The number of service providers delivering L.I.F.E. services (Learning, Inclusion, Friendship, Employment) expanded this spring, and people can now apply to 30 L.I.F.E. services across CLBC’s five regions.
What is L.I.F.E. and how is it different?
L.I.F.E. stands for Learning, Inclusion, Friendship, Employment. It is open to anyone CLBC serves as long as employment is one of their goals. L.I.F.E. is individualized, developed with the person and their support network based on the person’s goals for learning, inclusion, friendships/relationships, and employment, and it is delivered in community.
As of March 2024, 249 individuals are receiving L.I.F.E. services. Each person who receives the L.I.F.E. Service works with their L.I.F.E. staff to develop a plan of support that will help them learn, grow, and develop independence. The service is delivered in different locations in the community, fully based on a person’s plan and needs, where and when they need support. The service also includes regular check-ins and tune ups so that the service can be updated if goals or needs change.
L.I.F.E. Service in Action – Meet Lindsay
When Lindsay first met her service provider she was overwhelmed, discouraged, and financially stressed, due to being unemployed. Despite working with several other employment agencies and attaining several jobs independently, she was struggling to find lasting employment. Through the L.I.F.E. Service, Lindsay was able to access support with improving her resume, setting up an Indeed account and preparing for interviews.
Today, Lindsay feels fulfilled in her current role at Winners and hopes to stay there. She says, “It took me four months of job search, but it was worth the wait.” She loves being a part of a team and has made a friend at work. She has worked very hard for her success, never giving up on herself despite many obstacles. She shared, “I feel great and working there has been awesome. I am on fire!”
Outside of work, Lindsay’s team has helped her in achieving personal goals, like learning to cook. Lindsay was hesitant to cook due to the risk of potential fires or injury. With her team, she decided to try out an air fryer as a safer alternative and practiced cutting vegetables and preparing chicken. After a few months, Lindsay saved up and purchased her own air fryer, and now uses it to cook for herself.
Lindsay has taken the lead on every aspect of her support. She feels thankful for the positive encouragement she received throughout her months of job search, as well as the autonomy that her L.I.F.E. team provided her with – allowing her to direct her supports to fit her changing needs and schedule.
CLBC is working to expand the L.I.F.E. Service
L.I.F.E. is the first CLBC service developed collaboratively by individuals, families, service providers and CLBC staff through a process of research, development and testing. The model for the service was finalized in 2022, and CLBC is now working to expand this new service to new communities across the province.
The L.I.F.E. Service is now available through these service providers and in these communities:
| New Service Providers | Existing Service Providers |
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What if L.I.F.E. isn’t available where I live?
While the L.I.F.E. Service is not yet available everywhere, people who are interested are encouraged to make a formal request for the L.I.F.E. Service with a CLBC facilitator. As people gain independence and employment through the L.I.F.E. Service, service providers will be able to take on new referrals and CLBC will be able to identify where demand is for the new service.
Want to know more?
You can find out more about L.I.F.E services here on CLBC’s website through factsheets, videos and stories from individuals and families who helped develop and test this new service.
