Description:

The Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound (UIHB) Program is a comprehensive four-year+ initiative designed to support Indigenous single mothers, in overcoming barriers to employment, education, and overall well-being. The program provides essential wrap-around services to promote self-sufficiency, family prosperity, and community connection. With a focus on sustainable independence, the program offers a structured pathway for Indigenous women to access meaningful employment opportunities, improve educational outcomes, and support their families while strengthening their cultural identity.

Objective:

The goal of the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound (UIHB) Program is to empower single Indigenous mothers by offering the tools, resources, and education needed to secure sustainable employment. By enhancing their life skills, educational qualifications, and work experience, the program seeks to help participants achieve personal and financial independence while maintaining strong family relationships and cultural ties.

Program Services:

• Employment Counselling: One-on-one support for career goal-setting, skill identification, and job search.
• Skills Development: Access to training and education to build industry-relevant skills.
• Job Search Assistance: Help with resumes, cover letters, applications, and job matching.
• Networking & Outreach: Connects clients with potential employers, trainers, and organizations.
• Training/Action Plans: Personalized plans to guide clients through training and career paths.
• Labour Market Info: Insights on job trends, the hidden job market, and community resources.

Program Services:

The UIHB Program offers a wide range of services that provide comprehensive support for participants:

• Housing Support: Assistance in finding and maintaining stable, affordable housing.
• Childcare Support: Help finding and accessing reliable childcare services.
• Cultural Access: Opportunities for engaging with traditional cultural practices and teachings.
• Academic Upgrading: Support to enhance academic skills and prepare participants for college-level education.
• Life-Skills Training: Development of essential personal and professional skills.
• Programming Access: Participation in various educational and community-building programs.
• Transportation Support: Assistance with transportation to and from key program activities.
• Case Management: Ongoing support to navigate the challenges of education, employment, and life transitions.
• 2-Year College Diploma: Access to a two-year diploma program tailored to labor market needs and family-sustaining employment.
• Health Supports: Access to services that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
• Employment Supports: Job placement assistance, resume building, and career development resources.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with local Indigenous communities for networking and support.

The Four Phases of UIHB

The UIHB program is structured into four phases that are designed to provide a step-by-step approach to achieving educational and employment success. However, and additional phase (Phase 0), has been added to meet participants where they are at, to assess and meet their needs accordingly.

Phase 0: Intake and Assessment

• Focuses on life skills, computer literacy, financial literacy, and academic preparation for postsecondary education.
• Focus on intaking and assessment of individual and family needs
• Application process to enter Phase 1 of the UIHB program

Phase 1: Skills Training & Academic Upgrading

• Completing any upgrading or prerequisite courses to ensure entry onto post-secondary program of choice.
• Applying for band funding, OSAP etc
• Applying to College

Phase 2: Formal Education

• Participants attend a two-year college diploma program through Fleming College, designed to meet labor market needs and lead to family-sustaining wages.

Phase 3: Employment Preparation

• Phase 3 is the internship/ placement portion of the post-secondary program
• Program participants will also be encouraged to attend employment workshops, gain certifications, and volunteer opportunities, to help gain practical experience in their chosen field.

Phase 4: Employment Opportunities

• Support for securing employment, transitioning out of the program, and integrating into the workforce with long-term success.