The residential program provides safe, warm beds, three nutritious meals and snacks each day for up to 32 young people. Since youth often arrive at our doorstep with little more than a small bag of belongings, the Residential Program also includes laundry facilities, emergency supplies of personal hygiene items and a clothing bank.
The employment program provides employment opportunities to residents and youth in the community. The employment worker provides valuable skills and resources that will enable at-risk youth to be more marketable for employment. This includes providing youth with the necessary tools for job searching and helping individuals maintain their employment. The program offers training in interview skills, resume, cover letter writing, job fair information, assistance with interview clothing and access to employment related workshops at Touchstone Youth Centre.
Youth also have access to computers, internet, fax, photocopier and job search resources. The employment worker also provides referral services to Employment Training Programs, Life skills Programs and Identification Referral. The program also links youth with Job Developers in the community to help them connect with employers and access the hidden job market.
The housing program helps residents to secure long-term or permanent housing. Our Housing Worker assists youth in areas specific to the ultimate goal of independent living.
The outreach program enables us to assist youth beyond our centre's walls. Our Outreach Worker assists youth in all areas pertaining to independent living.
The drop-in program is a warm, safe haven for both clients and community members. A hot meal, access to the clothing bank and respite from outside elements are offered in a relaxed environment. Youth can socialize with peers, confer with a staff member about burning issues and receive non-judgmental, supportive advice. We also provide counselling referrals, offer social and recreational opportunities and teach life skills. This is the program where we want to introduce the 'Be Fit Forever' program.
