As we continue the month of gratitude I would like to highlight our partnership with the RBC Foundation.
RBC Foundation supports our Career Works program here at Operation Come Home. RBC Foundation’s goal is:
“To improve the quality of life in the communities where we do business by supporting non-profit organizations that make a positive difference and promote diversity. The world of work is changing, and young people are often unprepared. RBC Future Launch is empowering Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow by focusing on three critical gaps: helping youth gain new skills, helping youth get work experience and helping youth expand their networks.”
When youth enter the doors at Operation Come Home, they are provided with a menu of choices in terms of employment support because the youth have unique skills and experiences. Therefore, some youth require basic supports to enter the labour market and school, while other youth need more intensive and longer-term supports.
Career Works is unique in that the youth are individually assessed to determine the appropriate support service. The youth are then matched with the appropriate support service or program either here at Operation Come Home, or externally in the community. The benefit of the program is that youth can have their needs met without having to repeat their story and they avoid jumping from program to program, as they are placed in the best program to begin with. This process also builds confidence, since the youth find themselves where they need to be. Youth also have the opportunity to achieve certification and attend workshops, including financial literacy; which further support their development. The critical piece is the relationship building and consistency, and long term follow-along for up to one year.
This individualized employment navigation, combined with employment supports and career planning are what make this program effective. It is based on an evidence-based supported employment approach, called Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which Operation Come Home has adapted for street youth.
Operation Come Home is grateful for the contributions from RBC Foundation. Vulnerable youth will feel the support and concern from the community and develop their capacity to: grow their skills, get work experience, increase their network, and ultimately build a better life.
Youth have told us that:
“The staff made me feel like it’s not bad to be homeless. Life happens. They lifted the stigma.”
“[Career Works] helped me talk about how I feel and protect myself and address my anxiety. They helped me know what I wanted.”
“They helped me get a job, which helped me with money, which helped me with a reasonable lifestyle.”
In the last funding period, 45 youth gained access to employment support through Career works and created change in their lives!
Thank you RBC Foundation!
Jackie Miller
Associate Executive Director
Operation Come Home