Last spring, the Fondation started a new chapter in its history by creating a regional initiatives support fund to provide financial assistance to organizations working with youths in the care of the DYP across Quebec. One of the projects selected is “All you need to become independent” from Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de la MRC de Deux-Montagnes (CJEDM) youth employment centre, which hands out backpacks full of supplies for youths to develop their independence and start the transition to adulthood.
Youths from Rosemère to Mont-Laurier will be getting the packs and we would like to possibly renew this project so even more youths in the area can benefit from it. The youths need to understand that there are organizations out there to help them move forward.
Youths from all over the Laurentians will be given these backpacks. Each pack will include hygiene products (toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, soap, etc.), grocery cards and a gift card for a clothing store so the youths can buy a new outfit for a job interview, for example.
In addition to this financial assistance, the youths will have an information kit with frequently asked questions and the information needed to support them in various processes: driver’s licence, health insurance card, social insurance number, birth certificate and other handy resources for adulthood. Everything will also be available on a USB key that the youths can use to save their résumé and personal documents.
Youths transitioning to adulthood have taken part in this innovative process by Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de la MRC de Deux-Montagnes to properly define their needs. The various youth employment centres in the Laurentians will be distributing the packs throughout the area. As the information included with the packs had been carefully considered, they can point the youths to the resources they need.
We are honoured to be taking part in this initiative to help youths find their bearings more easily and foster their independence. We know going through this process can be difficult, but the team at the youth employment centre and the youths who took part in it worked very hard to provide a proper resource kit. Hats off to them!,”