For more information please download our new BESS Program brochure and Housing Project brochure.
The most frequently reported needs of the abused women who come to Interval House are financial security, support networks and access to information. In 1997, in response to these needs, Interval House initiated a non-residential program called Building Economic Self-Sufficiency (B.E.S.S.), which provides women with the tools to rebuild, reinvent and transform their lives by facilitating access to education, training, financial and housing assistance, and other practical solutions.
The main components of the B.E.S.S. program are:
- Tailored Employment Strategies Workshops that will help women gain the confidence and knowledge needed for a successful job search.
- The opportunity to work with a Job Developer to support a woman’s job search and maintenance of her new employment.
- The Information/Referral component, which is available to women and agencies requiring information on education, skills development, and employment programs.
- The Case Management component, which is available to women requiring additional support. Counselors help clients create action plans, which map their route to attaining their defined goals and define their skills and interests.
A Customized Individual Approach
B.E.S.S. provides information, referral and support to women who are seeking to build a better future for themselves but don't know where to start. While there are vast numbers of programs and services offered in Metro Toronto, the selection of the appropriate program can be daunting for anyone who is unsure of what is available. B.E.S.S. ensures that women are aware of all available options and offers a place where women can discuss their plans and make informed decisions regarding how they will achieve their goals.
Access to Programs and Services
B.E.S.S. works co-operatively with various agencies to promote women's access to skills development programs. Women in B.E.S.S. access programs and services related to strengthening their social supports, personal abilities and work-related skills. The strengthening of these skills reinforces the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful re-entry into the workforce. www.actew.org
Breaking Down the Barriers
One of the B.E.S.S. program’s main goals is to reduce the impact of systemic barriers to programs and services for survivors of abuse. These systemic barriers may arise from policies and procedures, regulations, requirements, practices and conduct which may not be discriminatory in their intent, but may adversely impact individuals or groups, such as women with children, immigrant women, and so on.
While B.E.S.S. assists participants to identify and access all sources of support related to realizing their goals of self sufficiency, there are times when access to the program is restricted by, for example, program eligibility criteria, cost of transportation, lack of childcare or language barriers. These and other systemic barriers adversely affect a woman's ability to take steps towards achieving her goals.
B.E.S.S. designates resources towards reducing the effects of such systemic barriers to programs and services. Specifically, these financial resources are used for childcare, transportation, application fees, other short-term assistance associated with realizing goals, and the development of programs which bridge gaps in programs and services.
Open to All
B.E.S.S. isn't exclusive to residents of Interval House - the program is open to all women survivors of partner abuse. In addition to self referrals, B.E.S.S. welcomes referrals from other agencies working with women survivors of partner abuse who are ready to make a change.
B.E.S.S. is about providing hope for the future and confidence to dream of a better tomorrow.
Contact Information
For more information about B.E.S.S., please contact:
Telephone: 416-924-1411 Ext. 235
Fax: 416-593-1854
Email: bess@intervalhouse.ca | 
