Finding Balance, Building a Future: Anna’s Journey with YWCA Employment Navigator 

For many mothers parenting alone, the transition back into the workforce is rarely straightforward. It often happens alongside childcare responsibilities, financial pressure and, in many cases, ongoing education. The result is a constant balancing act, where even thinking about job searching can feel overwhelming. 

Anna’s* experience reflects this reality. 

Before joining the YWCA Employment Navigator program, Anna was raising her child while preparing for and beginning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). 

“As a single mother, I carried many responsibilities and faced significant barriers to employment. Balancing full-time studies with child care made it difficult to search for jobs, and I often felt overwhelmed navigating where to start, how to update my resume and how to target jobs that could realistically fit with my schedule.” 

This sense of uncertainty is not unique. Many mothers parenting alone are trying to move forward in their careers while ensuring their children are cared for, all while figuring out how to translate lived experience, education and resilience into meaningful employment opportunities. 

Through the YWCA Employment Navigator program, Anna received individualized support that helped her begin to see a clearer path forward. 

“Through individualized guidance, I gained clarity about career pathways that align with my nursing program and my family responsibilities. I received valuable help in strengthening my resume, understanding how to present my skills to employers and developing a more focused job search strategy.” 

What made the difference was not only practical tools, but consistent, personalized support, something that went beyond job search assistance and became deeply meaningful in her journey. 

“Having one-on-one advising also gave me accountability, which reduced my stress and made me feel more supported,” she added, “it has boosted my confidence, given me hope for my future career and reminded me that I am not alone on this journey.” 

Today, Anna is completing her first year at BCIT and looking ahead to part-time work and future opportunities such as an Employed Student Nurse position. More importantly, she is doing so with greater stability for herself and her child. 

Her story is one among many, but it highlights an important truth: when women are provided with tailored, empowering employment support, they are better equipped not only to enter the workforce, but to do so in ways that are sustainable for their families and aligned with their long-term goals. 

To learn more about the YWCA Employment Navigator program, visit the program page.  

Thanks to BMO, Coast Capital and Scotiabank for making stories like this one possible. 

*Some details in this story and participant’s name might have been changed to protect privacy.