Who We Are

The Vancouver Eastside Educational Enrichment Society is a non-profit organization that has been serving communities in East Vancouver since 1985.

We support an alternative approach to education.

VEEES has been offering educational programming since 1985. We have work with those who face marginalization including: survivors of violence, trauma, individuals coming out of incarceration, single parents and general job seekers.

Words from Our Executive Director

Adaeze Oputa

Executive Director

I am thrilled to share the remarkable progress and impact of our initiatives aimed at fostering educational and personal growth in our community.

Since 2019, our cornerstone program, EMPOW3R, continues to make a significant difference in the lives of many. EMPOW3R is an all-encompassing wrap-around program for women who wish to work with children and pursue a careers in early childhood education. Our participants who are self-identifying as survivors of violence, abuse, and trauma sometimes continue to face these challenges in their lives. Through targeted workshops, mentorship, and practical training, we equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Our success would not be possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of our valued partners. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kiwassa Neighborhood House for their ongoing dedication and community engagement, which have been instrumental in reaching and supporting our participants. We are also deeply thankful to the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills for their commitment to education and workforce development, ensuring that our program aligns with industry standards and future skills requirements.

To Burnaby Community Continuing Education for facilitating the Early Childhood Education Assistant workshops and certification. Your expertise and dedication in this field have been pivotal in helping our participants acquire the necessary qualifications and skills to pursue fulfilling careers in early childhood education.

Moreover, we are immensely grateful to our employer partners who have opened their doors and provided invaluable opportunities for our program participants. Your support in offering internships, apprenticeships, and job placements is crucial in bridging the gap between education and employment, empowering individuals to turn their aspirations into reality.

Together, we are creating a brighter future for our community, one where education and opportunity are accessible to all. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. We look forward to building on this foundation and achieving even greater milestones in the years to come.

Our Programs

Since its inception in 1985, the Vancouver Eastside Educational Enrichment Society (VEEES) has been at the forefront of developing and administering a wide range of innovative educational programs. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of our community, empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Here are some of the key programs VEEES has created and administered over the years:

1986-
1994

Alternatives in Action (AIA)

AIA was an employment placement program and referral agency specifically designed for ex-offenders and income assistance recipients. This program provided crucial support and opportunities for individuals reintegrating into society, helping them secure meaningful employment and stabilize their lives.

1989-
1991

Learning Front

Learning Front was a literacy tutor training program aimed at GED graduates. This initiative focused on enhancing literacy skills and preparing graduates to become effective literacy tutors, thereby fostering a cycle of learning and teaching within the community.

1990-
1993

newSTART

The original newSTART program was a pre-release living skills and transition program for offenders in seven federal institutions located in the Fraser Valley area. It provided vital support to inmates, helping them develop essential life skills and prepare for successful reintegration into society.

1990-
1998

jobSTART

jobSTART was a comprehensive pre-employment training program that equipped participants with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce. Through practical training and support, this program helped numerous individuals transition from unemployment to meaningful employment.

1995-
1998

Parents and Children for Education and Employment (PACE)

PACE was a pre-employment program designed for parents on income assistance. This initiative offered tailored support to help parents improve their employability, ultimately aiding them in securing stable employment and enhancing their family's quality of life.

1998-
2015

newSTART: Bridging

An evolution of the original newSTART program, newSTART: Bridging is a pre-employment program specifically for women who have experienced violence or abuse. This program provides a supportive environment where participants can heal, build confidence, and gain the skills necessary to re-enter the workforce.

2020 to present

EMPOW3R

EMPOW3R is an all-encompassing wrap-around programming for women who wish to work with children, pursue a career, & get out of poverty. Our participants who are self-identifying as survivors of violence, abuse, and trauma sometimes continue to face these challenges in their lives. And it is how and where we ground our work, through a sense of belonging, care, compassion, and empathy.

These programs represent just a fraction of the impactful work VEEES has undertaken over the years. Our commitment to innovation and community empowerment continues to drive us as we develop new initiatives to meet the evolving needs of East Vancouver and beyond.

Empowering Education

We support and promote alternative approach to education. We develop and deliver employment training, life skills and other relevant training within the eastside of Vancouver and beyond.

Community Driven

We actively work with our community at risk of facing marginalization including survivors of violence, trauma, individuals coming out of incarceration, single parents and general job seekers.

Holistic Approach

We strive to do everything incidental and necessary, to promote and attain the forgoing objects throughout the eastside of Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia.