Hope Learning Centre:
Career Development & Employment Services601 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1J7
Created for men and women aspiring to a brighter future, Union Gospel Mission’s Hope Learning Centre is open to anyone wanting to upgrade their education, free of charge. Education can open up so many doors, and here at UGM, adult students can study for their GED (Grade 12 Equivalency), gain literacy skills, learn about personal financial management and access résumé-writing help.
Our qualified employment counsellors offer services ranging from career development strategies and interview coaching to job support referrals. Providing key tools like career assessment instruments, labour market research, and information on education and certifications, Hope Learning Centre is set up to offer UGM guests their best chance for success.
Richard's Story
Written by Jana EidseChildhood and adolescence wasn’t easy for Richard. A good kid, but often misunderstood, Richard did not mix well with others and found himself continually getting into trouble in school. He discovered alcohol at 8 years old and by 13 had dropped out of school. “I was someone else entirely when I was drinking. I also picked up the bad habits of lying and stealing,” says Richard. His troubled behavior escalated, and by 14 he had run away from home and landed in juvenile detention.
He was off to a rocky start, and his bad habits continued to get him into trouble, “Between the ages of 17 and 25, I served more than 5 years of my young life behind bars.” However, while in prison, Richard discovered a thirst for literature, “I learned to read because I was on lock-down in a cell 20 hours a day. I would read anything I could get my hands on.”
Once out of prison, Richard tried to make some big changes in his life, but his addiction to alcohol kept holding him back. “I would stay sober long enough to get some things going for myself, then I’d be off on a bender and lose everything I had worked so hard to attain,” Richard shares.
In September 2010, Richard made a big decision to enroll in Union Gospel Mission’s Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program. After much hard work he finished the program and stayed involved in the UGM community by volunteering in the Thrift Store. It was at this point that he knew he needed to take the next step in his journey, “Recovery was going fairly well, but I realized that if I wanted to remain sober and achieve a better life, I had to upgrade my education.”
Appointments can be made by calling the UGM Reception at 604-253-3323 or emailing awilkinson@ugm.ca.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
“I wanted a better life, but a lack of formal education and a serious drinking problem kept me riding the roller coaster of alcoholic insanity.”
He enrolled in the GED (high-school equivalency) program at UGM’s Hope Learning Centre, and committed wholeheartedly to the program, spending 2 hours in the classroom each day, and 3 hours doing homework. The experience gave him more than just a high school diploma.
“I enjoyed the challenge of the school work and the discipline of the classes. I did my homework and I even had some fun. As I moved forward, I could clearly see a new future and a better life. I could now get off the rollercoaster. As I work toward a new career I must thank God, our Heavenly Father, for his goodness. I would like to thank those who support UGM financially and in many other ways. I’d like to thank the staff and volunteers in all departments, and a special thanks to my teacher, Wendy Henderson, for encouraging me to keep on keeping on.”
Today, at 51 yrs old, Richard is working towards a career in Addictions Counseling and Social Work. His drive and passion are inspiring, and he is ready to share what he has learned, “I have a wealth of wisdom from many different experiences in my life. I no longer say I can’t do it. I say, little by little, I’ll get it done – nothing ventured, nothing gained. I can see that sharing my story can help others face their fears.”
UGM celebrates Richard’s incredible accomplishments with him. Now clean and sober, and truly determined, he is looking forward to a bright future.
