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EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM RECEIVES FUNDING
GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY

Abbotsford, BC – Before her first day in the Youth Keep Working (YKW) program, Rachel Elen was completely unmotivated. It’s hard to imagine that now, looking at this eager, professional-looking young woman who is getting ready to start her own business. Elen credits her success to her experience in the YKW program at the Above the Underground training store.

“The first six weeks were so good,” she says. “I began to eat healthier, I learned life skills – which are so important. If you look at photos of me before the program and after – there’s no comparison!”

 “Youth Keep Working” is an employment program run by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and funded by the Government of Canada through Youth Skills Link . On May 29, Conservative MP Ed Fast made an announcement at Above the Underground that YKW would continue because of $409,000 provided through Human Resource Skills Development Canada.
                                            
YKW provides participants with 7 weeks of life and employability skills training, as well as guided work experience at Above the Underground. Participants also receive computer training, a First Aid Certificate as well as instruction in job search, resume and cover letter writing.

But the unique thing about YKW is that is also gives participants an opportunity to give back to their community through a 6-week community project enabling them to develop skills for today's workplace while leaving a legacy.

“We raised money for Abbotsford Parks and Recreation,” Elen says. “I have a paving stone with my name on it on the Discovery Park Trail – not too many people can say that!”

 

 

Rachel Elen, a former participant in the Youth Keep Working program, delivered by Mennonite Central Committee, talks about the impact its made on her life. Looking on are John Dawson, Director of Employment Programs for MCC, and Conservative MP Ed Fast. (Photo: Ron Blair, Blairhouse Graphics and Photography)

In his announcement, Fast also addressed the importance of giving back to the community.

“Part of the YKW experience is the opportunity for hands-on experience in a community project,” he said. “It’s a chance to upgrade your skills. When people have a chance to do that, they succeed. I had this opportunity years ago and now I can serve my community as an MP.”

Fast also praised MCC for its consistent results and noted that MCC is highly respected in the field.

“This gives us the confidence as a government to come back again and again with support,” he said.

John Dawson, the Director of MCC’s Employment and Community Development department, was encouraged by that affirmation and noted that MCC values the good relationship that it has had with the Canadian government. He thanked staff and managers of the YKW program and also encouraged current participants in the program.

“We’re not just teaching you skills, those are important, but the reason we’re in community service is because we want to give back to the community and make that part of our lives,” he said. “We hope that you’ll learn from that.”

 

 

Conservative MP Ed Fast,(front row, second from right) joins staff and past and current participants in the Youth Keep Working program, delivered by Mennonite Central Committee with funding from Youth Skills Link. (Photo: Ron Blair, Blairhouse Graphics and Photography)

But the final words went to Elen who felt strongly that this kind of program is something Abbotsford really needs.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants to do this to go for it,” she said. “It almost feels like you’re not learning because it’s so much fun!”

For more information about Above the Underground and the YKW program visit findingyourway.ca or contact the MCC Employment Centre at 604 859 6790.

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