YMCA Youth Quest Program

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Youth Quest is an employment program that is designed for youth between 15 and 30 years of age in the Midland area who meet Service Canada’s Skills Link criteria such as:
• in need of assistance to overcome employment barriers
• out of school
• not in receipt of Employment Insurance benefits

Additional at-risk criteria, some of which are listed below, will also be considered, with high school non-completers given priority:
• high school non-completion, youth with disabilities, Aboriginal youth, visible or ethnic minority
• health, drug and/or alcohol-related problems, mental and physical
• residence in a rural or remote location, parent youth, low levels of literacy and numeracy
• language barriers, street involvement, contact with justice, child or social assistance systems, homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless
• lack of social supports: family, friends or community supports, poor self-management and/or behaviour management abilities, low self-esteem

The program will help youth to obtain the knowledge and develop a broad range of skills and work experiences to participate in the job market. Youth Quest combines group work with a paid work experience and encourages the development of employability, and occupational skills. Participates work towards dealing with and removing both personal and employment barriers that have prevented them from accessing the labour market.
During a six week program that is based out of the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, the youth will improve on their life skills, job search/preparation skills, recreation, and healthy living, and through guest speakers, field trips within and out of the community. Participants also secure an individual 18 week supported work experience and ultimately learn to make a permanent transition into the labour market. Group intakes will take place in January 2007, early January, April, and July 2007.

For more information please contact 705 726-5572 or ymca_youthservices@ymca.ca