Thanks to a new systemic change project ex-offenders have a second chance in their lives as they  receive training in running a business built around giving things a “second chance.”

The Religieuses de Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur, member of the Charity Federation, have begun a new systemic change project in New Brunswick, Canada.

The Second Chance Workshop project is an incorporated non-profit organization whose aim is to help marginalized people acquire employment skills. The type of training offered ranges from collecting and repairing used furniture and electrical appliances, training in upholstering skills, as well as in sales techniques, in materials handling, etc. In order to fund the program, the organization has a store which sells used furniture, appliances and various other items.  Its Board of Directors is committed to reaching out to the poor and eager to see their services expand to include male and female ex-prisoners, social welfare recipients and other marginalized people.

Given that an important root causes of poverty is lack of money to cover one’s basic needs, the Second Chance workshop gives dignity to the poor through employment. Training of the candidates includes sessions in self-esteem. The attitude of the management staff is one of compassion and respect.

(Click to enlarge photo)In January 2014, Second Chance Workshop completed a 12-week training program where four ex-offenders received a certificate and some support into their search for permanent employment (see enclosed photos taken by Miguel LeBlanc, a Board member of Second Chance Workshop).

Three members of les Religieuses Notre-Dame-du Sacré-Coeur are committed to the success of  Second Chance Workshop: Auréa Cormier acts as secretary for the organization; Yolande Collette volunteers at the store for a half-day each week; Corinne Chamberlain supports the organisation through fund raising and prayers. The manager of Second Chance Workshop, Léo Johnson, is an associate member of les Religieuses de Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur.

Project street address: 212B Halifax Street, Moncton, New Brunswick Canada E1C 9S2

Project postal address: P.O. Box 22, Moncton, New Brunswick Canada E1C 8R9

For more information about the project contact Sister Auréa Cormier, n.d.s.c.