Economic Security Program

The Minerva Helping Women Work™ (MHWW™) program was established in the fall of 2004 to assist women to return to the workforce after an extended absence. Many women take a hiatus during their careers to raise children, care for elderly or ill family members, immigrate, or due to the death of a spouse. But returning to work can be a significant challenge which can cause confusion and lower self-confidence and thus impact the job seekers’ ability to secure jobs that let them reach their full potential.

MHWW™ helps these women determine their career direction and successfully implement their job search with the assistance of professional career counselors, industry mentors and coaches. 78% of the women who have participated in this program have successfully secured employment.

Program Benefits: Industry professionals and participants tell us that the MHWW™ program is:

Relevant: it addresses issues specific to women returning to the workforce.
Supportive: women don’t need to go through this difficult process alone; they can work with a peer-mentoring group in a supportive environment and connect with industry contacts through their mentors.
Empowering: provides opportunities to develop skills and boost self-confidence.

If you need professional assistance in a supportive environment to formulate a work plan or direction, we encourage you to complete the relevant application form.

Next program begins September 2010.

Apply now – avoid disappointment! Application deadline is August 31st, 2010.

Interviews commence July.

Read more about the program details and application criteria.

When I moved to Canada in 1998, I was pregnant and all alone. I was scared as to how I would take care of my daughter without a decent standard of education. I realized that without English I would be useless so I focused on improving my English by attending ESL classes at Vancouver Community College. When my English level improved, I was confident enough to go for science courses. And in 2003, the Minerva Foundation offered me the Minerva Foundation Award For BC Women in recognition of my excellent grades at school.
This scholarship changed my life as it offered me the opportunity to take post secondary course. Then when I entered the Licensed Practical Nursing Program in 2006, I faced financial problems. Again, it was Minerva that helped me with funds to solve my financial problems. Now I am working as an LPN and have solid hopes of furthering myself in this field.
Thanks so much to Minerva for giving me a life of hope. Thank you so much Minerva for helping me by believing in my abilities.

Sasiratha Uthayakumar, LPN