Bridges for Women

Since 1988, the Bridges for Women Society

has provided programs to help women who

have experienced abuse and violence over-

come the barriers to employment associated

with recovery from trauma.

Bridges is the first agency in British Columbia,

and the only agency in the region, that offers

employment training designed for women who

need specialized help. Internationally the Bridg-

es program has been adopted in Prague,

Czechoslovakia. Bridges received one of the

first Building a Safer Future Awards in 1999 for

its contribution and excellence in preventing

violence against women.

Over 500 women have completed the bridging

program. Bridges offers trauma informed ser-

vices and programs that:

Reflect a non-judgmental learning

environment

Reverse the cycle of abuse by respect-

ing individual learning styles

Apply adult learning and feminist

principles to counselling and facilitation

Honour boundaries and diversity

Bridges for Women is a registered charitable

organization and donations in support of

Bridges services are gratefully accepted.

Suite 320 1175 Cook Street

Victoria, BC Canada V8V 4A1

Tel 250 385 7410 Fax 250 385 7459

E-mail: careers@bridgesforwomen.ca

Website: www.bridgesforwomen.ca

Our Publications

From Trauma to Triumph: 25 years transform-

ing women’s lives Inspirational stories celebrat-

ing Bridges’ 25 year journey. Women of Bridges

reveal the history and work of this transforma-

tional organization.

Bridges Community Handbook 2014 A listing

of mainly free resources in Greater Victoria. It

responds to needs from A–Z such as addictions

recovery, food and clothing, to victim services.

bridges to healing workbook The Bridges

workbook contains self-help information about

the impacts of abuse, practical exercises for

healing, inspiring stories and art work. The focus

is on strengthening resilience and breaking out of

the cycle to thrive and inspire others.

bridges to understanding A guide to the im-

pacts of abuse on employability; focus on over-

coming barriers and supporting those who face

them.

A Civil Tongue An unfinished memoir of one of

Canada’s prominent feminists, Dr. Katie Cooke,

a founding mother of Bridges.

Women’s Career Mentorship

Program

“A lot of people have gone further

than they thought they could

because someone else thought

they could.” - Zig Ziglar

Telephone: (250) 385-7410

careers@bridgesforwomen.ca www.bridgesforwomen.ca

break the cycle. build the future.

Funding is provided through the Canada-British

Columbia Labour Market Agreement

Mentees

Through matches designed to meet individual

needs, Bridges Career Mentoring program

helps women to:

Renew focus on employment and edu-

cation

Develop a vision for the future

Move towards personal and financial

independence

Build confidence

Develop organizational and goal-setting

skills

Learn valuable boundary and communi-

cation skills

Network and build a community of sup-

portive women

Have fun!

Eligibility Criteria

Not currently receiving Employment In-

surance Benefits, and have not re-

ceived EI in the past 3 years for a regu-

lar claim, or 5 years for a maternity or

parental claim

Unemployed or underemployed and

lacking high school diploma and/or post

-secondary certification

Call 250-385-7410 to determine your

suitability.

Career Mentoring

The Women’s Career Mentorship program

provides women impacted by trauma with

the opportunity to actualize their employ-

ment, educational, and business goals

in a safe and nurturing relationship. The

program matches Mentors and Mentees

to provide valuable learning for both wom-

en, and to allow Mentees to gain relevant

exposure to career possibilities through

research, exploration, brainstorming,

and networking, while building self-

esteem and communication skills.

Mentors and Mentees receive orientation

and training as part of the mentoring ex-

perience. Matches are carefully planned

and supported by program staff to ensure

a rich and successful experience. Match-

es are 6 months in duration at 5-6

hours per month and include advanced

training life skills workshops.

“Over the last six months I have come to know

[my mentor] as an energizing, accepting, posi-

tive, and seemingly fearless woman. Listening to

her life story and discussing our on-going goals I

learned something about myself. I am doing

okay! I do not need a fancy new job title, corner

office or six figure salary. Exploration, trial and

error and following your bliss are a perfectly ac-

ceptable way of doing things. I learned to go easy

on myself, take it slow and have fun. I am thank-

ful for the time [my mentor] has shared with

me…” ~Mentee

Mentors

Career mentors support mentees while they

explore and develop their career path, intro-

duce them to professional networks, share

feedback on job search techniques and pro-

vide support and encouragement while they

work towards their career goals!

Benefits of Mentoring

Rich opportunity for learning and

growth

Refine communication skills

Celebrate successes, small and large

Immerse yourself in a diverse commu-

nity of women

Engage with women ready for change

and growth in their lives

Mentor Qualities

You love your career or are retired

from a career you loved

You enjoy sharing your knowledge

You want to help women impacted by

trauma to reach their goals

You want to make a real difference in

a woman’s life

You can share 5-6 hours per month

Call today to begin the application process!