Ground-Up: Employment & Financial Literacy Program

Ground-Up is a new initiative by Bilal Community and Family Centre designed to empower women, newcomers, and youth with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to achieve greater financial independence and access meaningful employment opportunities.

Through interactive workshops, hands-on learning, and community-based support, the program equips participants with essential financial literacy and employment readiness skills. From budgeting, saving, and managing personal finances to resume writing, job searching, interview preparation, and workplace readiness, Ground-Up provides practical tools that participants can apply in their everyday lives.

Led and delivered by Bilal Community and Family Centre, Ground-Up benefits from the expertise and contributions of community partners. The employment readiness component is supported through collaboration with Opportunities for Employment (OFE) and Youth Employment Services (YES), while the financial literacy component is strengthened through collaboration with ACOMI. These partnerships bring additional knowledge, resources, and expertise to the program, helping participants access relevant information and practical learning opportunities.

Recognizing that individuals face different challenges when navigating employment and financial systems, Ground-Up aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where participants can build confidence, strengthen their skills, and work toward their personal and professional goals.

Women, newcomers, and youth are encouraged to participate, with a special invitation to middle-aged racialized women who may face additional barriers to employment, financial opportunities, and career development.

At its heart, Ground-Up is about more than finding employment or learning to manage money. It's about creating opportunities, fostering independence, and empowering individuals to build a more secure and sustainable future.