“What stands out to me about Contact North is how they see and support the whole person, not just the learner.”
"They recognize that success in education is closely tied to personal growth, emotional well-being and everyday realities"
"I was determined to build a better future for my family and myself"
"I loved the convenience of independent learning, knowing someone was available in the background if I had questions or issues."
"I look forward to continuing my education through Contact North even after my business is running.’"
Support from Contact North | Contact Nord has played a vital role in helping Leah Bates find a study path forward.
"[Contact North] made me want to learn again. Before, I was just like, ‘Nope, I can’t learn. What’s the point?’ Now it’s like, ‘There is a point.’"
Through all the roadblocks to building a better life, this single mom has persevered — and triumphed.
"Every two or three months my worker from Contact North would send me an email to check in, and the check-ins were, I think, the biggest thing because it kept bringing me back to ‘What do I want to do?"
"I am a huge advocate for Contact North because of the amazing impact it has had on my life — not only my work life, but my personal life, and my church family has been impacted!"
“I find the services Contact North offers to be a positive addition to our northern community, helping to fill in the gaps formed via our distance from major population centres and the lack of education opportunities”
"I believe free online and in-person education resources are a must for those wishing to transition into another field or fill in the gaps needed to progress in their career goals."
Canadian PSW Network founder Lynn Steele is urging PSWs all over Ontario to upgrade their skills for free with support from Contact North | Contact Nord.
"Many PSWs don’t qualify for student loans and many can’t leave their profession to go to school. It’s a real catch-22. I just keep pointing them to Contact North."
Former long-haul trucker Paul O’Brien looked to Contact North | Contact Nord for help navigating online learning options.
"I was bored sitting at home as I’d retired in 2019 and wanted to challenge my mind."
When she has a spare moment, Canadian Armed Forces service member Windy Lafreniere devotes herself to improving her knowledge base through online learning.
"It’s never too late. The technology is quite simple, even for people who don’t know computers very well."
“Contact North changed my life. The support and courses helped me find my way out of the darkest moment of my life.”
"When I say that I don't know where I would have been without [Contact North's] help, I truly mean it."
“The continued support as well as routine follow-up assured me I had nothing to worry about while undertaking my online classes.”
"From the beginning of my dealings with Contact North, their desire to assist has been abundantly apparent."
"I'm more than happy with everybody from Contact North I've been in touch with."
At 73, Jim Krulicki refuses to let a dementia diagnosis stop him from reaching his education goals.
"Learning without all the pressures of having to do well for career purposes is just the pure fun of learning now."
"Becoming a client of Contact North made me feel like the impossible is possible."
"Contact North sat with me and said, ‘What’s your life like? What can you take on?’ That was so important."
"One of the best lines I read in my textbooks - and there were many - was 'Invest in yourself.' I like that."
"I’m definitely on the right track. I’m hoping one day I can open my own business."
"If you’re really, really keen, throw your hat into the ring and put the work in and it will pay off for you"
"I lost everything because of depression and not physically being able to work. Going back to school is an absolute clean slate."
"Be open to learning new skills. If I can do it, so can you."
"Get involved and don’t give up. You can’t lose anything. You can only gain."
"I have had a good experience working with the Brantford location as they were very helpful and understanding."
"When there’s a goal I want to reach, I position everything I do to work towards this goal."
"Like the guidance counsellors of the adult world”
Mother-of-four Lorrie Wolf, got the confidence and practical supports she needed from Contact North | Contact Nord to go back to high school and on to college.
"You have to get over your own self-doubt and just try. Once you get there, there's no limit to where you can go."
"After my last job, I wondered what I was going to do. But as they say, when one door closes another one opens."
"Online learning may not have always been a breeze. But today, Miranda Chaffey is right where she wants to be."
"You just have to get the ball rolling and then deal with things as they come up."
"I couldn't have done it without Contact North - I'm really blessed."
"There are so many different programs now. Since I’m home, I thought, ‘I’m going to fill in the gaps so I have a more secure foundation, so I can move ahead easier and more successfully."
"Contact North is something I’m going to use as a resource in the future, even once I get full-time employment, to grow my knowledge. There’s so much to learn."
"The staff explain the choices thoroughly so you have a solid understanding when you make your decision."
"I’m really looking forward to the future. My only prayer right now is that I don’t give up, that daily life doesn’t distract me. I pray that I do this and finish this."
While waiting for his study permit, newcomer Stephen Antwi turned to Contact North for help to navigate his online learning options.
“There is no end to information. There is no end to experience acquisition and knowledge improvement. Anywhere you find yourself you have to be open for different challenges, different opportunities to grow.”
Contact North | Contact Nord helps people living in Ontario, especially those in small, rural, northern, and remote areas, access the online education and training they need to get or retain a job, earn a promotion, or advance their career without having to leave their communities.
Provincial Land Acknowledgement
Contact North | Contact Nord acknowledges that our work, and that of our community partners, takes place on traditional Indigenous lands across Ontario.
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.
By clicking "Accept" you agree to practices outlined in our Privacy Policy.