SETTLEMENT SUPPORT FOR YOUTH
YECO’s Settlement support program for youth participants involves programs and services designed to help young newcomers integrate into their new communities successfully. These initiatives address various challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustments, academic integration, and social inclusion, counseling, transportation, life skills and documents use. This program is not funded by any organization. It is run by volunteer support and referral. We referred our youth to organizations that are funded by IRCC which provide support to newcomers youth.
Language
Peer Mentorship Programs
Cultural Orientation Workshops
Recreational and Extracurricular Activities
Career Guidance and Employment Support
Parent and Family Engagement
Mental Health and Wellness Programs
Community Service and Volunteering
Intercultural Dialogue and Exchange
Legal and Advocacy Referral
Leadership and Empowerment Programs
Housing and Financial Literacy
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Through partnership with Volunteer Ottawa, YECO is able to deliver employment support for the youth participants. Our career and employment support volunteers have diverse experience with high level expertise in youth engagement and community outreach. YECO provides the following employment support.
Career Counseling and Job Readiness
- Career Exploration Workshops: Host workshops that help youth explore different career paths and industries.
- Job Search Skills: Teach effective job search strategies, resume writing, and cover letter crafting.
- Interview Preparation: Conduct mock interviews and provide feedback to improve interview performance.
Job Placement Services
- Job Fairs: Organize job fairs that connect youth with potential employers.
- Employment Agencies: Work with employment agencies to help youth find suitable job opportunities.
Soft Skills Development
- Communication Skills: Provide training in effective communication, both written and verbal.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Conduct workshops on teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution.
- Time Management: Teach strategies for effective time management and organization.
Financial Literacy Education
- Budgeting Workshops: Offer classes on budgeting, saving, and managing personal finances.
- Credit Education: Educate youth on the importance of credit, how to build it, and how to use it responsibly.
- Investing Basics: Introduce basic concepts of investing and financial planning for the future.
ART (PHOTOVOICE)
Over the past three years, YECO has utilized art as a powerful medium to emphasize crucial issues like community safety, inclusion, and gun violence. In 2021, we received funding from the Social Planning Council of Ottawa to conduct a three-month photovoice training focused on gun violence. Youth Action Now provided additional funding for the same project the following year. Most recently, in 2024, the Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded YECO funding to expand the project over the next three years. Our photovoice initiatives have successfully engaged more than 100 youth participants, demonstrating the profound impact of art in addressing these critical topics.
