The Skills Development program empowers those who live in the Downtown Eastside for overall life improvement and, for some, prepares them for the paid employment sector.
The Skills Development program creates a bridge connecting women with DEWC services while providing opportunities for Peers to support their community, and gain confidence and skills.
By getting involved in the activities of DEWC, women build individual and collective capacity for ownership, leadership, and positive change. The Skills Development Program is an integral aspect linked to our principles of self-help, peer support and community building.
Called “volunteer”, peers are DEWC members with lived or living experience. They work alongside DEWC staff to support women to access services.
“I give back to the community by providing my services through volunteering to the people in the Downtown Eastside, especially seniors, women and children. It feels good to support my community when the most I could give is my energy and time.”
– Lily
