We know that job loss or uncertainty can feel overwhelming — financially, emotionally, and personally. To our fellow members who are navigating layoffs or transitions right now: you are not alone. Your union stands with you, and there are supports available to help you through this time.
Below is a collection of local resources that may help with career planning, financial stability, and well-being. Please share this information with anyone who may need it.
Career and Employment Support
- Local career strengthening workshops and job-search sessions offered by community employment agencies in the St. Catharines–Niagara region can assist with networking, job leads, and interview preparation.
- Many community organizations provide resume help and professional development guidance at no cost or low cost — check with local libraries, community centres, and workforce planning groups.
Suggestions:
- Niagara Employment Help Centre – Services Offered – FAQs – Resources
- Niagara Employment Help Centre, Beamsville, Grimsby and Smithville
- YMCA Employment Services – YMCA Employment and Newcomer Services, St. Catharines
- Port Cares – PC Works, Port Colborne , Welland, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie
- Niagara College Employment and Training Solutions, St. Catharines
- Employment Help Centre – Workshops– Job Board
- Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career)
- Niagara Canada – Resources and career planning
- Niagara Region Job postings
- Mentoring partnership offered by Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council
- Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland
- Job Gym, St. Catharines, Welland and Fort Erie
- Employment Solutions, Welland
- CERF Niagara, Francophone Employment and Resource Centre, Welland, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie
- https://workforcecollective.ca/
- https://iecc.network/resources/
Financial Supports
- If you’ve experienced a layoff and meet criteria, Employment Insurance (EI) benefits through Service Canada can provide temporary income support and access to employment-focused services.
- Ontario Works may offer additional financial assistance and employment supports where eligible.
- Brock University Retirees’ Association
- OTIP
- Educators Financial Group
Well-Being and Peer Support
Managing change is not just practical — it’s emotional. Reach out to friends, family, or professional well-being supports if you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Supporting each other is critical in times of uncertainty.
- COAST – Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-550-5205.
- Distress Centre Niagara, a free, confidential 24-hour distress line. Reach them at 905-688-3711 in Niagara Falls or reach the Ontario Online and Text Crisis Services (ONTX), available online or by phone from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Text SUPPORT to 258258 or click here for chat support.
- Birchway Niagara (formerly Women’s Place) for confidential and compassionate support when faced with the difficult issue of abuse. Confidential 24-Hour Support Line 905-356-5800 (Call or Text) support@birchway.ca
- Niagara chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Connex Ontario, which can direct you to the resources and services that best meet your mental health needs.
- Niagara Region’s Mental Health and Well-Being Resources page.
A list stolen from the Human Rights Page at Brock:
- Good2Talk is a free, professional counselling service for students in Ontario. They are available 24/7/365 at 1.866.925.5454 or by texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868.
- 24 Hour Distress Line 780-482-HELP (4357)
- Niagara Distress Centre (available 24/7): St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Area – 905-688-3711
- ONTX Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services are available from your computer, mobile device
or telephone from 2pm to 2am daily. For text support, text SUPPORT to 258258 - Indian Residential Schools 24/7 Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
- Talk4Healing- by & for Indigenous Women (24/7 & Crisis) 1-855-554-HEAL (Call/Text) www.talk4healing.com (live chat)
- Kids Help Phone (24/7 & Crisis) -1-800-668-6868(Call) Text CONNECT to 6868 (Text/SMS) kidshelpphone.ca (Live Chat – 7pm to 12am EST)
- Trans Lifeline Canada (24/7& Crisis) 1-877-330-6366
- SACHA – Hamilton (For Survivors of Sexual Assault & their supports) 905-525-4162 (24 Hour Support Line) 289-207‑7790 (Chat Support – Limited Hours) sacha.ca (Live Chat – Limited Hours)
- NSAC – Niagara Region (For Survivors of Sexual Assault & their supports) 905-682-4584 (24 Hour Crisis Line)
- The Canada Suicide Prevention Service toll free number 1.833.456.4566 (available 24/7) Connect via text at 45645, 4 PM – 12 AM ET about: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
- International Crisis Line Text – 741741 24/7 Support for people in crisis in Canada Text – 686868
Standing Together
Times like these remind us why solidarity matters. Please take care of yourself, lean on your supports, and stay connected with your coworkers and your union. If you’re struggling, reach out, and if you’re able, check in on one another. We get through this together.