Many individuals on government financial assistance – even the unhoused – are unhappy with their life situation. Even though the desire is sincere, they are convinced that to get in a better place is extremely limited … indeed almost impossible! Many live in fear, doubt, and anguish.
The mission at Second Chance Workshop is to develop work opportunities for marginalized individuals of our communities to bring positive changes in their life. We believe that the best way to reduce poverty and promote confidence, is to offer capable individuals, facing hardship, a path to financial sufficiency.
Our new pre-employment “Light Program” – in operation since October 2022 – is designed to provide our qualified students with basic technical and coping skills that will increase their chance of getting and keeping a decent occupation.
Our operating model is the recycling and refurbishing of used home furnishing gracefully donated by the citizens of the greater Moncton and surrounding areas. (This has a huge positive impact on reducing harmful pollutants in the atmosphere). Once sales worthy, these items are sold at our retail store – Enviro Plus on Baig Blvd. – to conscious shoppers, students, low-income families, and newcomers to help them balance their budgets.
Thanks to a favorable reputation recognised during the year 2024, where a practical approach is adapted to the specific needs of each student, Second Chance Workshop has now extended the services offered to include the following groups:
- People receiving government financial assistance (Welfare)
- The homeless person who has demonstrated a capacity to participate – NEW
- The person currently on probation (not incarcerated) – NEW
- The young person on social assistance who lives in an environment where a parent, a grandparent or a guardian, is also dependent on the system
- The adult living in a special care home that lacks social connection – NEW
- The high school student at-risk of dropping out – NEW
The program is divided into 3 major phases:
Phase 1 – 4-week Orientation phase helps the student adjust to new environment.
Phase 2 – 4-week Evaluation process based on punctuality; communication; personal appearance; following instruction; team player and motivation.
Phase 3 – 12-week training period pertains to teach soft and related skills to increase the student’s ability to develop an acceptable level of problem-solving skills and achieve a more stable and calm behavior.
Benchmarks are pre-established for each participating student. The assessment committee meet on a monthly basis to evaluate and assess each student. Each student gets to function as an employee working 7-hour days; with coffee breaks and a ½ hour lunch… hot nutritious meal are included in the program.
Throughout all phases of this internship, a hand-on, on-site learning approach is utilised. The right time to address a current conflict is when disagreement arises, in order to carefully arrive at a suitable compromise. The mentors are always attentive to reassure the client who is trailing behind, and, to recognise the one who is above expectations. This system has proven to be very effective in addressing conflictual encounters.
In-Class Soft skill learning
A new In-class soft skills training is now in operation. Essential and crucial information to each student is delivered on a weekly basis. Vital subjects such as Reliability, Dependability, Integrity, Self improvement, Initiative, Commitment, Adaptability, Communication, Problem solving and, the development of a critical mind, are being discussed.
Our program works because of you… for two reasons!
- Your donation of lightly used furniture, that you no longer need, is what funds the program. Simply call 506-853-7722 and we will be glad to pick up your recyclable item FREE OF CHARGE in the Greater Moncton and surrounding areas.
- By shopping at our Enviro Plus store, you buy a couch or a mattress that has been steam cleaned to a heat of 250 degrees, Also, you extend the live of that item and reduce the CO2 gas emissions. In fact, did you know that 85 tons of material has avoided the local landfill ECO 360 in 2025?
Visit our store today and see for yourself
the amazing work our students accomplish.
Check out and share our new Web Site… www.ateliersecondechance-scw.com
