Community-Based Employment Services (CBES) is a personalized, low-barrier employment program for people living in Grandview-Woodland and Kensington-Cedar Cottage who may be navigating barriers related to homelessness, substance use, or mental health challenges. 

CBES is delivered through trusted community organizations that already know and support people in the neighbourhood. Participants are connected with a Community Navigator who takes the time to understand their strengths, goals, immediate needs, and what meaningful employment might look like for them. 

Support is flexible and tailored to each person. Depending on individual needs, this may include help with stabilization and referrals, employment planning, skills development, training, job search, connecting with employers, preparing to start work, and ongoing support after employment begins. 

The program recognizes that the path to employment is not always linear. Participants can move at a pace that reflects their circumstances, priorities, and readiness, with support focused on building stability, confidence, connection, and sustainable employment. 

CBES is rooted in relationship, safety, choice, agency, dignity, and practical support. The goal is to make employment services easier to access by meeting people where they are and connecting them with the right support at the right time.