LETHBRIDGE YOUTH FOUNDATION

The Lethbridge Youth Foundation was incorporated in 1994 as a not-for-profit organization and registered charity. Several community members saw a need in the community for a safe place for youth to learn and become equipped with tools for a successful future. The Strategic Vision of the Lethbridge Youth Foundation is to be Southern Alberta's foremost organization in providing advocacy and leadership in the provision of youth programming and services that help youth become productive members of society. The Mission of 5th on 5th Youth Services is to support youth to become responsible capable and caring individuals by providing opportunities to pursue goals in: employment career development social development and education. Essentially we equip youth up to age 30 to become employed so they can move towards the goals they have set for their future. We accomplish this task through various programs and services that can be grouped into four categories: Connection to Local Employers – Staff can connect youth to a number of supportive businesses and industries in the local economy to help participants develop their career path. Young people can also come into our facility to learn about topics such as: their rights & responsibilities information about various industries and schools tools to gain life skills etc. Career Mentoring - Career mentors work with young people one-on-one to provide them with the tools they need to be successful. They assist with resume development job searching techniques interview preparation and job maintenance. These tools may also include referrals to other services in town for example addictions or parenting programs. Group Workshops - These workshops are centered on topics such as interview techniques job searching skills nutrition budgeting communication skills etc. The group environment allows for practicing interview and communication skills and developing good habits and skills. Education Needs - To meet the unique needs of our clients we provide one-on-one assistance to support financial literacy personal life skills and employment skills as well as referrals to additional educational programming in the community

Reach Up: Program which assists individuals with a self-disclosed disability to help prepare for secure and maintain employment. Provides one-on-one counselling as well as small group classroom work. Direct to Work Experience: One-on-one program helps youth who are already job-ready find employment in their area of interest through a subsidized work experience contract. On the Job Training: One-on-one support program to help youth learn skills on the job. Career Focus: Supporting youth that are underemployed or unemployed to find employment in their career path of choice. Career Mentor: One-on-one support worker provides career advice and life skills development help as well as referrals to wrap-around services. Forward Life Impact: 6 to 8 week classroom-based program for a small cohort of youth focusing on developing employability skills and life skills Newcomer Employment Training: 11 week classroom-based program for a small cohort of Newcomer Canadians focused on language development certifications and employment skills. Indigenous Cultures and Employment Training: 11 week classroom-based program for a small cohort of Indigenous youth or other youth interested in learning from/about Indigenous cultures and employment and life skills and connecting with traditional indigenous culture through local Elders. Lethbridge Facilitating Investment in Red Seal Trades: Supports Small and Medium sized Enterprises by offering financial incentives to hire a new first year apprentice in the construction and manufacturing Red Seal Trades.