Focus Employment Program

The Focus program is a specialized employment program for adults affected with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It is offered in a learning environment that is both structured and individualized.

Program Overview

Client Profile

History and Funding

Outcomes and Statistics

Registration

Program Overview

Program components include:

• Supported work experience
• Life skills (goal setting, budgeting, time and anger management, etc.)
• Math and English upgrading
• Computer skills
• Job skills training
• Counselling
• Advocacy for housing, justice and health
• Linkages with community supports
• Crafts/activities
• Certification: SuperHost, Cashier Training, Foodsafe

Success centres around students gaining a personal understanding of FASD, as well as the implementation of individualized plans based on strengths and abilities. Students are encouraged and supported to reach obtainable goals in all areas of their lives.

This year, Focus Students are learning valuable employment skills by working a daily shift at our new endeavour, “The Coffee Cart,” as well as receiving practical certification in Cashier Training, SuperHost and Foodsafe.

Times:    Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm

Registration is ongoing.

For more information, call 250-692-1736

Client Profile

The typical Focus student is an adult who has been affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Students may have been formally diagnosed with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or may show characteristics and behaviours consistent with prenatal exposure to alcohol. We do not require a diagnosis for admittance to the program as this process is a significant barrier especially for Northern residents.

The typical life experiences for our students include people who had a very difficult time with traditional education (and most often did not graduate from high school), who struggle with independent living, and who rely on social assistance programs for support. Students can stay in the program as long as they need support.

Most students have been born and raised in the Lakes District area, but on occasion students have enrolled from other locations within the province. For these enrollments to be successful, several other support factors need to be considered.

Focus students are interested in reaching personal growth, educational, and job skill goals. Once enrolled in the program, students create healthy support networks (often for the first time in their lives), and they appreciate being a positive and contributing member of the college community. Students have been successful at finding and keeping employment (semi-supported and independent) because of the skills learned through this program.

History and Funding

The Focus program started in September of 1998 with funding from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC, now known as HRSDC). After several successful years with the program, the Ministry of Advanced Education (MAVED), Government of British Columbia, provided funding for this program.

The program supplements itself with entrepreneurial activities such as catering, bake and craft sales, cross-country ski rentals, and handyman jobs.

The Focus program's success centres around meeting the needs of the individual students and identifying success based on their individual abilities. Students are encouraged and supported to reach obtainable goals in all areas of their lives.

During this program, students will:

• Gain work experience and skills
• Develop personal management skills (anger, stress & time)
• Build support networks
• Improve housing and health outcomes
• Reduce drug, alcohol use and involvement with justice system
• Maximize literacy and memory skills
• Improve communication skills
• Gain work related certification (e.g. First Aid)

Through these activities, Focus students increase their self worth and self confidence. They develop interpersonal communication skills and teamwork skills necessary to create personal support networks.

Some Program Successes and Outcomes (2006)

Clients at Intake

• 33% using drugs/alcohol 
• 33% have been involved with the legal system   
• 100% are unemployed

Client Outcomes

• 53% abstaining
• 20% involved with legal system during program
• 73% attain some employment during program (13% for the first time)

Registration

The Focus program is for:

• Adults with a  diagnosis of FASD
• People who display the characteristics and symptoms of FASD and believe their mother's drank alcohol during pregnancy
• People who had a difficult time in regular school, who struggle to live independently and who wish to find a program that supports their learning needs
• Adults who wish to increase their educational, personal and job-related skills in a supported and flexible learning environment.

 If you would like more information on this program call the CNC Counsellor at 692-1706 or email lksdist@cnc.bc.ca.

Updated August 4, 2010