Three Windsor-Essex groups are getting a boost from Ottawa to help young people find employment.
The federal government has invested $3,085,368 from the Youth and Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) to help the agencies support youth who are looking for jobs.
The agencies are Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) of Windsor, the New Canadians' Centre of Excellence (NCCE), and Family Fuse.
Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk said it is more important than ever to make sure those aged 15 to 30 have the skills to succeed.
"The Government of Canada is making sure that every young person in Windsor-Essex and in Canada gets access to the skills and experience they need to build a bright future," said Kusmierczyk. "These three new community-led projects are great examples of how the federal government can work together with local organizations to create opportunities for young people and ensure they hit the ground running when they start their careers here in Windsor and Essex County."
WEST of Windsor will use $1,762,000 to help up to 136 youth clients with counselling, transit assistance, nutritional support, and more over the next four years.
The NCCE will receive $900,000 to support 69 youth in housing services, emergency food, and legal help.
Family Fuse will partner with the UHC Hub of Opportunities on a $423,368 project that will support 33 young people, including serving at least half of the youth with a disability.
"We are excited to collaborate with Family Fuse on the Youth Empowerment for Employment Program," said UHC Executive Director June Muir. "Thanks to the federal government’s YESS Program, we are able to provide youth with the essential tools and knowledge needed to secure meaningful employment. This collaboration, combined with the support of our federal government, ensures that young people from diverse backgrounds will have the opportunity to thrive and succeed."
The three organizations were among 200 nationwide receiving funding, out of thousands of applications.