Fifteen programs are being launched across British Columbia aimed at helping victims of violence and abuse gain the confidence and the skills to get a job and lift them out of difficult times.

Advanced Education, Skills and Training Minister Melanie Mark says these programs will be crucial in providing new skills, but also in promoting the right mind set.”Encourage them to have the confidence to go in there and win over that employer to get their dream job. Building confidence in people is really, really important because we recognize that these vulnerable people haven’t typically had the confidence to go and get jobs.”

In Kamloops, the Open Door Society is getting 762 thousand dollars over two years to provide these services. “It’s going to support 120 participants. Largely people that may be persons with disabilities. But, the most important thing is they’re going to be getting training that is going to help them get a job. We recognize that have experienced violence, have experienced major trauma, it’s a big deal.”

Mark says many of those that will participate in these programs haven’t been in the work force for as long as 10 years and it’s a big leap for them to make. “A person with disability, to now have the courage and confidence to step up, go to one of these programs in their backyard and say ‘Look, I’m ready. I am ready to go back to work. I am ready to get the skills. But I didn’t go to school learning how to work on computers. I didn’t have the self-confidence. I didn’t finish my grade 12.'”

Mark says helping victims have that self-confidence at a time when they’re also trying to escape violence is challenging and requires a support system.