An office reception area with a wooden checkout counter, multi-office desks with computers, and bulletin boards on the walls with papers and notices.

Student Placements

At Optimism Place, we are proud to be a teaching organization.

We believe that supporting women and children also means investing in the next generation of leaders in the Gender-Based Violence sector. We are committed to sharing knowledge, strengthening skills, and providing meaningful learning experiences for students. We work hard to welcome students into our work quickly — and we are grateful for the energy, care, and dedication they bring to our team.

Each year, we accept 3–4 student placements from local universities and colleges. We primarily host students from Social Service Worker and Bachelor of Social Work programs, and occasionally welcome students from other relevant fields.

Meaningful
Experiences

Collaborative
Environment

Supported
Learning

Placement experiences vary depending on learning goals, but may include:

  • Supporting recreational activities for children ages 0–12

  • Answering the phone and providing support to callers

  • Co-facilitating psycho-educational groups

  • Assisting women and children with day-to-day needs

  • Providing wraparound support as women and families navigate change

  • Participating in training and professional development opportunities

  • Writing case notes and completing appropriate documentation

  • Engaging in team planning, case coordination, and support meetings

  • Assisting with donation intake, organizing supplies, and other daily shelter operations

A person sitting at a desk taking notes on a notepad with a portable phone on the desk. The person is wearing a black hoodie and light-colored jeans. An office chair is partially visible behind the desk.
A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing glasses and a gray turtleneck sweater, smiling in front of a teal wall.

“An incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience”


My placement at Optimism Place helped me build skills I’ll carry into my future career — including writing accurate case notes, supporting residents at the frontline desk, answering the crisis line, and co-facilitating groups. I learned how meaningful empathy and validation can be in crisis situations, and how important it is to provide strengths-based, trauma-informed care.

This experience also deepened my understanding of gender-based violence as both a personal and structural issue, and showed me how essential advocacy, community education, and long-term systemic change are to ending violence. I truly valued being part of a team rooted in collaboration, compassion, and shared commitment to supporting survivors.

— Abby, BSW Student (WLU)

A young woman with blonde hair taking a selfie inside a car, smiling, wearing a beige shirt and a necklace with a cross pendant, with sunlight shining on her face.

“It’s a wonderful place to learn, grow, and see firsthand the impact of this important work.”

During my time at Optimism Place, I learned how important meaningful connection is and what it looks like to support someone through change. I appreciated the training and support I received, and I felt like part of the team right from the start.

My placement also deepened my understanding of gender-based violence and how complex it can be — including the many forms abuse can take beyond physical violence. I saw the strength and resilience of the women we support and learned how important community resources, advocacy, and education are in breaking the cycle of violence.

— Hanna, SSW Student (Fanshawe College)

Partner Schools

We currently have placement relationships with Fanshawe College, Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier University (Brantford Campus), and King’s University College. If you are a student at one of these schools, please connect with your faculty placement coordinator, who will guide you through the process of applying.

We are also open to partnering with other schools and programs. If your institution is interested in placing students at Optimism Place, please reach out — we would be happy to connect.