Accessing programs, resources and employment opportunities often require use of computers and printers, as well as knowledge of processes.
Listed here are some options in Nanaimo for finding support for those needs.
Helpful Links
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation.
Salvation Army Nanaimo Tax Clinics: Monthly free tax clinics for low-income clients during tax season.
Volunteer Nanaimo: Community Income Tax Service: Trained volunteers provide essential assistance for people on low and fixed income, to individuals on pensions, or disability claims, and to the unemployed. They process personal income tax returns at no charge to individuals. Call 250-758-7121 to book your appointment.
Vancouver Island Regional Library: Nanaimo branches offer free access to internet, computers, printers and a quiet work space. Staff may also be able to offer basic advice about some paperwork.
Nanaimo Disability Resource Center: Staff can assist clients with disabilities with completing applications at no charge.
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society: Provides free support for new Canadian residents to access programs and complete applications.
Literacy Central Vancouver Island: English Conversation groups & tutoring: Provides adults with free opportunities to work on their English listening and speaking skills in a group environment.
Literacy Central Vancouver Island: Tutoring for reading, writing, math, computers: Offers free opportunities for clients to improve their basic skills.
Credit Counselling Society: Free Credit Counselling, Bankruptcy Help & Debt Consolidation Options.
Reducing Poverty Initiative: The Reducing Poverty through Early Intervention and Occupational Rehabilitation Initiative aims to support individuals who have acquired a physical or mental health impairment and their employers in the return-to-work journey. Participants will be connected to a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) for support in the process.
Foundry Virtual BC: Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can access virtual services through the Foundry BC app from anywhere in British Columbia!
Employment support
Work BC Nanaimo Office: Offers free access to computers, printers and the internet at their resource room. Staff can also provide support to access free training and employment opportunities.
Nanaimo Foodshare: Cultivating Abilities Employment Program. 11 weeks PAID in class and 8 weeks paid wage subsidy for employment. Ages 15 – 55.
Nanaimo Foodshare: Homegrown Youth Employment Program. 8 weeks PAID in class and 8 weeks paid wage subsidy once job is secured after. Ages 15-30.
Island Crisis Care Society: Project Rise. Program for people who have experienced homelessness, but are now ready to re-integrate more fully into independence and community life. Participants will access 6 weeks of pre-employment training, followed by practical work placements. Ages 18 and up.
VIVRS Vancouver Island Vocational and Rehabilitation Services Ltd. Works in tandem with Work BC to support clients, especially disabled ones.
Vancouver Island University: WEST Program. For students with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Helps students develop the personal, interpersonal and employment skills required to obtain and maintain employment.
Tillicum Lelum Career and Employment Training Program: provides a variety of services for those who are seeking employment or wish to upgrade their job skills. Our Employment Counsellors can offer help with writing resumes and cover letters, interpreting labour market information, provide access to fax machines, the internet, phones and photocopying.
Ethos QWorks Program: FREE 20-week Skills Training for Employment Program, assisting members of British Columbia’s 2SLGBTQ+ community facing multiple barriers to find sustainable employment.
Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Youth & Leadership Training Program/Youth Employment Counsellor: This program serves Aboriginal youth between 15-29 years of age who are seeking employment. The Aboriginal Youth and Leadership Program offers a variety of workshops that enhance employability skills and personal growth. Contact 250-753-8291 for more info.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association: DiverseFutures: Employment program for youth, ages 16-30 years, who seek a clear path to full-time employment. There are two different streams to the program, which welcome youth based on their diverse and unique life realities.
StrongerBC Future Skills Grant: The future skills grant program supports British Columbians, aged 19 or older, in accessing up to $3,500 in short-term skills training, aligned with skills and labour market demands as identified in B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 