Step Into Success (S.I.S.)

The New Beginnings Support Program developed the S.I.S. Program, a comprehensive one-year initiative followed by an additional year of post-graduation support. The program helps participants identify and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from achieving their goals while strengthening the skills, confidence, and abilities needed to succeed.

The program is designed for low-income, underserved, and vulnerable women between the ages of 18 and 40.

Through an interactive and supportive learning environment, participants focus on enhancing self-worth, building self-esteem, developing leadership skills, reducing self-doubt, and strengthening resilience. The program also empowers participants to make informed decisions and improve their overall quality of life. In addition, it addresses key areas such as financial wellness, physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being.

Overview

The S.I.S. Program focuses on two key areas: Career Development and Personal Development. Designed to empower women to achieve lasting success, the program provides the tools, guidance, and support needed to overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition from low-income circumstances to sustainable, living-wage employment.


Through a combination of career planning, skills development, personal growth, and individualized coaching, participants gain the knowledge and resources necessary to create meaningful change in their lives.


By the end of the program, each woman will have a personalized action plan outlining clear goals, practical steps, and achievable milestones to help her reach her full potential and build a brighter future.

Program Info

Bridging the gap between where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow.

Our process begins with a comprehensive assessment of each woman’s education, employment history, skills, strengths, and current life circumstances. This in-depth evaluation helps us identify opportunities, address barriers, and develop a personalized pathway to success.

Together, we create a clear vision for the future and determine the steps needed to achieve it. By starting with the end goal in mind, we help each woman define her aspirations and identify the personal, professional, and educational growth required to reach them.

Who do you need to become to achieve your goals?

Success begins with a clear destination. Through guidance, coaching, and practical support, we empower women to develop the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to build meaningful careers and create lasting change in their lives.

Part One: Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

This section focuses on building healthy self-esteem, taking control of your life, and developing the skills needed to achieve personal and professional success.

Self-Assessment and Personal Development

Participants will learn how to:

  • Identify and build on their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis)
  • Assess and strengthen their coping skills and resilience
  • Recognize personal barriers and develop strategies to overcome them through trigger analysis
  • Reframe negative thoughts and beliefs about people, experiences, and situations to promote a more positive and empowering mindset

 

Part Two: Leadership and Life Skills Development

This section focuses on strengthening leadership abilities and enhancing essential life and workplace skills.

Key Topics Include:

  • Self-Management
  • Time Management
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Mediation and Conflict Resolution
  • Stress Management
  • Effective Communication
  • Leadership Development
  • And More…

 

Through interactive learning and practical application, participants will gain the confidence, skills, and tools needed to succeed in both their personal lives and careers.

Develop a personalized career plan and identify the training and skills needed to achieve employment goals.

Access support with internship and employment opportunities.

Prepare for employment through interview coaching and job-readiness training.

Create professional resumes and cover letters tailored to specific job opportunities.

Learn workplace professionalism, including business etiquette and codes of conduct.

Strengthen interpersonal, communication, and coping skills to succeed in the workplace.

Build confidence and develop the tools needed for long-term career success.

Participants will learn how to present themselves with confidence and professionalism in a variety of settings, including interviews, networking events, and the workplace.

The Financial Wellness Workshop Series, presented by Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre, equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial stability.

Participants will learn:

  • The benefits of opening and maintaining a bank account.
  • How credit scores work, why they matter, and strategies to build and improve credit.
  • How to create and manage a realistic budget, including practical ways to reduce expenses and increase income.
  • The responsible use of credit and the steps involved in applying for and improving credit.
  • Money-saving strategies that can be implemented immediately, even on a limited income.
  • How to access free financial tools, resources, and supports available within the community.
  • The importance of financial planning, including creating an emergency fund and exploring savings options such as RRSPs and other investment vehicles.
  • Wealth-building strategies that support long-term financial independence and security.

 

Most importantly, participants will develop a personalized, action-oriented financial plan designed to strengthen their financial well-being, increase financial confidence, and help them achieve their short- and long-term financial goals.

Maintaining good health and wellness is essential for success in both the workplace and everyday life. When individuals understand how to care for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, they experience increased energy, improved focus, greater productivity, and fewer health-related absences.

Our Health and Wellness Panel brings together a team of experts who provide practical knowledge, resources, and strategies to help participants achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Topics include:

  • Nutrition and healthy eating habits
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Stress management and resilience
  • Mental health and emotional well-being
  • Work-life balance
  • Self-care practices
  • Preventative health and wellness strategies
  • Building healthy habits for long-term success

 

Through interactive discussions and expert guidance, participants gain valuable insights and actionable tools to support their overall health, enhance their quality of life, and thrive both personally and professionally.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

A positive first impression can open doors to new opportunities and play a significant role in career success. This component of the program helps participants understand the importance of personal presentation, professional grooming, and workplace appropriate attire.

Participants will learn how to present themselves with confidence and professionalism in a variety of settings, including interviews, networking events, and the workplace.

Topics include:

  • Personal grooming and self-care
  • Professional appearance and workplace dress standards
  • Building self-confidence and a positive self-image
  • Creating a strong and lasting first impression
  • Professional communication and body language
  • Dressing for interviews and career success

 

As part of this transformative experience, each participant will receive a personalized style consultation and an outer transformation designed to enhance confidence and professional presence.

Through our partnership with Dress for Success, every woman will receive a donation of complete business attire to help her enter the workforce feeling empowered, prepared, and confident.

This experience is about more than clothing—it is about helping women see their potential, project confidence, and present the best version of themselves as they pursue their personal and professional goals.

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