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Celebrating over 30 years of "Making Every Future Count"!Who We AreTHEO BC is a dynamic, non-profit organization accredited by PCTIA (the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC) and dedicated to offering a selection of exemplary employment-related programs, courses, continuing education, leisure activities, and supported education services.The BC Society of Training for Health and Employment OpportunitiesMission Statement We can help you on your path to a brighter future. No costs to eligible applicants. OUR PHILOSOPHYAT THEO BC, we believe that everyone can succeed a FRASER REGION UPDATEOctober 2006 – September 2007 THEO BC’s 30th AnniversaryDuring October and November THEO BC celebrated, province wide, its 30th anniversary; each location celebrating with a different style. The Port Coquitlam/New Westminster location took people through THEO BC’s history from 1976 to the present. Each room was decorated in a different decade, (70’s, 80’s, 90’s) and with facts and information on “what was prominent and happening for people and people with disabilities” during that particular decade. Afterwards a graduation ceremony was performed for In-House Training participants. Surrey’s office held an open house in honor of the event on October 5th. This special night was hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade. Peter Holt, from the Surrey Board of Trade addressed the crowd of approximately 75 attendees, reinforcing the night’s message – THEO B.C. exists to help persons with disabilities find meaningful and successful employment. Rich Patterson, President of the Board took the podium to elaborate on this theme. Those attending the event could also relate to the business case that was effectively presented by Lidia Wesolowska, outlining the “why” and the “how” of hiring persons with disabilities. However, it was not until Russ Smart, CEO of Insurance Direct told of hiring Zosia Ettenberg that it all came together. Zosia, who has a mobility disorder, has been with Insurance Direct for several years. She held the crowd’s rapt attention as she explained how coming to THEO and participating in the ACHIEVE program assisted to meet her goal of obtaining a placement that fit her and her abilities. She challenged everyone present to think in terms of “ability” rather than “disability”. While Surrey’s event focused on the employer and the business community, Langley’s event, held on November 8th, focused on potential clients and associated agencies. The new Langley Site recently opened its doors this July. This Open House provided a wonderful opportunity for service providers, referral sources, post secondary schools, and the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance to see the new site, ask questions about the ACHIEVE /EPPD program. ACETHEO BC’s ACE Program completed another successful contract year in February 2007. Another agreement was signed through to February 2008. Results from last year’s agreement period (March 2006 to February 2007) were as follows: 191 participants started the ACE Job Search Program; 177 (93 percent) completed the program. Of those who completed 152 (86 percent) found work during the contract year. It should be noted that under this contract year 44 additional clients found work during the year than from the previous year. Comments from clients include: “From August 1, 2007, I am a permanent employee of BCIT. The one year contract with the Computer Systems Department has turned out to be a permanent job. My supervisors have recommended me strongly. Thank you very much for your help. Without you, I would not have reached my goals. Thank you and I really appreciate it.” “Thank you so much for assisting me, with my career choices, resumes-cover letters, and giving me excellent advice. I owe it all to the 3 of you, if it hadn't been for you I wouldn't have been able to receive the assistance for this career. Thank you once again. You guys are GREAT!!!!!!” “Would like to take this opportunity to offer sincere appreciation to Betty, Jean, Kim, Pat, Maryanne and yourself (Tina) for all of the invaluable guidance and encouragement you gave me during what was often a frustrating and difficult time. I know that some of the job search techniques I acquired at THEO will continue to serve me well in my new position at Citizens Bank.” Overall the ACE program has had another very successful year. Congratulations and thank you to all ACE staff. A very special thank you to our Service Canada program officers who have been so supportive and instrumental in making the program a success. ACHIEVEDuring the past year we have conducted one regional and one partnership meetings. In July 2006 Pre-Employment Services were added to the ACHIEVE programming which filled a major gap in services and has assisted several clients in obtaining the ‘soft skills needed to gain employment. Pre-Employment modules included: Building Confidence and Communication; Employability; Personal Management and Wellness; Introduction to Technology; Literacy (Reading, Writing, and Math) and Disability Management. Dr. Jeanne Le Blanc, Ph.D., ABPP (Rp), R. Psych. Diplomate Rehabilitation Psychology, created the Disability Management curriculum for THEO BC. She created workshops on: Abilities to Success; Learning Styles; Workplace Legislation; Accommodations and Disclosure; Barriers and Challenges; and Stress Management Techniques. The feedback from participants and staff find this curriculum to be extremely valuable to clients. Dr. Jeanne Le Blanc has also been providing formal assessments for our clients throughout the province. Thank you Dr. Le Blanc for all your wonderful work, assistance, and expertise to clients and staff. The new Langley site was opened in July 2006 which provided clients in that geographical region access to In House Training, In House Services, Job Search Workshops, and a Resource Centre. For the period September 1, 2006, to August 31, 2007, THEO BC staff in the Fraser Region provided the following services to clients: Intake – 404 commenced and 368 participants completed the intake process Planning – 368 commenced and 303 participants completed planning In-House Services (Pre-Employment Workshops) – 195 participants enrolled in PES Training – 50 commenced brokered training and 12 commenced In House Training Employment Services 160 clients were placed with an employer during this time • 31 Employed Full Time • 86 Employed Part-Time • 1 Self-Employed • 28 Volunteering • 14 Work Experience and On The Job Training To all the staff in the Fraser Region - your work is greatly appreciated and a sincere thank you for everything that was accomplished this year. It was a very successful year. THEO BC and its sub-contractors truly appreciate the on-going support and input offered by the Ministry’s Disability Consultants of the Fraser Region, and to the support received from our contract manager, Chris Curr. Thank You!! Thank you all! --> INTERIOR REGION UPDATETHEO BC Supports the Local University (TRU) VANCOUVER REGION UPDATECLIENT EVENTS IN VANCOUVEROn June 25th we held the annual ‘Client Graduation’ at the THEO BC Vancouver location. This ceremony recognized the accomplishments of the 35 clients that graduated with a diploma or certificate in the 2006-07 year. Members of the THEO BC management team, Case Managers and Instructors were all on hand to present the participants with their certificates and diploma and to congratulate the clients on their great accomplishment. Events and activities, such as these, allow us to provide the best possible service to our clients, understanding that while our main focus is employment, clients have specific needs that relate to their employment outcomes. In summary, we recognize the importance of being flexible and creative in our approach, adapting to the needs of our client base. These types of services help to boost client’s self confidence as they enter into their job search. CONTINUING EDUCATION AND LEISURE PROGRAM - HEALTHThe Internet Café program is one of the most popular programs that is held in the Vancouver location of THEO BC. There are currently over 100 clients that are registered to attend the Internet Café at their leisure. Typically we see a daily enrolment of 20-30 participants in the Internet Café. This program is runs into the weekday evenings and on Saturdays and allows individuals to come and enjoy a wide variety of activities and healthy snacks. Participants can surf the Internet, check e-mail, learn about new computer programs and job search in our resource centre. There are three staff on the evening shifts that are available to work with participants on everything from using our scanners, edit pictures, make birthday cards or work on other personal projects. One of the additions made to the Internet Café in 2007 is the introduction of a weekly games and movie night. These weekly social events have been a huge success and allow for participants to come into the office in the evening or on Saturdays and enjoy themselves while eating popcorn and watching the weekly movie or playing a game of Cranium, Go Fish, Monopoly or Poker in our Café. We have also recently developed and implemented our revised Internet module. Newly added sections include: Downloading Files, Email and Photoshop. Participants enjoy learning all about the Internet through the use of fun and creative exercises. Our Cooking and Sewing classes continue wonderful opportunities for our students to build some very useful skills that transfer into daily life. Students in the sewing class learn how to use the sewing machine and cut out patterns- some very impressive results have come out of this class, with students making their own clothes or items for their home. Our cooking class aims to show the clients how to make inexpensive and easily dishes that are balanced and nutritious. We value the importance of being flexible in our service delivery. As such, for those participants looking for a more casual commitment we offer Crafts and Project Days to those folks who enjoy working with their hands and producing a variety of interesting projects but prefer less structured class time. Over the past 12 months we had an average of 601 attendees/month. In 2008, upon recommendation from the consultant and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, some of our Continuing Education and Leisure programs will undergo substantial changes. We are excited about the transformation of the Health contract and continue to aim to provide our participants with a wide range of current and innovative course offerings. BCEP (BC EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM) AT THEOThe Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance implemented its employment program on July 4th, 2006. In the Vancouver Coastal Region, THEO BC was awarded the contract for the Mental Health / Alcohol & Drug bundle. The BC Employment Program has continued to help income assistance recipients reach their employment potential and become active participants in BC’s economy. Since the program inception at THEO in 2006 the program has offered participants many services and supports designed to engage the clients as well as ensuring that the participants gain all of the necessary hard and soft skills that are needed to find and keep employment. The 2006 year concluded with the introduction of curriculum that was modified to address the issues that clients with mental health and drug and alcohol issues face when they are trying to gain access to employment. The new curriculum that emphases the soft skills that employers desire in an employee. This curriculum places a greater emphasis on workplace communication, building relationships with employers, anger management, personal wellness, reliability, and dependability. We continue to see a steady increase the number of job placements that are being accomplished each month in this program. We offer a an inviting environment with individualized services and supports which include things such as a continental breakfast offered in the morning, lunch available at the job search workshops, haircuts, work clothing, Safeway food vouchers and male and female hygiene packs. These incentives are designed to keep clients engaged in the job search process by meeting their basic needs. The supports that are offered in the Vancouver location have proved to be a very popular and effective tool in engaging this unique participant population. THEO BC, along with its selected service providers in various communities, are becoming skilled at managing specific services tailored to individuals facing mental health and drug and alcohol issues in this region. THEO. with BCEP. We continue expanded our subcontractor base which now includes over 20 service providers! These organizations provide the BCEP clients with life skills and/or employment skills training that is instrumental in assisting these clients to gain the necessary skills that will enable them to reach independence as quickly as possible through sustainable employment. A BRIEF HISTORYSince 1976, THEO BC (the BC Society of Training for Health and Employment Opportunities) has provided vocational and leisure services in the Vancouver area to the mental health community. In 1998, with much excitement, we opened two more locations and expanded the scope of our service mandate. OUR STAFFWe have a dedicated team of over 80 professional instructors, counsellors, and administrative staff to assist all applicants in their pursuits. Detailed profiles will be posted soon.
SERVICE LOCATIONSTHEO BC programs are delivered either directly by THEO BC or one of our sub-contracted partner organizations in the following cities and their surrounding areas: THEO BC LOCATIONS• Vancouver • Kamloops • Kelowna • Merritt • New Westminster • Penticton • Port Coquitlam • Richmond • Surrey • Vernon SUB-CONTRACTOR LOCATIONS & SERVICE AREAS• 100 Mile House • Castlegar • Cranbrook • Enderby • Fernie • Golden • Grand Forks • Kelowna • Kimberley • Nakusp • Nelson • North Vancouver • Quesnel • Revelstoke • Salmon Arm • Sechelt • Sparwood • Squamish • Trail • Vancouver • Williams Lake For contact information, please see "Locations" or call toll-free: 1-866-377-3670. |
Gardengate - Pumpkins of LightGardengate Training Centre hosted their second annual Pumpkins of Light Open House Celebration at their site in Kamloops, BC.
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THEO BC — BC Society of Training for Health and Employment Opportunities Making every future count by assisting over 3,000 people per year Call toll-free 1-866-377-3670 |
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raining, education and job placement services to British Columbians so that they may achieve employment, independence and personal growth. 
nd our goal is to assist students and participants to attain success to the best of their ability. We attain our goal by adhering to high standards of service delivery, treating everyone with respect, and working in close partnership with our students, the community, government, and industry.
