Routes_to_work

Jeff Green | Aug 10, 2006

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Routes toWork expands toSharbot Lake

Routes to Work is a program designed to help people who have a mental illness obtain employment. It is run through the Canadian Mental Health Association Kingston Branch, which has received some funding to run the program out of Sharbot Lake a few times a month.

The program not only helps people to find jobs but helps them to maintain them. Routes to Work has a successful formula in finding employment for people who suffer from a mental illness because it has the right combination of education and support.

The program provides career counseling, goal setting, resume writing, job search, skill development, workshops and employment maintenance. Participants can chose to remain anonymous through the program or have the employment support worker contact potential employers on their behalf.

People who are interested in the program must first qualify. People who are in receipt of employment insurance would not qualify. People must also self identify with a mental illness.

The main barrier for persons with a mental illness is stigma. The people who participate in Routes to Work are educated, intelligent, honest and hard working individuals and they would be an asset to any workplace. They sometimes just need a few considerations such as an extra break, flexible hours or being able to work different hours.

Funding is provided through Social Development Canada Opportunities Fund, which pays for the program to be delivered and for the client support.

For the Sharbot Lake area the program would run out of the Northern Connections Adult Learning Centre located at 24719 Hwy 7 near the corner of Hwys. 38 and 7.

Employers or job seekers who are interested in the Routes to Work program are encouraged to call Sara Carleton at 549-7027 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.