Over half of the program participants are Aboriginal women. The program's curriculum integrates Aboriginal teachings and is tailored to marginalized Aboriginal women who face multiple barriers to employment and social adjustment. These barriers include poverty, homelessness, racism, exclusion, substance use, mental health issues, cognitive deficits, abuse histories, poor education, health problems, and criminal records. Increasing opportunities, enhancing self-esteem, and developing life skills in an environment of acceptance are key goals of the program. Over the past 7 years, an average of 70 percent of the women participants have obtained employment or enrolled in educational programs. In 2004, women were helped to complete the program by paying them a stipend to attend; it covers their childcare costs, lunch, and transit passes. Bridges/AEP is involved in networking, advocacy, and public education, as it draws on community resources and gains support from prospective employers. It also works with the criminal justice system to reduce the incarceration of marginalized women in favor of community-based programs designed to meet their needs.