A long-standing youth program run by Cowichan Valley Youth Services is shutting down after the federal government cut its funding.
CVYS has run its Youth Employment Mentorship Program, a pre-employment program for youth aged 15 to 30 that was funded by Service Canada, in Cowichan for almost 20 years.
The program provided group-based essential life skills and employability skills, and hands-on work experience with local employers.
Numerous local business owners in the Cowichan Valley have collaborated with the YEMP program, which provided six weeks of subsidized wages to program participants.
“We are absolutely devastated and blindsided by this funding decision,” said CVYS executive director Zoe Lauckner. “Particularly so, in the wake of two vital community service organizations announcing closures last week, and in midst of a growing youth mental health crisis, and during an election year. Our hearts are hurting for youth in the Valley who need this program.”
Cowichan Family Life Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters Cowichan Valley announced closures recently due to financial shortfalls.
Lauckner said changes in federal funding, restrictions on grant funds, and challenging economic times are currently adding to the growing pressure on the nonprofit social-service sector.
“All this at a time when communities need these upstream, preventative services more than ever,” she said.
“This program [Youth Employment Mentorship Program] had a 98 per cent success rate and truly helped young people get started on a new path in life.”
Laucker said 42 youth remained on the waitlist for this year’s now-cancelled YEMP program, many of whom experience various vulnerabilities and barriers to accessing employment.
Elaine Webb, a former program manager for YEMP, said the families of many youth the CFLA works with are basically already on the street.
“We provided food, hygiene products, whatever it takes to help them feel supported,” she said. “This program truly was preventative, helping to boost confidence, create connections, and help people to bounce back.”
