A local youth shelter in Cambridge just received a huge boost from the federal government with a goal of preventing youth homelessness and providing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Cambridge MP, Bryan May was at the youth shelter on Williams Street in Preston on Friday to announce over $1.2 million in funding to help those with disabilities secure employment opportunities.
"This funding is another example of this government’s commitment to accessibility," said May in a press release. "No Canadian should be held back, and organizations like Argus connect residents with services that help them reach their full potential."
Not only does Argus operate the only youth shelter in Cambridge, the organization also runs Uptown Thrift at 742 King St. E. where they employ local youth and provide them with job training and opportunities to thrive.
Every dollar that is made at the thrift store goes directly to employing the youth and this investment from the federal government is guaranteeing they will be able to continue their operation.
“Through the Opportunities Fund (OF), we are creating inclusive workplaces and providing additional opportunities for persons with disabilities to connect with resources such as skills training and mentorship to help them succeed in the job market," said minister of diversity and inclusion, and persons with disabilities, Kamal Khera in the release.
"We know that when everyone, regardless of their abilities, has a chance to succeed, our country and our economy succeed.”
The objective of the OF is to assist persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment, advance in their careers, or become self-employed.
According to their website, Argus provides 30 hours of paid employment training, over three months. For 22 hours of the week, participants are provided with hands on experience at their store and for the other eight hours, they are enroled in professional development workshops.
According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, the employment rates of persons with disabilities are much lower than those of Canadians without disabilities; 59 per cent versus 80 per cent.
May thinks the investment into Argus will allow those in the community to have access to employment and skills they would not otherwise receive without organizations like these.
