APPLICATIONS FOR THE WORK 2 LIVE PROGRAM ARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND.
We have two intake periods each year—one in the spring and one in the fall. Simply complete the application form and reference form, and we’ll get in touch during the next intake to talk about the next steps.
If you’re with a youth agency, please connect with any young people you think would benefit from this life-changing program. Young people can apply on their own, but every application needs a referral from a supportive professional.
Work 2 Live (W2L) is an extended 12-24 month program that offers supportive housing and employment opportunities to people aged 19-27 who are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing. Our primary goal is to create a safety net for young individuals, providing them with the resources to heal and cultivate stability, essential skills, and robust support systems, leading to a healthy transition to adulthood.
In addition to secure housing, participants in the program receive numerous benefits, including full-time employment, life skills training, mental health support, case management, and engaging outdoor adventures. By encompassing a comprehensive range of services, Work 2 Live plays a crucial role in facilitating a smooth transition to independent living and a successful journey into adulthood for young people.
The Work 2 Live Program Provides:
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Participants of the program reside in a spacious shared house, where each individual has a private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms. The monthly rent for this accommodation is set at an affordable rate.
The housing units are skillfully managed by Zero Ceiling staff, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for the participants. Additionally, on-site overnight support is readily available to meet any needs that may arise during the night, further fostering a sense of security and well-being among the residents.
SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT
Throughout the program, participants are employed full-time in Whistler. To prepare them for their job placements, they receive comprehensive pre-employment training, job coaching, and regular monthly workplace check-ins.
As part of our commitment to continuous growth and development, participants are also provided with additional training and certifications whenever necessary to enhance their skills and employability.
Furthermore, we place great emphasis on equipping employers with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively support our participants. By doing so, we ensure a positive and nurturing work environment that enables the young individuals to thrive in their roles.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Participants engage in a collaborative process with a dedicated Zero Ceiling Case Worker to identify their goals, strengths, challenges, and needs. The support provided is founded on strong relationships, ensuring that participants receive the care and attention they deserve.
Case Workers act as advocates for the participants, working to connect them with additional services that may be beneficial to their well-being. Moreover, they serve as attentive listeners, offering a compassionate ear whenever participants require someone to confide in or seek guidance from. Through this holistic approach, participants can experience a nurturing and empowering environment, fostering their personal growth and development.
LIFE SKILLS
We work with participants to equip them with essential life skills that are often overlooked in high school education. Our workshops cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Housing rights and responsibilities
- Budgeting+ financial literacy
- Boundaries, consent, and healthy relationships
- Conflict resolution
LAND-BASED PROGRAMMING
We believe in the significance of connecting with both one another and nature, which serves as a cornerstone of our program. Each week, participants dedicate time to spend outdoors, fostering meaningful connections with both their peers and the natural environment.
To facilitate this experience, participants receive a season pass for Whistler Blackcomb, offering them access to exciting activities throughout the year. In winter, they can enjoy snowboarding or skiing, while in the summer, they can relish mountain biking or hiking. Moreover, we provide all the necessary equipment and offer lessons to help them get started and fully enjoy these outdoor adventures.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
We prioritize the well-being of our participants and understand the significance of mental health. As part of our program, we offer support in accessing mental health services tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Working closely with their dedicated Case Workers, participants collaboratively identify and address their mental health requirements. Our goal is to ensure that participants receive the appropriate resources and assistance to foster healing and growth through the stability of our program.
COMMUNITY
At Zero Ceiling, we foster a strong sense of family, where participants forge meaningful connections with each other, our staff, and program graduates during their journey with us. Our Family Dinners program is a cherished tradition, bringing everyone together every week to cook and enjoy healthy meals collectively.
Beyond our Family Dinners, we actively engage in various community and cultural activities throughout the year. These shared experiences not only enrich our participants’ lives but also contribute to a sense of unity and belonging within the Zero Ceiling community.
By promoting a familial atmosphere and encouraging camaraderie, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can feel valued, understood, and empowered to thrive in their personal growth and pursuit of a better future.
AFTER GRADUATION
Through our services, we have observed that the safety net we offer plays a crucial role in enabling participants to move away from survival mode, creating space for them to stabilize and embark on their healing journey. This foundation serves as a starting point to collaborate with participants in visualizing their future goals, and we actively support them in taking steps towards achieving these aspirations.
At Zero Ceiling, there is no concept of “aging out” from our family. Participants who graduate from the program continue to remain connected with us for as long as they choose. They are always welcome to join our Ride Days and Family Dinners, fostering a sense of ongoing community and support.
We recognize the importance of providing long-term assistance to our graduates, and thus we offer one-to-one support for as long as they need, ensuring a successful and smooth transition into independent living. At Zero Ceiling, we are committed to creating lasting relationships and supporting our participants throughout their life journey, offering a continuous source of care and encouragement.
Work 2 Live Graduate
“They are my family and they constantly provide that to me, for all the kind things that people do and, when I am in need of support other participants are always willing to be there for me and everyone is looking out for each other that is really important for me.”
Zero Ceiling Participant
HOW TO APPLY FOR WORK 2 LIVE
The Work 2 Live program is open to young people aged 19-27 who are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing. Most participants come from the Sea to Sky Corridor, Lower Mainland, or Metro Vancouver. Those who find most success in the program are:
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- Interested in working full-time in the tourism industry
- Happy to share an apartment with other participants
- Free of alcohol and drug dependencies
- Ready to work on personal goals and embrace positive change
APPLICATION PROCESS
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Complete the Application Form: Start by filling out the application form. Make sure you include all the necessary details so we can understand your interest in the program.
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Reference Form: A support worker will need to complete a reference form on your behalf. This helps us get a fuller picture of your background and support network.
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Informal Interview: After receiving your application and reference, a Zero Ceiling staff member will reach out to schedule an informal interview. This is a chance for us to get to know you better and see if the Work 2 Live program is the right fit.
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Selection and Program Entry: Successful candidates are invited to join the program. We have two main intakes each year—in the spring and fall—when positions open up. If you’re selected, we’ll contact you when these positions are available.
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Seasonal Graduations: The program includes seasonal graduations, celebrating the progress and achievements of our participants as they complete their time in Work 2 Live.
Please understand that we have a limited number of beds available, so we aren’t able to accept every applicant into the program. We encourage you to apply and know that every application is carefully reviewed. While we may not be able to offer a spot to everyone, we appreciate your interest and commitment to the program.
DONATE TO ZERO CEILING AND HELP US RAISE $350,000
We’re excited to share some great news: we’ve secured additional housing, allowing us to support even more young individuals facing homelessness in the Sea to Sky corridor. As our reach grows, so does our need for funding to ensure our programs continue to operate at the high standard our participants rely on. Donate today to help us raise $350,000 by the end of 2024.