBIS’ Executive Director, the program has the potential to be life-changing for many of its clients. “For countless brain injury survivors, meaningful employment can provide more than the financial means to sustain their livelihood,” Prewett remarked. “Brain injuries are traumatic events, often causing severe physical and mental health problems that can lead to isolation, homelessness, and even incarceration.”
A study by Brain Injury Canada showed that individuals with a brain injury are 2.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than the average person. JHSVic Executive Director Manj Toor says, “Every life deserves a second chance and the ability to thrive as they are. Our partnership with VBIS will be instrumental in continuing the legacy work of dignifying individuals with sustainable and meaningful employment. We are thankful for our collaboration with VBIS and for their voice to be heard in our community.”
