Since a young girl, Carrie has always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. She was fascinated by creativity and design, always imagining ideas and creating designs in her head. As she got older, her interests expanded into esthetics and massage therapy, fields where she could combine creativity and helping others. 

Lita first heard about SJLE through a family member who had recently completed the Healthy Self-Esteem programming. Watching someone close to her grow confidence and self-worth sparks something in her.

I was experiencing depression, anxiety, a hard time socializing, and also having a difficult time finding employment. My case manager suggested WES at the Saint John Learning Exchange, but when I attended my intake, Power Up was suggested as a starting point.

In the beginning of 2025, I had just moved back to New Brunswick after living on my own in Fort McMurray. When I moved back home with my mom, she suggested I check out the Learning Exchange. I had never heard of it before. I wasn’t going through the best of times when I met with Leah, the Program Coordinator. I had nothing to do all day and knew that I wanted to finish high school, but I didn’t know how to do that. The thought of doing the CAEC felt really overwhelming.