Monday 9 December 2024
YMCA National Capital Region expands its employment services to Orleans
By Tom Malaba
The YMCA National Capital Region has opened an employment and newcomer center for the people of Orleans to help them settle in find their first job to kick-start their new life in Canada with a dream job.
The center is located at 240 Centrum Boulevard unit 105, Orleans, ON K1E 3J4 within the Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre.
Speaking on the sides of the center opening on December 9, the YMCA, Executive Director, Trevor McAlmont called upon employers not to shy away from hiring newcomers because they are skilled, have high education, have a high motivation to work, and have a desire to contribute to society and the economy.
“Having highly skilled people is a win for employers and the economy. We are getting more people to contribute to the economy,” Mr. McAlmont said adding; “Employers need a big strong workforce to choose from, to increase their services and newcomers are the best thing to have”.
Making a case for professional newcomers, the Chief Executive Officer called on the Canadian Government to look at the impact newcomers have made on the economy and come up with tailor-made policies for professionals to ease the process of joining the workforce.
Currently, to get any form of employment including entry-level jobs, no matter the educational background, most employers demand some kind of certification before one can be hired, a thing that has left many newcomers vulnerable.
“Looking for a job and settling in Ottawa can be overwhelming for newcomers;” Mr. McAlmont said adding that to do so one needs connections. On the other hand, for new comers to find housing face a daunting cultural divide.
“Whether it’s people who have grown up in Ottawa or new people to the region, it can be difficult to create safety and security for your family if you do not have income or do not have access to capital. It’s even worse if do not have an address.”
“That’s why helping newcomers get an address through the provision of housing is one of YMCA’s priority areas.”
Last year, YMCA served 15,000 newcomers and another 13,000 visited the YMCA employment centers.
Our society needs to look at the success stories, government, and funders need to look at the data.
Mr. McAlmont commended employers for the positive reception to newcomer employees processed through the YMCA employment center.
Besides finding employment, most people who visit YMCA centers seek settlement services including language support, networking, housing and employment among other services.
“We are serving more and more people with the changes in population demographics. We are looking to expand what we are doing and the Y is ready,” Mr. McAlmont gave the assurance.
Describing the magnitude of the cost involved the Chief Executive Officer said that last year alone, YMCA spent CAN $200,000 in financial assistance to newcomers which was a 72 percent increase from the previous year.
“We at the Y one of the big things we believe in is wellness, how do we support people in terms of their emotions, and mentality, helping them to feel confidence in opportunities and increasing access to those opportunities. It’s one thing to have services available but if people are isolated and cannot get to you it does not help,” Trevor counseled.
One of the things we do at the Y is not only provide service. We are supporting people generally. The anxiety of being in a new place, a new environment not knowing any other resources available increases anxiety and social isolation.
Mr. McAlmont explained that Ottawa being a location for secondary migration, YMCA saw a need to re-open their services in Orleans.
A brief opening ceremony was held to commission the center and was attended by the Member of Parliament for Orleans, Ms. Marie France Lalonde said the people of Orleans were fortunate to have the new center adding that as the area continues to grow such services were crucial for the people.
She commended the women in Orleans for starting businesses saying that Orleans has the highest number of businesses started by women in Canada at 31 percent. “I thank YMCA for choosing Orleans for the center saying it would help residents not to go across town to access their service,” said Ms. Lalonde.
The General Manager Hyatt Place, a Hotel in Ottawa West, Mr. Alison Hunter one of the employers who sourced her employees from the YMCA reported that her team was great having people from all over the world. In her hotel, she employs 64 people from over twenty different countries. “With newcomers, you just need to think outside the box and get a little creative like say use Google translator to solve language barriers,” Ms. Hunter said.
“They just need a little training and get them on full-time hours. Having a diverse team makes the best in the city,” Ms. Hunter with a 30-year history working in the hotel industry said. She challenged employers to take a bet on newcomers.
Ms. Amal Alsabawi, a former client who now works with YMCA said she first volunteered for YMCA before joining the workforce. Ms. Alsabawi is from the Gaza. She came to Canada in 2003 after a two-month journey. Last year Ms. Alsabawi completed her English class and scored eight. “When I first came to Canada, YMCA gave me a sense of belonging. Today, working with newcomers is inspiring,” she testified.
Following the launch of the centre, guests were entertained to some light refreshments.
YMCA Employment services
The YMCA’s free employment services support employers and job seekers. The YMCA’s team guides and supports people seeking employment or changing jobs. They also help local businesses attract and recruit employees with the skills they need to achieve their business goals. All services are offered at no cost.
“We work with people as individuals,” said Trevor McAlmont, president and CEO of the YMCA of the National Capital Region. “It takes courage and determination to walk through our doors. We pride ourselves on helping everyone, regardless of their situation. Once you are here, we are here for you.”
Job seekers’ support ranges from pre-employment and skills training to resume writing support, job search strategies, and information sessions.
Services for employers include recruiting pre-screened applicants, posting and distributing job openings, participating in job fairs, access to training subsidies and skills upgrading programs, and more. The YMCA works with employers like the Canada Revenue Agency, the Ottawa Police Service and Hyatt Place Ottawa West.
About YMCA National Capital Region
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. A focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. To learn more, visit: ymcaottawa.ca.
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