2023: A Year In Review

2023 was a busy year for EMBERS!

As we reflect on the year, we are proud of the impact we had on the communities we serve. EMBERS expanded its programs creating more opportunities across our divisions including EMBERS Staffing, EMBERS Training and EMBERS Eastside Works. 

EMBERS Staffing

EMBERS Staffing had another successful year in 2023!

Across our locations, 1,744 workers were employed, $9.5 M was paid in wages and benefits and several workers received full-time employment offers from our partner organizations.

Our comprehensive approach to employment provides people with the extra support they need to reach their career goals. This support can make all the difference. As one EMBERS Staffing worker describes: 

“Decided to start a new career after some bad choices and setbacks in life but unsure what that change looked like. The option to join the EMBERS team fell into my lap from a friend and I’ve never regretted a moment of it. I started with them roughly a year ago and I was open about my inexperience in the construction field. They provided me some work gear and over a short period of time the training I needed to secure a better position. Today I work with one of the largest construction companies in Canada as a Hoist Operator. This would not have been possible without the help and support of the hard-working staff at EMBERS Staffing Solutions. I am forever grateful for them and I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty and ‘construct a better you'”.

– EMBERS Staffing Worker

In 2023, EMBERS Staffing expanded to Edmonton, Alberta, our first out-of-province expansion. At the start of the year we connected with End Poverty Edmonton, a city-supported initiative, who helped familiarize us with the area and connected us with community groups and key stakeholders in community economic development. We officially opened in May 2023 and are looking forward to continuing to grow our business in the region. 

Worker Support & Matched Savings Program

We continued our Worker Support Program to provide wrap-around support for EMBERS Staffing workers, including assistance with housing, ID, food, clothing, counselling and life coaching, work gear, phones, transportation and community resources. 

The EMBERS Matched Savings program matches EMBERS Staffing worker’s savings up to $600 for eligible purchases. In 2023, the program had 23 participants who used the savings for various goals including education, first month’s rent, computers and tools/work gear.

EMBERS Charity Golf Tournament 

In August, we gathered with our EMBERS Staffing partners for the EMBERS 13th Annual Charity Golf Tournament presented by Darwin Construction at the UBC University Golf Club. It was a fun day golfing for a good cause! 

EMBERS 100 Boots Campaign

We would like to say a big thank you to Riggit for being our largest 100 Boots Campaign donor for the second year in a row with a total of 600 boots over two years. The 100 Boots Campaign raises funds for our Lending Libraries, providing free boots and equipment rentals for EMBERS Staffing workers. Donations to the campaign help people start their careers off on the right foot. We are grateful to all of our donors who help our workers start their careers with their best foot forward!

EMBERS Training

EMBERS Training division provides hard and soft skills training to people who are getting back into the workforce or starting a new career. There are both youth specific and more general training programs for career support and skills development. We are excited to have introduced two new training programs in 2023. 

In the spring, EMBERS Training introduced a new youth training program called Building Better Futures. The program is designed to help youth enter the construction and trades industries and is slated to serve 200 youth over the next two years. Since June, EMBERS has already trained 54 youth in Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford. 

EMBERS Training also launched the Learn & Earn Enhanced program in the fall of 2023. This program has a dual focus on construction training and helping new immigrants get work in Canada. Like all of our programs, Learn & Earn Enhanced offers personalized support to help people meet their individual career goals. This includes emotional intelligence in the workplace, access to certifications, career planning and additional supports. As part of the program, we have introduced a Job Developer who will help connect people with opportunities. 

Whether someone is interested in construction, exploring other careers, or looking for a foothold in the Canadian job market, our training programs help participants identify their assets, strengths and skills they wish to build upon to achieve their career goals.

EMBERS Eastside Works

Eastside Works is EMBERS’ low-barrier innovation hub. In 2023, Eastside Works continued its flagship programs in addition to launching new initiatives and developing new partnerships. Eastside Works facilitated approximately 1,860 work hours per month across its various programs. 

The Chinatown Stewardship Program had another successful year in 2023 employing close to 30 people monthly. The program provides meaningful work within the local community and is part of a city-wide effort to uplift Chinatown and establish a safer and more inclusive community.

Additionally, Eastside Works launched the CLEAR Project, a new collaborative program involving Eastside Works, UBC Learning Exchange, UBC Sustainability Hub and numerous community partners, working with Downtown Eastside residents to provide meaningful access to climate information, resources, and development of peer advocacy for the Downtown Eastside community around climate emergency. 

Through the Front Line Collaborative EMBERS Eastside Works connected with many new organizations in 2023, fostering a stronger sense of community and providing important collective support for folks working in the Downtown Eastside. 

Community Employment Program

The Community Employment Program that provides employment counselling to parolees is wrapping up as we enter 2024. It has been a very successful program over the years and moving forward this program will be delivered internally through the Correctional Service of Canada. 

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As we reflect on 2023, we are moved by the impact we’ve collectively made on individuals seeking to rebuild their lives through meaningful employment. Through your support, we’ve not only provided job opportunities but have also ignited a sense of purpose and empowerment. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission to change lives through the power of work one person, one job, one day at a time.