History of 2nd Chance

Over 30 years ago 2nd Chance opened its doors - not as an employment counselling agency, but as a rehab programme for people with addictions. In 1973 the federal government, through the Employment and Immigration Commission, provided funding to develop and implement employment programming for special needs target groups in local communities. This was 2nd Chance’s beginning in employment programming.

Since 1982, our focus in Guelph has been on youth employment. We have offered Job Connect since 1997, providing job search and career-planning resources including individual counselling to youth 16-24. Our other youth programs currently include Ways2Work, ACE (for students with disabilities) and the Summer Job Service. We also provide a safe, welcoming space for recreation and youth engagement at the Youth Resource Centre.

In 1985, 2nd Chance started providing employment programs outside of Guelph into Wellington County. We continue to provide one-to-one counselling and access to job search resources in Fergus, Elora, Drayton, Clifford, Arthur, Erin, Harriston, Hillsburgh, Mount Forest, Palmerston, Puslinch and Rockwood. Our focus in the County is adults looking for employment and/or training. 2nd Chance believes that people in smaller and rural communities deserve the same level of service as urban community members!

We have run many other great programs and enjoyed great partnerships over the years, for example:

  • The Outreach project to develop and implement employment programming for people with addictions and their family members. (1973-1997)
  • The Youth Support Program, which assisted youth between the ages of 14 and 20 with areas such as housing and life-skill problem areas (1985-1995)
  • Employment Supports programs for Ontario Works recipients, including group-based and individual assistance to develop job search and job maintenance skills (1997-2006)
  • TRY Trucking, a program for youth who wish to obtain employment in the field of long haul truck-driving (1998)
  • The Youth Entrepreneurship Program (see information about our most recent graduates here)
  • and many more

Each of these experiences have filled a community need and increased our capacity to deliver high-quality services for clients, employers and the general community. If you have an idea for a new project, or would like more information about what we’re currently doing, please let us know. Contact us by email, or check out our locations information if you’d rather call or drop in.

2nd Chance
First for results!

"2nd Chance was one of the first places we came to for help when we first moved to Guelph…It’s a very friendly place and you feel like you fit in."

- Yeni