$500K To Help North End Youth

Helping youth in Saint John’s north end overcome employment barriers is the focus on a new project by a local organization.

ONE Change Inc. has received more than $500,000 from the federal government for its One Future project.

Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long made the announcement Tuesday at the Nick Nicolle Community Centre.

“I can tell you many stories about youth coming into our constituency office who just don’t have that support that so many in this room take for granted,” said Long.

A total of 30 youths between the ages of 15 and 30 will have the chance to participate in skills and development training, coaching, and mentoring.

Barry Galloway, executive director of ONE Change, said they will also be offered paid work placements within the priority neighbourhoods.

“Not only do they get to build their own skill sets and capacity, but they get to support other people in our community and lift them out as well,” said Galloway. “They get to practice what they’ve learned and support other people in changing their own lives.”

MP Long announces more than $500,000 in federal funding for ONE Change for their project called One Future. pic.twitter.com/Jj1YBu7Zpt

— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 13, 2019

This project is funded by the federal government’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy which was launched in June.

It is being offered in partnership with the New Brunswick Community College, Brilliant Labs, and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

Larry King, president of the ONE Change board, said research shows not everyone has access to equal opportunities.

“Increasingly, background and circumstances determine who gets ahead,” said King. “The right investments in the beginning of a young person’s working life can help curb and family poverty for years to come.”

Galloway said helping young people achieve their full potential not only builds their future but also builds the community.