Programs & Services

Survive to Thrive

Back to Services for Job Seekers & Employers

Please note: The YWCA Survive to Thrive program is wrapping up and will complete its final cohort in March 2026. As a result, registration is now closed and no additional cohorts will be offered.

Thank you for your interest in Survive to Thrive over the years. While this program is ending, we encourage you to explore other YWCA BC employment programs, WorkBC services or other services for survivors of violence/abuse.

If you need immediate support, please contact:

Crisis Line BC: 1-800-784-2433

VictimLinkBC: 1-800-563-0808

YWCA Survive to Thrive is a free 12-week program that offers specialized employment and skills training services for survivors of violence and/or abuse.

Program Highlights

Group workshops and one-to-one support in a safe and supportive environment
Job development services and employer contacts
Specialized Job Club for Survivors
Support by trained violence/trauma-informed career advisors and facilitators
Community referrals and access to other YWCA and WorkBC Services
Referrals to community-based Stopping the Violence Counselling or up to 10 counselling sessions via WorkBC Centres when eligible*
Financial supports such as transit, food cards, work clothing, child care and financial completion bonuses*

* Subject to funding and participant eligibility.

Our Approach

Creating a Safe Space: learn and try new things while enhancing or developing skills to move towards sustainable employment or education
Closed Group Arrangement: gain confidence alongside peers and skilled staff who start and end together
Trauma/Violence-Informed Career Development: trained staff who understand the impact of violence and abuse on employability and assist participants to overcome the impacts and move from surviving to thriving
Building Trust: connect with a professional compassionate team to develop an education or employment action plan customized for your individual needs

Who is This Program For?

Those who have experienced any form of violence and/or abuse, from any source, at any point in life
Not actively participating in, and receiving financial supports from another provincially or federally funded labour market program
A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person or landed immigrant legally entitled to work in Canada
Unemployed or precariously employed
Willing to participate in a full-time program

We accept referrals on an ongoing basis.

Success Stories

Rediscovering Strength and Empowerment: Nesha's Story

Bridging the Gap: Amanda's Success Story

YWCA Survive to Thrive

778 877 1533 | survivetothrive@ywcabc.org
Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us to discuss accommodation.

* This program is open to non-binary or gender diverse people. We warmly welcome members of the Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.