Professional Experience 

Fred Victor Centre

Supported individuals navigating employment barriers through structured job-search support, resource navigation, and one-to-one guidance within a frontline employment services environment.

Contributed to the Social Service Training and Employment Program (SSTEP), a workforce re-entry program designed for individuals with lived experience of homelessness, addictions, and mental health challenges. Responsibilities included facilitating employment readiness workshops, supporting group programming for approximately 20–25 participants per week, and developing additional workbooks and learning materials to strengthen participant engagement and job search preparation.

In addition to group facilitation, provided case management support for select participants, including follow-up meetings, employment research, and documentation through case notes. This work was often connected to the Advocacy Office, assisting individuals navigating complex barriers related to employment, income support systems, housing instability, and health challenges.

Also co-facilitated a weekly two-hour employment support drop-in serving approximately 4–8 participants per session, providing real-time assistance with resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interview preparation. Sessions frequently involved coaching participants who were unsure how to identify their skills, helping translate lived experience, volunteer work, and informal labour into language suitable for employers.

The role required balancing practical employment support with trauma-informed engagement, recognizing that many participants were navigating multiple systemic barriers alongside their employment goals.

Self Help Resource Centre

Delivered peer-based support to individuals navigating income assistance systems, particularly the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Work focused on helping participants understand eligibility requirements, documentation processes, and system navigation while strengthening confidence and independence in managing income support systems.

Following a successful internship placement with the organization, I was hired into the role, continuing to provide peer support and contribute to program activities.

Support often involved one-to-one conversations with individuals navigating complex financial and social barriers. Participants frequently required assistance understanding income assistance policies, accessing community resources, and building practical skills for financial stability.

During this role I also developed and facilitated a community financial literacy workshop focused on budgeting, credit, and financial stability for individuals living on limited incomes. The workshop introduced practical tools participants could immediately apply, helping individuals better understand banking systems, debt management, and strategies for maintaining stability despite financial constraints.

AIDS New Brunswick 

Provided frontline support within a community health environment focused on harm reduction, outreach, and support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, and housing instability. Work involved assisting clients in accessing services, navigating community resources, and supporting programs designed to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes.

Through outreach, service delivery, and crisis support, the role contributed to services assisting 200+ individuals accessing harm reduction resources, referrals, and community supports.

During this role, I initiated, developed, and independently ran a small community initiative known as Project Underpants, responding to a practical need observed during outreach work: access to clean underwear and basic hygiene items for individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative mobilized community donations and distributed essential clothing items through outreach services, addressing a commonly overlooked barrier to dignity and personal hygiene.

The project also helped strengthen relationships between community organizations, service providers, and local supporters working to improve access to basic necessities for marginalized individuals.

John Howard Society

Completed a supervised field placement focused on community-based service delivery supporting justice-involved individuals reintegrating into the community.

Work included assisting with employment programming, supporting workshop facilitation, and helping clients navigate service systems related to housing, employment, and counselling. Reintegration groups typically included approximately 15 participants per session, focusing on employment readiness, housing stability, and connections to community services.

Responsibilities also included supporting drop-in programming, helping individuals identify appropriate services aligned with their goals and circumstances, and contributing to a structured environment that supported successful community reintegration.

This experience provided early hands-on exposure to frontline social service work while applying trauma-informed approaches within real-world service environments.