Richmond Hill's 360Kids gets $2.1 million for youth employment project
Over three years, the federal funding will help 276 York Region youth get job training and hands-on experience

YorkRegion.com
Sept. 18, 2017
Teresa Latchford

Sarah Arkwell has been a 360Kids client since she was 16.

The now 25-year-old was bounced around from foster home to foster home and spent much of her time at the Richmond Hill-based organization dedicated to helping youth overcome crisis and transition to a state of safety and stability. It was safe and the programs were useful.

“No matter where you are in your life they have resources to help you,” she said. “One winter I was having a difficult time keeping food on the table and a roof above mine and my daughter’s head.”

She turned to 360Kids knowing they would be able to help. After completing the Base 4 Success program, she found herself with two job offers paying above minimum wage.

“It gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-esteem when you can provide for yourself and your family instead of taking handouts,” she said. “This program is the difference between sitting on the couch and having a reason to get up.”

Now, 360Kids has banked $2.1 million in federal funding to help York Region youth like Sarah gain skills and work experience.

Richmond Hill MP Majid Jowhari announced the project that will give youth job skill training and hands-on work experience. Up to 276 youth are expected to participate in the Base 4 Success program, which is delivered by 360Kids.

Youth will participate in two weeks of in-class training. Youth will gain certificates such as WHMIS, first aid and Smart Serve and gain life skills like budgeting and financial planning as well as job preparation skills like resume writing, job interview skills and knowing their legal rights. The following 10 weeks will be spent working in the retail, manufacturing and service industries.

“Projects like this one can help put regular paycheques into the reach of those who need it,” Jowhari said. “But more than that, they give young Canadians the chance to change their future.”

There will be seven sessions of the program held throughout the region annually including sites in Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Vaughan, according to 360Kids’ Bonnie Harkness.

The program is geared to fit each youth, not the other way around, she added. Those who are interested in the program don’t necessarily have to be homeless. Those exiting high school and post-secondary studies who can’t find employment will also be considered.

“Our hope is that at the end of the program, the youth will be able to keep their job or at least have some experience to put on their resume,” she said.

The program also works alongside the organization’s many other services including the iGrad program that helps youth earn their high school diploma through a partnership with the York Region District School Board.

Those between 15 and 29 years are eligible with a referral from a partner organization or self-referrals can be made by filling out a form available on the website.

For more information about 360Kids, visit 360kids.ca.