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: [email protected]
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
[email protected] 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!