Resources - Reducing Poverty Initiative

Disability and Employment Chatbot – a faster way for workers, employers, and practitioners to find the information they need – COMING SOON!

NEW VIDEO – The Importance of Early Intervention in Disability Management
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NEW VIDEO – The Importance of Early Intervention in Disability Management

New and Resources

NEW VIDEO – The Importance of Early Intervention in Disability Management

Employment is recognized as a key social determinant of health as it affects various aspects of individuals’ lives that are [...]

December 10, 2025|Categories: New and Resources|0 Comments

News about the Reducing Poverty Initiative (RPI):

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments surrounding the Reducing Poverty Initiative. Here, you’ll find announcements, updates, and success stories that highlight the impact of our work across communities.

Newsletters

Reducing Poverty Initiative Newsletter – Fall 2026

Reducing Poverty Initiative Newsletter – Summer 2026

Reducing Poverty Initiative Newsletter – Fall 2025

Reducing Poverty Initiative Newsletter: Summer 2025

Click here to subscribe to our mail list for important RPI updates as well as our quarterly newsletter!

The RPI in the News

Working for a Living – RPI Featured in Front Desk Magazine by Jane

Building Bridges for Better Return to Work: Vancouver Roundtable Advances Early Intervention and Poverty Reduction Efforts

NIDMAR News Release: RPI News Update December 02, 2024

BC Ministry of Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction Announcement

NIDMAR News Release: Optimizing Return to Work through Successful Early Intervention

Supports and Services:

Explore other organizations, programs, and services that provide additional support for individuals and families facing financial and employment challenges. From housing assistance to employment counseling, these resources are designed to complement the efforts of the Reducing Poverty Initiative and ensure holistic support.

General Resources

211 – 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to helpful and vital resources in their community.

BC Housing – Provides access to safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing options.

BC Rent Bank – Stay housed when times get tough. Short-term assistance.

Benefits Wayfinder – A guide to government benefits.

Justice Canada Victims Fund – Provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, and/or increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families.

My Self Serve – Apply online for income assistance or other provincial supports.

Pathways BC – Publicly available services and programs directory.

Service Canada – Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.

Disability Assistance

ALS Society of BC – A group whose goal is to cure ALS through funding research, while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS.

BC Rehab Society – Committed to closing the gaps between people with & without physical disabilities.

Disability Alliance BC – Promotes a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications.

March of Dimes – A national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change for people with disabilities.

Neil Squire Society – Uses technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with disabilities.

PainBC – For those looking for information, resources, or support to live better with chronic pain.

SPARC BC – Committed to advancing accessibility and inclusion by partnering with community groups, leading public education campaigns, conducting important research and working with municipalities. Provides parking permits.

Mental Health Support

Bounce Back BC – A free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.

Free and Low-Cost Mental Health Resources in BC

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – With 330 community locations, CMHA is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.

Employment Support

WorkBC – Connect with your local WorkBC Centre today for free personalized job search support, including resume help, local job listings and more.

CanWin – Recruits people with disabilities into meaningful careers with inclusive employers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

CanAssist Technology for Employment – Development of new fully customized assistive technology to gain or maintain employment.

CanWork BC – For employers, educators, service providers, and caregivers who support youth between 15 and 30 years of age who self-identify as having a disability and are interested in employment.

CanWork BC Youth Tool – An online platform designed to support youth with disabilities aged 15 to 30 on their employment journey.

March of Dimes Employment Services – Ensures that people with disabilities find and keep meaningful jobs. Canada’s leader in matching people who have disabilities with employers seeking qualified job candidates.

Support for Employers

Government of Canada Job Bank – Recruit persons with disabilities

Other news and research:

Dive into a curated collection of articles, studies, and reports related to poverty reduction, return-to-work, and early intervention programs. This section provides valuable insights as well as evidence-based research.

Transitions Magazine Summer 2025

“Canada is Still Failing People with Disabilities” The Maple

NIDMAR Literacy Review on Early Return to Work (2024)

“Disability as a Source of Competitive Advantage” Harvard Business Review

“Using AI to Support People with Disability in the Labour Market”- OECD Publishing

“Employees with disabilities experienced 21.4% pay gap in 2019: Stats Can”- Benefits Canada