Organizational Information:

Opportunities Career Services was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1985 and has offered employment services in Campbell River and Courtenay for 23 years. Opportunities Career Services Society's mission is "to promote self-directed career and life management." We are committed to professional, confidential and supportive services with an interactive, cooperative team approach. It is our priority to equip our clientele to take on challenges and achieve self sufficiency through the development of realistic back to work action plans.

Our Society was created with the goal of responding to service gaps in our communities. To fulfill the society's mission we believe our society must also be committed to economic development in the community. In order to build sustainable communities we believe an infrastructure is required that supports those in need and economic growth sufficient to support the local labour market. Our services link unemployed community members with the support and resources to actively participate in the labour market.

Program Description:

In 2007, Opportunities Career Services launched a new project called Asset Building. The Asset Building Project is designed to enable the lower income and under-employed individuals build security though savings and budget planning. The project improves the financial literacy of the participants and provides saving incentives to expand their participation in the local economy.

Each participant entered the program agreeing to save $15 to $50 per month and their savings are matched at a ratio of 3:1 for a period of 2 years. At the end of the 2nd year of the program, participants will be able to use their matched savings for home ownership, education or self-employment. The matched savings will only be available to those participants who complete the two year program. If a participant wishes to leave the program early, they will only be able to withdraw the portion of the savings that they contributed. The project is based on the belief that in order for people to improve their lives they need the tools and knowledge to make the right decision and follow the best course of action for their circumstances.

Target Participant Criteria

The project is intended for people who are living at lower income levels and follows the federally defined Low Income Cutoff measure (LICO).

Program Contact Information:

René Quintin
Phone: (250) 286-3436
Website: www.ocssoc.ca/asset.html

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