UIHB is a four-year+ program founded on the provision of key wrap-around supports such as:
- Support finding & maintaining housing
- Support finding childcare
- Access to culture
- Academic Upgrading
- Life-Skills training
- Access to programming
- Transportation
- Support & Case management
- 2-year college diploma
- Access to health supports
- Employment supports
- Community connection
The Four Phases of UIHB
The UIHB uses a four-phased program model that aims to systematically address the barriers sole-parenting Indigenous women face when trying to find meaningful employment, enhanced wellbeing, and prosperity for themselves and their children.
Phase 1: Skills Training & Academic Upgrading
This includes life skills, computer skills, financial literacy, and an academic upgrading program to prepare for college.
Phase 2: Formal Education
Attending Fleming College for a 2-year college diploma program that is compatible with labour market needs and is likely to lead to family-sustaining wages.
Phase 3: Employment Preparation
Attending employment workshops, gaining certifications, and support to help participants gain work experience in their chosen profession through internships, placements, and volunteering opportunities.
Phase 4: Employment Opportunities
Assistance with securing employment and support in transitioning out of the program into employment.
Who can apply?
Our primary applicants will be single urban Indigenous mothers with at least one child under 17 living at home. They must be unemployed or underemployed and are motivated to make changes in their lives through postsecondary education and employment.
The UIHB program encourages applications from those who are motivated, self-determined, and have academic readiness. This is to ensure that participants are prepared for the demands of the program, especially the commitment of going to college to complete a 2-year college diploma.