Dreaming in Colour: The Possible Dream

By: June Li

For many people, job hunting can be hard and frustrating but for those with barriers, these challenges are amplified. For newcomers, individuals with low-literacy rates, and mental health issues, finding employment, and staying employed can be increasingly difficult. That is where The Salvation Army’s ‘Dreaming in Colour’ program steps in.

Located at the Harbour Light Community Church in Toronto, Dreaming in Colour is a 12-week employment essentials program that focuses on helping individuals build and develop life skills so they can achieve personal goals, and fulfil their dreams.

A Second Career

Chris was born in Toronto but migrated to the United States at an early age where he established and built a career. Later on in life, he decided to return to Canada but needed help to get his second career started.

“Upon arriving in Canada, I needed to develop my work skills and learn about the Canadian labour market, and Dreaming in Colour was the answer,” Chris explains.

Meg Loy, Dreaming in Colour Coordinator explains that establishing each individual’s goals are crucial to the success of this program. “Each person who attends this program comes with different skills and abilities,” says Loy, “Some have no work experience at all and some are refugees with great qualifications in their home country. We have to ensure their program path is geared towards their goal.”

During the first eight weeks, students are given the opportunity to attend workshops that cover a wide range of topics such as time, conflict and stress management. In the last four weeks of the program, each student will meet with the placement coordinator where they receive assistance in attaining a work placement.

“The different class activities taught me to incorporate my skills at work. The program also helped me make decisions about my career goals,” says Chris, “My job placement gave me the opportunity to gain relevant work experience and I learned what to expect in the workforce.”

Support for Success

Once students graduate from the program the support continues. Each student receives six months of post-program assistance to help them with their needs which can range from job search assistance to housing referrals. After the individual obtains employment, they will receive an additional six months of post-hiring support. “These six months of support are crucial as it gives us the opportunity to provide graduates with advice that can help them progress in their career,” explains Loy.

Since the program concluded, Chris applied to college and is now enrolled in George Brown College’s Community Worker Program which will commence this September. “I want to say thank you to Meg and the team at Dreaming in Colour.  It has been a joy and prosperous to be involved in this program,” says Chris.