Courtesy

By Rebecca Taylor

Local Journalism Initiative

Meet Jade, Mathilde and Martin, the team at Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi located at 139 Principale Nord in Richmond, that can be a game-changer for many youth.

The Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi de Richmond was created in 1997 with the purpose of assisting 16-35 year olds. All services offered are provided at no charge. However, lately the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi has been considering a change to its name because it can help people of any age with their job searches, CVs, presentation letters, simulate job interviews and accompaniment in the job market. Many of the activities which take place at the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi are designed to help participants learn and enhance their skills, gain additional knowledge and to help them overcome obstacles.

One of Martin’s functions as part of the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi’s team is to host the woodworking classes. It is a weekly training session that lasts for four months. Of the numerous benefits to this program, participants get into a routine of having to attend the program on a certain schedule.

Projet Passerelle Découverte is a literacy workshop offered by the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi from October to June each year. This is a fun and interactive way for participants to practice their reading and mathematical skills as well as  break isolation by being in a group and to do creative activities such as cooking together.  It was initially started for mothers, but its mandate has expanded over the years and is now open to anyone wanting to improve their literacy. This program is led by Mathilde.

The CarrefourJeunesse-Emploi is committed to providing inclusive free services in a confidential manner. It is an important resource for the community and boasts a solid bank of contacts with local businesses and resources. In addition to helping individuals at the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi, they can also refer people to the necessary organizations so that they can get the type of assistance they need. There is no shame in needing to ask for help of any kind and the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi is a welcoming and listening ear. Their services are provided in English and French, and they can also use translation apps to give services to newcomers to the area who might not yet be comfortable in either of these languages. There is also a guidance counselor, Laurence, who can help people heading to the job market for the first time or looking for a career change more suited to their needs and interests. Another benefit to their services is the flexible hours and that you always reach a person, not an answering machine when you call.

Each year the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi is involved with the Knight of the Arts at Richmond Regional High School. This is a project that helps promote volunteering as well as allow students to work towards raising money for a local organization or project.

They are also part of  Trio Desjardins Etudiants program for students ages 13-14 to have a first experience in the job market working with non-profit organizations in the region.

The team stated that it is a privilege to be able to give people the tools to get a new start and to achieve their goals and dreams.

To learn more stop by and see them, call 819-826-1999 or visit the Facebook page or website at cjerichmond.qc.ca.