Y Opportunities
Skills building and employment supports for people with disabilities.
Y Opportunities is an employment program that assists people with diagnosed or self-identified disabilities overcome their barriers to employment. Our supports are designed to help participants refine and discover new skills towards labour market integration or further education. Over 6 weeks, we provide individual and group supports that include needs assessments and employability and skills-building workshops. Upon completion, we connect participants with a paid job opportunity or with appropriate courses and training opportunities in a field of their choice. For those entering the workforce, an additional 12 weeks of tailored supports are provided to both participants and their employers to promote long-term success.
The Y Opportunities Program
Program Structure:
Week 1-6
During a 6-week session, participants will attend the group and individual-based employment preparation assistance based on life and employability skills and self-directed goals.
Week 7-18
After completing the 6-week classroom training, participants will get to participate in a paid job opportunity with tailored supports provided to both participants and employers.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be between 18-65 years old
- Have a self-identified or professionally diagnosed disability
- Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Residence or have Refugee Status
- Not currently enrolled in school or enrolled to go back
- Able to commit to 30 hours per week for the duration of the program
Program Supports:
We tailor our supports specifically for your success which can include:
- Employment and Academic Advice
- Networking
- On the Job Supports
- Interview Preparation
- Resume and Cover Letter Workshops
- Transportation
- Work related materials and supplies
- Childcare
- Nutrition
- Mental Health
- Guest Presentations including Canadian Mental Health Association
- On the job supports for participants and employers
*Supports vary based on program, approvals, and case-to-case basis.
Program Dates: Cohorts for 2025 starting in January, March, June, August, November
Participant Application Form
Download Form Here
Contact Us
If you are interested in this program, please provide us with your basic information. A program representative will contact you within 48 hours.
General Inquires
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Y Opportunities Program
165 Elmwood Ave E, London, ON
519-667-3300 x 2038
yopportunities@swo.ymca.ca
Windsor
Michelle Paron
Enhanced Employer Support Facilitator
(519) 258-9622 ext 2650
Email
Ramsha Siddiqi
Employability Skills Developer
(519) 258-9622 ext 2651
Email
London
Tess Corriveau
Program Lead - Y Works & Y Opportunities
519-667-3300 x 2038
Email
Fatima Abbas
Employability Skills Developer
(519) 907-5500 ext 1023
Email
Kevin Nyguen
Enhanced Employer Support Facilitator
(519) 907-5500 ext 1019
Email
Chatham-Sarnia
Zachary Hatcher
Enhanced Employer Support Facilitator
(519) 360-9622 ext 4840
Email
Marlene Wood
Employability Skills Developer
(519) 336-5950 ext 5529
Email
Employers
If you are a community partner, organization, or employer that is interested in establishing a partnership with Y Opportunities program, please click the 'Employer Form' below to fill out the inquiry form. Once completed please email this over to the Program Lead.
