4-Youth
reachability's 4-Youth Program had its beginnings in August 2005. It is a hands-on, employment training program for youths aged 18-30 living with disabilities who are willing to learn how to work in an office environment. It is often their first job; first experience in a working office; and their first wage.
The 4-Youth program builds strong social, interpersonal, and IT skills, while giving guidance and direction on acceptable office behavior.
The youth undergo 4 weeks of classroom training, followed by a 35-hour workweek (with a weekly class), for a total of 22 weeks. Each youth uses their creativity to develop a project, which they run and see through to the end of their contract. This gives them the opportunity to become intrinsically involved in their new workplace, to learn ownership, responsibility, deadlines, and results.
The 4-youth program is designed to help youth living with disabilities boost their confidence and overcome previous barriers, such as a lack of experience or non-accommodating workplaces. At the end of this program, the youth should be ready to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education, and may even have found permanent employment through our contacts and networks.
Participants of the 2008 4-Youth Program.
(L-R) Megan, Emily Anderson (Coordinator), Alexis, Christian, Craig. |
BIOGRAPHIES
Alexis
Age: 22
My Interests are: working out at the gym, swimming, shopping, meeting new people, dancing, helping others, and travelling.
My experience in the 4 –youth program: The 4-youth program provided me with support I didn’t even know was out there; gave me the courage to proceed in furthering my education. I am attempting to get the information I need to succeed in my career goal.
Craig
Age: 21
My Interests are: TaeKwonDo, wrestling video games, and drawing, basketball
My experience in the 4 youth program: Good advice from people at reachAbility, meet new people, understanding that I am not the only one with challenges.
In the future I would like to get a job in graphic design and maybe a chef.
Megan
Age: 21
My Interests are: The activities in which I enjoy are horseback riding and walking.
My experience in the 4 youth program: I am enjoying the 4-Youth Program, so far I have gained more confidence in my skills which will help me to prepare myself for in workplace.
After I have finished this program I will be looking for work in the Administrative field.
Christian
Age: 24
My Interests are: playing hockey, soccer, swimming and spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy walking.
My experience in the 4 youth program: My experience thus far has been a positive one, my confidence is at an all time high.
I’m getting a sense of purpose in life for the first time this job gives me a routine that I enjoy.
My goal is to go into the work place and make a living.
To apply to be a part of the 4-Youth program, the youth must meet specific criteria and be approved through their case manager.
reachAbility would like to thank Service Canada through the Government of 
for funding the 4-Youth program.
If you would like more information about reachAbility's 4-Youth program, please contact:
Emily Anderson (4-Youth Coordinator)
(902) 429-5878 or youth@reachability.org
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