Saint John, Kings & Charlotte

A fresh start, with support

Tanya came to the Saint John Learning Exchange in early 2023 feeling like she was starting over — separated from her daughter, her husband having been arrested, with no stable place to live. She felt alone and hopeless. Searching for a fresh start, she found Saint John Learning Exchange’s BEST program, funded and supported by United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte, through an online search.

BEST stands for Basic Education & Skills Training, and it’s for adults who want to develop themselves as a whole individual. Program facilitator Janelle explains that often their learners come seeking an accreditation. “They often have a desire to finish their GED or adult high school graduation, and I can certainly help them with that, but it’s so much more than that.” The program helps learners develop personalized goals that can help in several different areas of their lives. They offer training for things like money management, soft skills development, digital literacy skills, CPR and first aid. “It’s really a self-pacing kind of program which is really flexible for them.”

A unique aspect of the Learning Exchange’s programs is their incentives. They believe learners should be compensated for the time and effort put into working towards a better future. Incentives help learners achieve bigger goals, have more confidence, and reduce their own barriers to success. Coupled with their wrap-around supports, the vast majority of learners move on to jobs or post-secondary education upon completion of their programs.

A confident step forward

Tanya began working with Janelle from the BEST program and shortly after her intake, her pride and confidence in herself were reignited. Tanya passed two GED exams but with encouragement switched to the Adult High School Diploma program — moving quickly through credits with one-on-one coaching support.

Beyond academics, she received domestic violence support and her first laptop, all at no cost. She found a community, rebuilt her self-esteem, and discovered new goals through connections in class. Now preparing to apply to a Personal Support Worker program, Tanya says she wouldn’t have made it without the support she received. The day her transcript was sent, she finally felt proud, capable, and ready for what’s next.

This is just one example of the many lives that are changed thanks to programs at the Saint John Learning Exchange, made possible by the generosity of United Way donors.