Providing Opportunity as an Employer Partner with The DUDES Club

For many men in the Downtown Eastside, finding a place where they feel seen and supported can be life-changing. The DUDES Club was established in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside in 2010 and provides space and guidance for participant-led groups of self-identifying men to come together and form a community where they feel supported and safe. With Clubs throughout BC, including 2 in Vancouver, The DUDES Club makes sure that those joining continue to have a sense of autonomy, meaning that clubs are run by the men for the men. 

Alongside the Clubs, they organize weekly gatherings and also do community outreach within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) with their group called the DUDES Squad. Each week, their team walks through the DTES, connecting with community members, inviting folks to upcoming events, and offering support to those in need. Each month, they also support the Indigenous Court in New Westminster, supporting individuals on their healing plan and ensuring folks know about their services. 

The DUDES Club has been an employer partner with Mission Possible for about a year and a half. Francis Baptiste, Social Media Specialist at the DUDES Club, shares what motivates them to be an inclusive employer:

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to support themselves and their loved ones. Employment is often a source of pride for people. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves…We will always help anyone who comes to the DUDES Club looking for help in their job search. It's not the focus of our organization but pride and self-esteem is a huge part of wellness, and we know enough resources and services to help point someone in the right direction.”

Reflecting on our partnership, Francis notes that it's been a “very positive experience,” particularly with Mission Possible’s Peer Support Program. The DUDES Club originally hired some of our graduated associates for their 5-month paid internship as part of the Peer Support Program, and have since hired one of them to join their permanent staff! What began as a short term position became a long-term opportunity.

“Mr. Brown very seamlessly became part of our group,” Francis shares, “He has been reliable and flexible. We recently changed his role a bit so we could help out with maintaining our space and he's stepped into that role smoothly and reliably. He's a very outgoing and friendly guy to have at the office – easy to chat with and easy to work with.” 

We appreciate the support The DUDES Club has shown towards our program and associates, and look forward to continuing our partnership!

If you are interested in hiring one of Mission Possible's associates, please email hire@mission-possible.ca or download our Untapped Potential e-book to learn more.