Operational hours for the holiday season:

  • Dec. 23 (Mon) - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 24 (Tues) - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Dec. 25 - 26 (Wed and Thurs) - CLOSED 
  • Dec. 27 (Fri) -  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 28 (Sat) - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 29 (Sun) - CLOSED
  • Dec. 30 - 31 (Mon and Tues) - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Jan. 1 (Wed) - CLOSED
  • Jan. 2 (Thurs) - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Jan. 3 (Fri) - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Jan. 4 (Sat) - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  

Her Wings Unfolded...

Posted at:
Woman Believing in her Dreams

I am not sure where to begin. Everything still seems surreal to me. The last time I recall was when I was struggling to make ends meet. In addition to being a single mother with a six-year-old son, I have also experienced domestic violence and do not have any relatives or friends whom I can turn to for assistance. Furthermore, I am also a new immigrant who was unfamiliar with the resources available to us here. Eventually, I met individuals who helped us overcome the difficulties of applying for food banks, income assistance, etc. In addition, I maintained close ties with the Filipino community in the Surrey area; they suggested me go to WorkBC.

I went to register at the closest WorkBC where I was assigned with my case manager, the first time that I met Ms. Rosita I felt a sense of relief because she is a Filipina too, and I felt at ease with her. As the saying goes, first impressions last! Her trustworthiness and kindness made me think I could rely on her. She encouraged me to be strong to turn my life around. She guided me with the opportunity to start over and change my life for the better. In addition, she provided me with a great deal of assistance.

It is still overwhelming to me how much assistance and support I received from my case manager and WorkBC Centre Whalley. From resume writing and career development sessions to finding and attending school for free, from bus tickets to child care for my son, I had the opportunity to participate in these activities. 

Upon graduation from Cambria College's Social Services & Community Support Worker Program, I became employed. However, WorkBC Employment Services never ends. Ms. Rosita arranged for me to attend Dress for Success, where they provided me with clothing and bags for job hunting and again when I landed a job. Nevertheless, she did not forget about us. She will call to check on us, especially my son. My sincere thanks go to WorkBC Centre Whalley amazing team for their help and, most notably, for believing in me. This experience will remain with me for the rest of my life.

WorkBC

WorkBC is the provincial government's access point to the world of work in British Columbia. It was created with one key goal — to help all British Columbians to successfully navigate B.C.'s labour market.