AN INNOVATIVE
MULTI-PURPOSE INITIATIVE

The Board-er Games Program was a Skills Development project run in collaboration with VALA.  This project was a one year funded initiative through the Ontario Skills Development Fund.  It had two distinct
but joint purposes, designed to help meet
both social and employment needs:

1: Social Activity Centre for all, in a community where there are limited indoor social activities, it was a place where people could gather and connect. Customers had access to the centre to socialize and engage with others and enjoy an interactive experience. A variety of board games, snacks, bubble tea and seating were available to accommodate a range of interests and ages.

2 : Skills, training and job placements for people with mental health and disabilities in a low stress, monitored, and friendly environment, where participants with disabilities and mental health issues could engage with others, gain hands-on authentic workplace skills, knowledge, and confidence in a non-traditional learning format. This empowered workers and job seekers alike who face higher barriers to entry, and enhance pathways into meaningful and gainful employment.

Who Is This Program For?

Designed and managed by VALA, the Board-er Games Social Activity Centre was unique in the community.

Designed to assist job seekers with disabilities, those requiring specialized mental health support, or struggle with other disorders, the program’s core goal was to provide employability skills training through authentic work experience and job placements. Having the opportunity to gain real world work experience empowered workers and job seekers who faced higher barriers to entry, and enhanced pathways into meaningful and gainful employment. It provided immediate access to employment and brought together workforce development partners to align education training and skills development with the needs of a local labour market and employers.

BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AT BOARD-ER GAMES

Participating in the Board-er Games Social Activity Centre Program provided invaluable personal development and improved competence opportunities. Areas of growth included:

• Building confidence and a sense of purpose by creating something meaningful and contributory to the community, that addresses a genuine need
.
• Creating a sense of ownership and accountability by being involved with set-up, implementation, and operation of the centre
.
• Empowering participants to be active in the community while working around their disabilities through the program training
.
• Reducing barriers to meaningful employment, for workers who suffer from mental health, disabilities, or other disorders.
• Identifying existing transferable skills, through participating in the project
.
• Gaining new transferable workplace skills which will enable individuals trained through this project to obtain future employment
.
• Availability of new opportunities and open doors to members of our community who face community stigmas and barriers not conducive to their working capabilities.