Building the Path to Home

Employment, vocational and day programs

Employment programs

There are very few programs in Toronto for people with a dual diagnosis. If you have creative ways to set up an informal approach to support someone in a part-time work setting, consider it seriously.

Supported employment

Supported employment (paid work in an integrated setting with ongoing agency support) has the best long-term employment outcomes. For more information, see:

• Canadian Association for Supported Employment.

Consumer initiatives

Consumer-survivor initiatives range from self-help, peer support, advocacy and provision of enriching activities to businesses that are operated and staffed by people who have had mental health problems. They foster a strong sense of community, contribution and respect.

Foundation programs

Developmental services agencies offer programs that help young adults make the transition to employment (foundation programs). They are offered through:

• Community Living Toronto (Youth 2 Work programs, 416 968-0650 ext. 2207)
• CORE (416 340-7929)
• Christian Horizons.

Government programs

The federal and provincial governments fund programs to help youth with the transition from school to work:

• Alternative Youth Centre for Employment (the Job Connect program supports youth with disabilities, 416-491-7000)
• Project Work (416 481-2211)
• Youth ARE (YWCA, 416 531-3900).

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), which is the income maintenance program for people with disabilities, also funds employment supports. It may be worth investigating what they have available by calling 416 325-0693.

Vocational training services

Vocational training organizations include:

• Jewish Vocational Services
• Goodwill Industries (416 362-4711)
• Salvation Army's Booth Industries (416 255-7070)
• COSTI Immigration Services (416 789-7925).

Community Living Toronto offers a number of employment training centres and job placement services. Contact the centralized intake worker at 416 968-0650 ext. 2207 (employment training) or 416 750-0666 (job placement).

Other resources

For more information about employment and vocational programs, see:

• Supports & Services Resource Handbook
• Making Choices
• 211Toronto.

For a comprehensive list of developmental services sector programs, contact:

• Day Support Services (416 968-1964 ext. 2242).

Choosing a program

When you are looking for a vocationally oriented program for people, regardless of whether they are housed or unhoused, keep in mind the questions that we identified that will help you choose a program (see Questions to Ask a Service Provider).This will give you a sense of the program's experience with people with a dual diagnosis.
Flexibility and willingness to customize the program for the person are key criteria for success. People often need to change programs as their needs evolve. They will need to work with a support person, either a family member or case manager, to determine what these changing needs are.

Family members who are committed to finding meaningful work for their relative find this a full-time support function. Many parents have independently set up part-time and/or volunteer work placements with several agencies and organizations. This may involve a great deal of travel, but can be significantly enriching for their family member.

Day programs

Developmental services sector day programs

Most of the day programs offered through the developmental services sector are highly structured and require regular and full-time attendance.

Recently, several programs that offer more flexibility and an individualized approach have been developed. Information about available day supports is available through any of the core developmental services agencies. For information about developmental services day programs, contact any of the key developmental services sector agencies in Toronto with questions.

Mental health sector day programs

Within the mental health system, there are a number of options for day programs or activities, from day-treatment settings, which focus on clinical supports and treatment, to rehabilitation programs, which are offered through the Canadian Mental Health Association and other community mental health agencies.

Some community recreation centre programs offer a range of activities and tend to be less structured than developmental services sector programs. The person's fit with the culture will be the key consideration.

An example of a community-based program is:

• Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre (a vibrant community for marginalized people with mental health issues): 416 537-2591.

Other resources

• Supports & Services Resource Handbook
  Day Support Services: 416 968-1964 ext. 2242
  Making Choices
  211Toronto (follow "Homelessness" or enter "drop-in programs" in the search field)

Next page >>

Back to top