Real Support. Real Skills.
Real Work.

Real support, real opportunities, a real path forward.

What Is the JPER Program?

JPER is a free employment and training program designed for adults living in Civida social housing in Edmonton. Funded by the Government of Alberta, it provides real support to help you move toward stable, meaningful work.

 

Whether you’ve been out of work for a while, working part-time and need something more, or just not sure where to begin, this program was built for people in your situation.

We understand that life can be complicated. That’s why everything we offer is personalized—so you get the support, guidance, and opportunities that actually make sense for you.

A construction worker and warehouse worker pose together with smiling faces, happy to be working.
A young woman in a striped apron hold a tray with two coffee cups on top of it, while standing in a restaurant or cafe setting.

Getting back to work doesn’t happen all at once—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

JPER is designed to support you at every stage, starting with where you are today. From building stability and confidence to gaining skills, experience, and employment, every part of the program is built to help you move forward in a way that works for you.

We’ll walk you through each step. Here’s how it works:

Nov 09, 2017

Step 01 — Reach Out

Fill out a short form, call us, or connect with us in your community.

Nov 09, 2017

Step 02 — Talk With Us

We’ll meet with you one-on-one to understand your situation and goals.

Nov 09, 2017

Step 03 — Build Your Foundation

Start with support, stability, and confidence-building through our IM&M+ program.

Nov 09, 2017

Step 04 — Gain Skills & Experience

Move into training, workshops, and hands-on work experience.

Nov 09, 2017

Step 05 — Find the Right Job

We connect you with employers and support you through hiring—and beyond.

Employers We Work With

When you join JPER, you’re not doing this alone.

Real Support. Real Steps Forward.

Life Stability Support

Before focusing on work, we help you build a stable foundation by connecting you to supports like housing, childcare, mental health, and transportation.

Personalized Coaching

Work one-on-one with an Employment Coach who will get to know you, help you set goals, build a plan, and support you every step of the way.

Skills &
Training

Build practical skills through workshops, certifications, and hands-on learning in areas like job search, communication, and workplace expectations.

Work
experience

Gain real-world experience through supported placements and structured environments designed to build confidence and readiness.

Job Placement Support

We connect you with employers who are actively hiring and support you through applications, interviews, and starting your new role.

Ongoing
Support

Our support continues after you’re hired, with regular check-ins to help you stay on track and succeed long-term.

Who Can Join?

Are You Eligible?

You may be eligible for JPER if you:

  • Live in Civida social housing unit in Edmonton, OR are on a waitlist for Civida social housing
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Are unemployed, working fewer than 20 hours per week, or underemployed
  • Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee
  • Are legally allowed to work in Canada
  • Are ready and willing to take steps toward employment (even if those steps feel small right now)

You don’t need to have your life perfectly in order to apply. If you’re facing barriers — mental health, lack of childcare, limited work history, transportation challenges, financial stress — we want to hear from you. Those are exactly the kinds of challenges this program is designed to help you work through.

we're with you at every step of the way

Everything you need to move forward is here

Three workers in safety vests of various ages and ethnicities are working in a warehouse after completing the job training program.
A young man and young women are looking at the viewer with welcoming smiles, wearing aprons showing they are employed at the store in the background.