Articles of the Month

Making real connections at the Service Canada Centre for Youth (SCCY)

One summer's day, not so long ago, I was working the reception desk at the Youth Café - the downtown Montréal Service Canada Center for Youth (SCCY). I was going about my work as per usual when two motivated young students arrived, seeking information. Here was my chance to connect with young people, to facilitate their job search and to inform them of the many services the government of Canada can offer youth.

I should mention that this is actually a common occurrence at the SCCY but since it is my favourite part of my position as a Summer Employment Officer, I would like to relive the experience with you.

On this particular day it was a young Secondary IV student named Charlotte Hoffman who came with a friend to see what the SCCY was all about. These motivated young women had had a Summer Employment Officer come to their class to give a group information session and they were intrigued enough to come and check out our services.

Not exactly sure what they were looking for, but eager to uncover what the federal government had to offer, the girls were willing to learn about anything I wanted to share. I took this opportunity to ask them some questions and get to know them a bit. Both were interested in finding summer work so I gave them some documents that included examples and helpful advice on job hunting, writing a resume, cover-letters, etc. Beyond this I explained to them the many youth programs and exchanges they could get involved in, and provided them with appropriate documents to pursue these opportunities. By this time all three of us were pretty excited and talking like old friends about all the opportunities and experiences that interested them.

Enthusiasm was running high and their thirst for information was strong so I provided them with more information about finding work in an area that interested them and gaining valuable experience that would help in their future careers. In the midst of this exhilarating discussion Charlotte mentioned her passion for photography, which sent me through the roof with excitement! I also have a personal passion for the arts and am actually studying to be an art educator. This was the perfect opportunity for me to promote the Young Artists Program run by the Youth Café; a unique initiative that supports the arts and encourages visibility by profiling local young artists and musicians.

After our meeting, Charlotte really took advantage of this opportunity. She made the appropriate contacts, presented her photography and went on to be the next young artist featured at the Café. Not even out of High school, Charlotte is enjoying her first public exhibition! As I write this, a dozen stunning prints by Charlotte are being exhibited around our center. Their bright colours, intriguing subjects, and superb composition attract the attention of our clients and significantly enhance the atmosphere at the Youth Café. The exposition is now over, but you can still check out Charlotte's Web site.

Charlotte is truly a very talented young artist and I am confident that this experience will serve as a valuable first step in her career in the arts. I am honoured to have witnessed, and even been a part of, this empowering connection. This is just one example of how the SCCY offers information that opens doors for motivated young Canadians. Our center is truly a space for youth by youth, and Charlotte's vibrant artworks reflect this mission in a very powerful and tangible way.