There has been, over more recent years, a growing awareness of the issues and challenges facing today’s youth and the need to take steps toward fostering better outcomes for youth. Increasing youth school drop out rates, increased criminal involvement, escalating levels of violence, higher unemployment rates and a number of “social indicators” serve to highlight youth who might face some of the greatest barriers to succeeding in life.
On February 19th, 2007 the Minister of Children and Youth Services, Mary Anne Chambers, announced that New Beginnings would be the lead agency for the Youth Opportunities Strategy: Youth Outreach Worker and Summer Jobs for Youth programs in Windsor.
The Youth Outreach Worker program is designed to provide prevention, early intervention and more community-based services and programs for youth. The Youth Outreach Worker Program in Windsor employs 4 outreach workers to serve as mentors and advocates for youth in four distinct neighborhoods (Olde Sandwich Towne, City Centre, Drouillard and parts of Forest Glade). Outreach workers will ensure youth are aware of, and know how to access, a wide range of programs and services. They will also promote youth engagement in all aspects of life in their communities.
The Summer Jobs for Youth program is designed to assist youth 15 to 18 years of age acquire workplace skills through summer employment. It’s a win-win for employers and young people. As part of the program, youth will receive job readiness training, paid employment placements from July to August, and post-employment support. This is a fully subsidized summer employment program that helps young people in our community gain valuable work experience.
The Youth Opportunities Strategy also includes the Learn and Work program, hosted by Forester Secondary School, and the Youth & Policing Program run by Windsor Police Services. To learn more about these programs and more, check out the Youth Connect website at www.youthconnect.ca.
Dan Petoran
New Beginnings
Youth Opportunities Strategy
Youth Outreach Worker and Summer Jobs for Youth
(519) 971-0973 x 127
dpetoran@inwindsor.com
Visithttp://www.windsoryouth.com/newbeginnings.php
