Project UpSkill – Enactus SAIT

The Cause

Project UpSkill is an established initiative that empowers individuals in addiction recovery by providing essential financial literacy education. Recognizing that many people in recovery face significant financial challenges, such as debts, unfiled taxes, and limited financial management skills, the program addresses these barriers, which can increase the risk of relapse. By focusing on personalized financial education, Project UpSkill equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage their finances, fostering greater stability and long-term success in their post-recovery lives.
Project UpSkill partners with Simon House Recovery Centre to provide personalized financial literacy education to individuals in recovery, addressing challenges like debt and unfiled taxes. The program covers six key topics, including managing past financial issues, current resources, and building future skills such as budgeting and saving. Participants attend biweekly workshops featuring presentations, personalized guidance, and Q&A sessions. Project UpSkill also connects them with external resources, such as financial services and tax assistance, offering ongoing support beyond the program's duration. Expansion to other recovery centers is planned to reach a more diverse audience.
Project UpSkill stands out for its personalized financial literacy program, designed to support individuals in recovery by addressing their unique financial challenges. The workbook covers three key phases: reviewing past financial decisions, managing current finances, and setting future financial goals. This structure helps participants recover from financial mistakes before planning for the future, distinguishing it from standard programs. Success is tracked through financial knowledge and emotional well-being, with ongoing feedback improving the curriculum. The program has received strong industry support for its comprehensive and adaptable workbooks. As a result, industry leaders and organizations have encouraged us to make these workbooks accessible to a wider audience and consider publishing them for broader distribution.
Looking ahead, Project UpSkill plans to expand to centers like Alcove Recovery, Calgary’s only women’s addiction treatment center that allows women to be with their children, and Stone Wall Recovery, North America’s first 2SLGBTQ+ addictions recovery center, aiming to reach 100 individuals annually and partner with 4 additional recovery centers.

Who Will it Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of Project UpSkill are individuals in recovery who participate in the program. These participants gain personalized financial literacy skills that help them manage their finances, reduce debt, and tackle financial challenges. The emotional toll of financial instability often compounds the challenges of recovery, and by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to regain control over their finances, we aim to alleviate some of that stress. The program offers not just education but also hope, giving participants a stronger chance of stability and success after recovery.
Centers like Simon House benefit from the integration of our financial literacy curriculum into their existing recovery programs. Most addiction recovery centers focus exclusively on addiction treatment, often lacking comprehensive support for life after recovery. By making Project UpSkill a permanent part of the recovery process, we address this gap by equipping clients with financial tools to navigate life post-recovery. Our workshops and curriculum are designed to be easily integrated, offering a valuable resource to both participants and the centers.
Post-secondary students involved in Project UpSkill benefit significantly through hands-on experience in project management and financial education, enhancing their practical skills and making them more competitive in the job market. Students get an opportunity to expand their professional networks by engaging with industry professionals and individuals in recovery, which can lead to mentorship and job opportunities. Their participation fosters a sense of purpose and social responsibility as they contribute to meaningful social change and develop empathy for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the project integrates real-world applications of their studies, enriching their academic experience, while helping them develop essential soft skills like communication and problem-solving.
It brings together industry leaders, financial institutions, sponsors, and SAIT faculty members who provide direct support through one-on-one sessions with participants. Industry partners and sponsors are not just financial supporters but active participants in the program, helping to create a holistic network of support that extends beyond the workshops.
Families of those in recovery also benefit indirectly. . As participants gain financial skills and stability, they can rebuild their lives leading to healthier relationships.