Reintegrating BlackS and Racialized Workers with Mental Health Disabilities into Canadian WorkforCE

At the Canadian Association for Blacks Health and Safety Professionals (CABHSP), our mission is to empower Blacks, racialized, and marginalized individuals—especially those with disabilities and mental health challenges—by fostering economic inclusion and workplace equity.

With funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), CABHSP has implemented transformative employment reintegration programs to bridge workforce gaps, equip individuals with in-demand skills, and advocate for mental health accessibility in the workplace. Our structured approach combines professional training, employer partnerships, and mental health support services to ensure long-term career success for participants.

Project Goals and Objectives:

The primary goal of this project is to:

• Provide Blacks and racialized individuals—especially those with mental health disabilities with employment training, work placements, and employer support.
• Address systemic workforce barriers, such as credential recognition, workplace discrimination, and accessibility challenges. 
• Offer mental health resources to support job retention, career growth, and work-life balance.

Key Activities & Methods:

• Personalized Career Training: Resume writing, interview preparation, and job readiness workshops.
• Employer Partnerships & Work Placements: Connecting participants with industry leaders for hands-on work experience.
• Mental Health & Peer Support: Culturally competent counseling, mentorship, and personal development sessions.
• Technology & Business Skills Development: Computer boot camps, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy enhancement.  

Success Across Multiple Sectors

Our programs have successfully placed participants in various industries, providing essential skills, job opportunities, and career mobility.

• Healthcare & Social Services: Caregiving, mental health support, and personal support work. 
• Finance & Administration: Accounting, banking, customer service, and office management. 
• Information Technology (IT): Data analysis, software development, cybersecurity, and IT support. 
• Education & Training: Early childhood education, teaching assistance, and learning facilitation. 
• Construction & Engineering: Safety inspections, project management, and environmental consulting. 
• Entrepreneurship & Business Development: Agriculture, beauty, and retail business startups. 

Workforce Integration & Employment Success:

• Employment Outcomes: Over 70% of program graduates have successfully transitioned into permanent employment in Canada.
• Self-Employment & Business Growth: Participants have launched thriving businesses in agriculture, beauty, IT, and finance.
• Work Experience Placements: Participants have gained paid internships, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement. 

Mental Health & Personal Development Success

CABHSP recognizes the critical role mental health plays in employment success. Our programs break the stigma around mental health by incorporating:

✅ Culturally Competent Counseling Services: 

• Licensed Black psychologists and therapists provide mental health support tailored to our community’s needs. 
• Bi-weekly peer support groups strengthen community bonds and boost workplace confidence.

✅ Psycho-Social Training & Resilience Building: 

• One-on-one mental health coaching for managing workplace stress, discrimination, and career transitions. 
• Workshops on handling micro-aggressions, work-life balance, and conflict resolution for professional success.

✅ Community Engagement & Team Building: 

• Weekly trivia quizzes encourage participation, with prizes fostering motivation and teamwork.

Entrepreneurship & Educational Advancement

CABHSP fosters self-sufficiency by encouraging entrepreneurship and continued education.

✅ Entrepreneurial Coaching & Financial Literacy:

• Over 200 participants have received training in business planning, marketing, and financial management.

✅ Educational Pathways for Career Growth:

• Participants have enrolled in Early Childhood Education, Project Management, IT Certifications, and Healthcare Courses to enhance job prospects.

✅ Support for Senior Workers & Career Transitions: 

• Older adults are successfully re-entering the workforce through customized job placements and career coaching.

Key Impact Metrics

📊 Project Outcome: 

• 30 participants with disabilities engaged in career-building activities. 
• 25 individuals developed enhanced employability skills. 
• 19 participants secured permanent employment. 
• 1 participant transitioned into self-employment. 
• 4 individuals returned to school for further education.

Lessons Learned & Challenges Addressed:

📌 Employment Barriers: Many participants struggled with credential recognition, employer bias, and accessibility issues. CABHSP responded by advocating for policy inclusion and employer awareness.

📌 Financial & Social Challenges: Childcare constraints, transportation issues, and financial instability impacted many participants. Our team provided subsidies, stipends, and remote work options to mitigate these challenges.

📌 Mental Health & Workplace Confidence: Many individuals lacked self-confidence due to past employment discrimination. Through coaching, mentorship, and group counseling, participants regained confidence and workplace resilience.

What’s Next?

CABHSP aims to:

 🔹 Expand employer partnerships to create more inclusive hiring opportunities.

 🔹 Enhance mental health training programs to further support workforce reintegration.

 🔹 Advocate for workplace equity through policy engagement and employer education.

CABHSP’s success is built on collaborative efforts with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations.

✅ Canadian Imperial College – Workforce training, job placements, and certifications.

 ✅ Disability Empowerment Foundation (DEF) – Career development for individuals with disabilities.

 ✅ Canadian Imperial Advantage – Financial literacy and small business mentorship. 

 ✅ Public Health Agencies – Mental health awareness, wellness programs, and healthcare support.

 ✅ Employer Partners – Hosting work experience placements and providing full-time job opportunities.

 ✅ Black Business Edmonton (BBE) – Strengthening community and economic growth through networking and business development. 

A huge thank you to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for fully funding this initiative and to all our partners, mentors, social workers, and program coordinators for making this project a success.

Looking Ahead: 

CABHSP remains committed to:

✔ Expanding employment opportunities for Blacks and racialized workers.
✔ Advocating for inclusive hiring practices and employer awareness.
✔ Empowering marginalized individuals to achieve economic stability and career success.