No, STRIDE’s Youth Employment Program is not a placement agency. If you are interested in becoming a client of STRIDE, the Youth Employment Specialist will provide you with skills and support to assist you in your search for employment. Your Youth Employment Specialist can help you to connect with employers or can speak to employers on your behalf.
There is no time limit! Once you have begun working with a Youth Employment Specialist, as long as you are attending your regularly scheduled meetings, working towards employment and/or maintaining competitive employment you are able to continue receiving support for as long as you feel you need it.
You would complete a Referral Form and an Additional Client Information Form. You can also phone our central number at (905) 693-4252 and request the forms be mailed to you. You can then either email the completed forms to info@stride.on.ca, fax them to 905-875-9262 or drop them off at one of our offices. Once we receive your referral forms you will be contacted within a few days to let you know about next steps.
Absolutely! The Youth Employment Program does not require a diagnosis or verification from a medical professional. As long as you identify as struggling with any type of mental health concern and/or substance issues STRIDE’s Youth Employment Program is able to provide support to you.
Yes, STRIDE’s Youth Employment Specialists will work with you to develop supports and coping strategies to assist you with attaining and maintaining your employment goals. We will also assist you to connect with appropriate resources in the community.
That is not a problem. The Youth Employment Specialists will provide one on one support to assist you in creating a resume, cover letter and any other documentation necessary for employment.
No, it is not required that we connect with your employers. Your association with STRIDE remains completely confidential unless you request otherwise. Our Youth Employment Specialist’s can speak to your employer on your behalf if you feel this level of support would be helpful.
STRIDE is an Ontario Disability Support Program – Employment Supports (ODSP-ES) provider. If you are eligible for Employment Supports the program will be able to provide extra support to you in finding and maintaining employment. For more information on ODSP-ES and eligibility please click here: http://mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/employment_support/index.aspx
Even if you are not on ODSP Income supports you may still be eligible for Employment Supports.
STRIDE’s Youth Employment Specialists provide individualized service. The type of work that you and your Youth Employment Specialist look for will be determined by your skills, education, past experience and interests.
STRIDE’s Youth Employment Program can provide one on one individualized services for youth struggling to find or maintain employment due to mental health and/or substance use concerns. If you feel that your mental health or substance challenges are impacting your employment, we may be able to provide you with support and/or coping mechanisms to reduce your challenges.
STRIDE Youth Employment Program services all of Halton: Georgetown, Acton, Milton, Oakville and Burlington. Our Youth Employment Specialists work Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with some flexibility around the schedule of youth who may have school or employment needs. Youth Employment Specialists are able to meet you at one of our three offices located in Oakville, Milton and Georgetown, or in a location close to you such as a library, school or coffee shop.
