YES December/January Newsletter 2014-01-07

The YES December/January Newsletter comes packed with information including our 2013-2014 Direct Mail Campaign, the Winter/Spring 2014 Program Book, the release of the report "Building Youth Resiliency and Community Vitality within Montreal’s English Language Population", the YES Client of the Month and more!

The YES December/January Newsletter comes packed with information including our 2013-2014 Direct Mail Campaign, the Winter/Spring 2014 Program Book, the release of the report "Building Youth Resiliency and Community Vitality within Montreal’s English Language Population",  the YES Client of the Month and more!
 

 
In this issue:
YES Direct Mail Campaign
Report on mental health issues faced by job seekers
Winter/Spring 2014 Program Book
Client of the Month: Monica Rodriguez
Video: Use the holidays to find a job
Did you know?
January Workshops
 

   
YES 2013/2014 DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN
 
 
 
Do you remember how it felt when you were looking to begin your career; certain that with hard work, dedication and the right support, your career vision could become a reality?  As you know, the employment conditions of young people today are more challenging than ever before; employment and economic conditions have changed and so have the opportunities. Are you one of the fortunate ones who have a job or a place to go to work each day? If so, are you willing to pay it forward and help others to achieve their dreams?

When YES was founded 20 years ago, we helped about 120 job seekers; now, we help over 4,500 people per year and we still can’t meet demand. We would love to be able to help everyone who comes through our doors, but we have limited funds. 

We do not want to turn people away and that is why we need your help. With your donation, we can provide valuable one-on-one counselling, access to career development workshops, and a safe and inspiring environment for a young person to address the issues associated with unemployment and the challenges of finding a lasting and meaningful job. With just a little bit of extra support from YES, our youth have a much greater chance of securing employment.

We are asking you to join us in this effort by making a gift to help at least one young person succeed.  Any amount will help.

 
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. PLEASE GIVE TODAY.
 
YES RELEASES REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FACED BY JOB SEEKERS

 		 According to a new report commissioned by YES Montreal and funded by the CHSSN (Community Health and Social Services Network), prolonged unemployment creates depression, stress and low self esteem, which can be reversed in most cases with proper support.
 
The report, entitled “Building Youth Resiliency and Community Vitality within Montreal’s English Language Population” details the challenges faced by youth entering the job market, the specific challenges of Quebec’s English-speaking minority, and recommendations from YES Montreal based on its own experience in providing front-line services to English-speaking youth. Global Montreal ran a segment on the news with some distressing results as revealed in the study.

In 2009, YES Montreal launched small group sessions for clients experiencing psychological distress, which addresses transition-related socio-emotional challenges through a peer-to-peer format. The sessions have proven to help our clients to move forward in the employment process, resulting in a significantly greater success rate in securing employment.
 
“We think our approach is working,” said Ms. Unger. “We hope this report will move the governments and agencies working in mental health, youth and employment to work together to develop preventative measures that would result in long-term benefits to the individuals and ultimately, the economy and health care system."

To view the full report, click here.
 
 YES WINTER/SPRING 2014 PROGRAM BOOK
CLIENT OF THE MONTH: MONICA RODRIGUEZ

 		 Monica Rodriguez graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Development Studies and worked as a Teaching Assistant for two years at McGill University. After graduating, she participated in CIDA’s International Youth Internship Program working in Peru for six months before getting offered a five-month contract as a Junior Consultant. After finishing her contract and finding it difficult to find a job in the nonprofit sector, she approached YES seeking guidance with the next chapter in her career.
 
Once taking advantage of the Jump Start Your Job Search Information session, Monica had the opportunity to work closely with Annalise Iten (Director of YES’ Job Search Program). “Through Annalise’s guidance and encouragement, I have been able to build a job search strategy, create a strong résumé and strengthen my interview skills”, Monica affirms. “Every time I walk out of Annalise’s office, I have a renewed sense of determination and enthusiasm to continue applying.”  In addition, she has also taken advantage of other workshops by enrolling in the ‘French for Job Seekers’ classes offered at YES to strengthen her valuable communication skills.
 
With these new skills in hand, Monica continues to actively search for career opportunities in the international development field. She is also seeking opportunities in international organizations or companies that work in Latin America.
 
 
YES IN THE NEWS: HOW TO LAND A JOB DURING THE HOLIDAYS
As part of an ongoing segment on Global Montreal's Morning Show, YES' Executive Director, Iris Unger, discusses job search facts and tips with host Richard Dagenais.

In this segment, Ms Unger explains key strategies to help you find a job during the holidays.       

Watch the video here.

For more YES videos, subscribe to YES's Youtube channel by clicking here.
                                                                                                                                 
DID YOU KNOW?
  • The YES centre is open, free of charge, to everyone on a drop-in basis from Monday to Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM for use of the computers, phone, internet, Wi-Fi, fax machine and  resource library.
  • We offer one-on-one support to: job-seekers (ages 16-35 years), entrepreneurs (all ages), artists (all ages), and women in technology (all ages), as well as a Mentorship Program.
  • Many of our workshops and services are now offered online - for a complete listing of all our programs and workshops (including a 4-week course in both beginners & intermediate French), click here to view our Winter/Spring 2014 Program Book.
  • You can apply to any of the online job postings, by visiting the centre at 666 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 700, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri 9-5).
For information and updates, visit our website at www.yesmontreal.ca
JANUARY WORKSHOPS
(Please note our offices are closed beginning Friday, December 20 and will re-open Monday, January 6)
 
Jump Start Your Job Search  Information Session
(Free Workshop)
Tuesdays & Fridays
2:00pm - 4:00pm		 Self-Assessment
(Free Workshop)
Wed, Jan 8
10:00am-12:00pm		 Coaching Sessions for Artists
(Free Workshop)
Thurs Jan 16
(Session repeats Jan 30)
1:30pm-2:30pm		 *NEW* Careers in Social Media
Thurs, Jan 30
(Free Workshop)
6:30pm-8:30pm

Register here.
Jump Start Your Business
Information Session
(Free Workshop)
(Handouts $2)
Wednesdays,
1:30pm - 2:30 pm		 Interview Workshop
(Free Workshop)
Mon, Jan 13
(Session repeats Jan 27)
10:00am-12:00pm		 Women in Technology Information Session
Thurs, Jan 16
(Free Workshop)
2:00pm-4:00pm
Register here.		 Business Basics for Startups
3-week course begins Feb 3
Tuesday evenings
6:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: $50
Register here.
Grants & Loans Information
Session for Entrepreneurs
(Free Workshop)
(Handouts $2)
Wednesdays,
2:30pm-3:30pm		 French for Job Seekers
(Intermediate Level)
$75.00
4 week course begins
Tues, Jan 14
Tues & Fri
9:30am-12:30pm		 Group Coaching for Artists
(Free Workshop)
Thurs Jan 16
(Session repeats Jan 30)
2:30pm-4:00pm		 *NEW* Social Media 101: An Integrated Approach
Wed, Feb 12
Cost: $20.00
6:30pm-8:30pm
Register here.
Résumé Workshop
(Free Workshop)
Mon, Jan 6
(Session repeats Jan 20)
10:00am-12:00pm		 *NEW*Spotlight on Financing: Grants & Loans
Tues, Jan 14
6:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: $20.00
Register here.		 *NEW* Women in Technology: Essentials of E-Commerce
Tues, Jan 28
Cost: $20.00
6:30pm-8:30pm
Register here.		  
This symbol indicates that these services are also available online. Certain restrictions may apply.
 
 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS
              
 
                            
 
                                                   
                                         
                   
 
 
THE JOHN DOBSON FOUNDATION        THE HAY FOUNDATION         THE TAUBEN FOUNDATION   

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CANDEREL
 
 SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MEDIA PARTNERS