New Canadian Finds Employment Support Thanks to The Salvation Army
In Uganda, Patrick dealt with persecution and threats as regular parts of his life. As an advocate and champion for human rights, he was a constant target in the African country.
Patrick’s arrival in Canada in April 2022 offered a fresh start but building a foundation to achieve his personal and professional goals proved challenging. Without a stable place to live, he found it difficult to focus on his future. Meeting basic needs was a daily challenge, and the emotional toll of his experiences in Uganda, combined with the difficulties of adjusting to a new country, weighed heavily on him.
“I was facing homelessness, hunger, and depression,” says Patrick. “Despite my extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, programming, and advocacy work I struggled to navigate the Canadian job market.”
His discovery of the Salvation Army-run and City of Toronto-funded Dreaming in Colour program at Downtown East Community Church helped him overcome several hurdles. Patrick says it offered him “a glimmer of hope”.
The introduction to the program marked a turning point in Patrick’s life. Designed to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, Dreaming in Colour gave him the skills and knowledge essential for rebuilding his life in a new country.
With the support of The Salvation Army, Patrick transitioned from a shelter to stable housing. He also found a structured path forward that helped him improve his communication and relationship-building abilities. Comprehensive courses on self-understanding, life skills, and motivation provided a solid foundation for his job search, and he eventually secured positions with Special Olympics Ontario and later with the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment as a Communications Manager.
“This Salvation Army program has been a lifeline and equipped me with essential tools for success. It helped me regain confidence in my abilities,” Patrick recalls.
The innovative 14-week series assists new Canadians, individuals needing help with literacy, and those facing mental health challenges achieve their career and life goals. The program assists Ontario Works recipients in overcoming barriers to employment through in-class instruction in self-understanding, life skills, and motivation, as well as training in resume writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies. It concludes with a four-week volunteer placement, with regular check-ins to ensure success.
Since its establishment in 2005, Dreaming in Colour has transformed the lives of more than 500 participants, with 56 successfully completing the program between 2020 and 2024, and 23 currently active.
The program’s success is built on the strong alliances The Salvation Army creates with various city organizations and agencies, tailoring connections to participants’ interests and skills. This collaborative approach ensures meaningful work placements and empowers individuals through self-sufficiency.
Your donations to transformative Salvation Army programs and services will ensure ongoing assistance for people like Patrick. Contribute today at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.