Teens are reaching out a helping hand to seniors in Crofton and Chemainus this summer through the Youth for Community program offered by North Cowichan Youth Outreach.
The program will employ 12-to 18-year-olds who have been regular participants in Youth Outreach programs. The primary focus this summer will be to assist seniors with tasks such as gardening, watering plants, small paint jobs, household chores, and other odd jobs, at no cost for the seniors. The young participants will earn a wage as well as gaining employment experience and on-the-job skills. They will also have opportunities to take part in employment workshops and learn from the mentorship and supervision of the Youth for Community Program Coordinator.
"We are so excited to be able to bring back this program to Chemainus and Crofton for the fourth year," North Cowichan Youth Outreach Programmer Laura Chappell said. "Having the youth and seniors working together helps foster a unique community connection, while serving the needs of both groups. We are so grateful for grants we have received for this program, each donation means we can assist more youth with in their first steps of employment."
Funding for the program comes from the Ministry of Justice Civic Forfeiture Fund, the Coast Capital Community Investment Fund, CUPE Local 358, and Mid-Island Co-op. Grants and donations will fund youth wages, employment workshops, and tools for the youth participating in the Youth for Community program.
The Youth for Community program will begin in July and run until the end of August. Anyone over the age of 55 in Chemainus or Crofton with an odd job that a young person could help with should contact North Cowichan Youth Outreach at 250-246-4217 or youthoutreach@northcowichan. ca for more information.