Provincial Government Provides Support to YMCAs

YMCA centres throughout the province will be supported through an investment of $40,000 under the Grants to Youth Organizations Program.

"The Provincial Government has been partnering with the YMCA through yearly operational grants for youth programming for over 15 years," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Our government recognizes that by supporting these centres, our youth will have access to health, fitness and personal development programs that enrich their lives."

The YMCA is a partnership of volunteers and staff dedicated to promoting the success of individuals, families and communities, operating community centres in St. John's, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook.

In addition to the grants for youth programs, the Provincial Government has also provided the Humber Community YMCA with $134,038 over the last two years to deliver the Helping Youth Prepare for Employment (HYPE) program.

"HYPE has given eight young people a real opportunity to flourish this year," said Evie Newton, Chair of the Humber Community YMCA Board of Directors. "We are pleased that the Provincial Government partnered with the Humber Community YMCA to deliver this very worthwhile program for the last two years. Participants really appreciate the opportunity it affords them, which is quite evident through their successful placement and active participation."

This year, the Provincial Government has invested a total of over $750,000 under the Grants to Youth organization Program to assist 31 organizations, which include the YMCAs, the Scout and Girl Guide movements, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program. The grants are awarded to organizations that engage young people in areas of self-reliance, leadership and citizenship development.

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BACKGROUNDER
Helping Youth Prepare for Employment (HYPE)

HYPE is an employment program delivered by the Humber Community YMCA. HYPE targets at-risk youth ages 15-29 that are recipients of income support, or are non-EI eligible, who have had an involvement with the criminal justice system.

The Humber Community YMCA serves the Bay of Islands area, including the City of Corner Brook, the North and South Shores of the Bay of Islands, the Towns of Massey Drive, Steady Brook, Pasadena, and Deer Lake.

The HYPE program consists of 8 weeks pre-employment training, followed by a 32-week internship with a mentor at a local business. The program will provide the young person the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to build on skills needed for the workforce.

During the eight week pre-employment training, youth will learn such things as:

• Team Building;
• Resume and Cover letter development;
• Budgeting and time management skills;
• Goal setting;
• Computer skills;
• Interview skills;
• Stress management;
• Workplace ethics;
• Listening skills;
• First aid/CPR; and,
• Conflict resolution.

The goal of this project is to ensure participants will have the skills needed to overcome barriers and attain full-time employment or go back to school to complete their education.

2010 09 08                                                  3:35 p.m.