Providing people with an opportunity to gain meaningful work experiences

Employment is a critical mental health intervention. It leads to increased self-confidence, respect of others, personal income and community integration.

Here-to-Work is a community-based, volunteer program that enables individuals to gain real-life work experiences through volunteering their services.

Here-to-Work was derived from Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Day Program. As our staff taught specific skills relevant to employment, they noticed that peers did not have an opportunity to practice specific work-related skills in a real-world environment. As a result, our staff began going door to door asking community businesses to provide our peers with an opportunity to perform administrative and light-duty work assignments in a small group setting.

  • To date, our peers have received opportunities to work on various work assignments including:
  • Setting up corporate meetings and receptions; and assisting with the decoration.
  • Setting up and breaking down tables and chairs
  • Painting interior walls
  • Sorting, packing, unpacking, and prepping
  • Reshelving books at a school’s library
  • Light cleaning
  • Light floral setup
  • As a result of these volunteer opportunities, our peers have:
  • developed various vocational skills;
  • gained valuable experiences;
  • experienced a feel of the employment life;
  • developed autonomy of working in the community;
  • developed an understanding of specific work cultures;
  • identified personal strengths, needs, abilities, preferences (SNAPs) and interests;
  • received the opportunity to give back and help others;
  • experienced a boost in their self-esteem; and
  • formulated resumes.

Q&A

How does the program work?

Our agency receives an assignment. Prior to the work day, staff provide details to peers. In return, they accept the volunteer opportunity.

On the work day, staff prep the peer team by reviewing the assignment and instructions. Upon arrival, staff make the contact and clarify the assignment with the employer. Afterwards, staff and the peer team initiate the work assignment. Staff work alongside peers during the entire assignment.

What is the group size?

The group consists of 10 to 12 peers in addition to one to two staff members.

Will staff remain with the peer team the entire time?

Yes. A major element to this program is for staff to model, instruct, support and provide feedback to peers throughout the assignment.

What days of the week does this program operate?

Monday-Friday

How long can a peer group work?

We accept assignments that run two to four hours in length between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm.

What type of work assignments do you accept?

We accept light-duty assignments including sorting, packing, and unpacking items; setting up and breaking down; and administrative or clerical duties.

If your business is interested in partnering with the Here-to-Work Program and/or have similar volunteer work assignments, we want to connect with you! Simply, enter your information below, and we will contact you shortly.