A new pilot project launching today will offer enhanced initiatives and supports for participants receiving Income Support who begin a new job and/or maintain and increase their hours of work.
Co-developed with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle, the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project benefits participants by allowing them to keep more of their earnings and immediately experience increased financial benefits from working. Some of the key supports and incentives include:
- A new earnings exemption formula that allows participants to retain higher earnings and that results in higher overall monthly incomes;
- Employment continuation bonuses to provide escalating financial rewards for continuous employment and to increase experience working. Bonuses are $250 at six months, $500 at 12 months and $1,000 at 24 months; and
- Supports offered by Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle to gain life-skills and experience needed to manage financial responsibilities and navigate life and employment challenges.
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development officially launched the pilot today. Minister Abbott was joined by collaborating partners Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth and Laura Winters, Chief Executive Officer, Stella’s Circle.
Currently, there are 86 participants enrolled in a preliminary soft-launch of the pilot project, and over 10 of these participants already no longer need Income Support to supplement their earnings. By working more, participants who have engaged in the workforce or increased their hours of work now have higher overall monthly incomes.
Funding for the pilot project is being provided in part through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement. The project is part of the department’s focus on early intervention and prevention.
The pilot project will undergo an independent evaluation to determine next steps and inform future changes to the province’s Income Support Program.
Quotes
“I am pleased to launch the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project in partnership with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle. This pilot has already seen such positive results, with many of the current participants benefitting greatly from working more hours and having higher monthly incomes. I am optimistic that this project will continue to help people transition from Income Support to employment and provide supports when they are needed.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“Employment Insurance exists to help people who’ve found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. This pilot project will help people keep more of what they earn while developing valuable professional skills; and gives employers in Newfoundland and Labrador more stability.”
Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
“The Employment Support Stability Pilot Project provides vulnerable populations with key supports for longer as they make the transition to long-term employment. Through this project, Choices for Youth will be able to successfully train and employ more youth through our four social enterprises while breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and homelessness. We are also able to support young people in actioning their futures through the piloting of a more person-centred Income Support system. We look forward to providing more youth with the ability to access critical supports as they continue to grow and enter long-term employment.”
Sheldon Pollett
Executive Director, Choices for Youth
“The Employability Support Stability Pilot Program has provided a framework for community organizations like Stella’s Circle and Choices for Youth to work directly with the Provincial Government to improve supports for individuals like our participants. The powerful nature of collaboration in the spirit of honouring those we serve is paramount to making a difference in their lives.”
Laura Winters
CEO Stella’s Circle
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