Two agencies have partnered to provide youth in Greater Sudbury with resources and support they may need to find employment and they’ll be delivered in a space young people already know. “The Youth Wellness Hub: it’s all about mental health and wellness. Part of that is having a job and so we realize that employment is a really important part of that pathway to ensuring that youth are feeling well and secure, especially financially,” said Kamilah Francis, a spokesperson for Compass. Compass is the non-profit child and youth mental health agency, which operates Sudbury’s Youth Wellness Hub. They are partnering with Spark Employment Services. Employment professionals will provide youth-focused employment support like advice and guidance to young people searching for a job. Those will be delivered from the downtown space. “Youth are already attending the Youth Wellness Hub and participating in their program. It’s already a place that they feel comfortable in, that they trust,” said Spark CEO, Chantal Makala. “So now we’re bringing our services there to meet their needs, so they don’t have to come to a new location.” Spark will offer three dedicated programs: Sudbury’s Youth Wellness Hub has three small meeting rooms that Francis said will work well for tailored coaching sessions. “To do mock interviews or any of that one-on-one support with youth. It’s a space that’s quieter, more private, and not out in the main hall with everyone else,” she said. Francis said youth will be able to prepare for job interviews. “Being able to practice interviewing in real time with someone, I think that always helps,” she said. “Again, that’s something Spark will be able to help with, and we’re excited to have here.” Employment services officially begin at Sudbury’s Youth Wellness Hub on July 23, with a few sessions planned throughout the summer. It’s expected to become weekly scheduled support this fall.
