Sistering’s employment and income support programs offer women employment preparation, workplace and business skills, links to employers, the opportunity earn supplementary income and to develop a micro-enterprise. Programs include a focus on trauma-informed employment preparation – assisting women who have experienced trauma and violence to prepare for the workforce – and English as a Second Language on site. On Employment Help Days, our Job Developer is available in the Bloor Street Drop In to answer questions about employment and set up personal appointments with women. 

Inspirations Studio

Inspirations Studio is a thriving art and artisan studio providing members with studio space – including pottery wheels and kiln access - and marketplace opportunities ranging from arts and crafts markets to consignment relationships, pottery group shows and the opportunity to work on custom orders. Members are low-income, marginalized, under-housed and homeless women who gain a valued opportunity for supplemental income, economic activity and business skills. Members generate income through sales, exhibitions and commissions and contribute financially to maintain the studio. The studio also provides professional development and support:

• business training
• business plan development
• ongoing business workshops
• goal-setting interviews for graduates
• promotional & marketing support for individual markets.

For more information or to place an order visit www.inspirationsstudio.ca.

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On The Path

On the Path to Employment is an employment training program developed to address the needs of women who are faced with challenges that prevent them from attending traditional job readiness programs. One goal of the program is to provide the necessary flexibility to best meet the needs of the participants.

On the Path includes a sewing training program where women develop industrial sewing skills, with training in industrial sewing techniques and construction of clothing articles. The sewing incubator component sources contracts, and women have the opportunity to fulfill basic contracts through the sewing incubator. Sewing is just one part of On the Path. Other courses have included computer training, mentoring, job search strategies and health and safety, especially for people in non-unionized employment.

The program was developed with input from interested participants. Sewing was a popular choice because many of the women had skills or experience in the garment industry, but were not be able to do full-time work. Partnerships have included Windfall Clothing Services and industrial partners Comrags and Levi Strauss. On the Path maintains contracts with the Who is a Nobody Doll, a Toronto District School Board character education program, Shinngle Baby Mats and does alterations and tailoring for the general public. On the Path encourages women to supplement their income by producing accessories like shopping bags and home décor items.

On the Path participant Christy was previously involved in another job readiness program. “There they help you get a job,” she says. “Here helps you in life. Sistering has really helped me a lot and I appreciate it.”