Student life can be challenging enough balancing course work, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities. With tight budgets, an unexpected financial expense can add more anxiety to an already stressful situation.

A new donor-funded program aims to reduce that stress by offering short-term emergency support to students in immediate need. The University of Northern British Columbia Wellness Centre launched From Survive to Thrive last year and it has already made a difference in students’ lives.

“It can be difficult for students to focus on academic success when they don’t have a safe place to live or enough money to feed themselves,” says Wellness Centre Manager Sarah Hanson. “The idea for From Survive to Thrive was developed to help students access practical supports quickly and gain resilience.”

From Survive to Thrive is filling a critical gap for students in need. During its first year of operation, it has helped students in immediate need of food and winter clothes.

The program provides low-barrier assistance to students who are encountering difficulty during their academic journey. Students access necessary items from Survive to Thrive through the Wellness Centre. A staff member assesses a student’s needs and has the student fill out the required documentation in order to receive support.

From Survive to Thrive was one of the featured giving designations during the 2016 Employee Challenge, and support from UNBC employees helped with the program’s successful launch. These gifts also support UNBC’s Northern Leadership Campaign.

Learn more about the 2017 Employee Challenge by visiting unbc.ca/employee-challenge