1. COMMUNITY RESEARCH & ENGAGEMENT LEAD (SIIf)
The Community Research and Engagement Lead is in the process of finalizing the report on the the previously shared project of mapping the needs of the community around employment/economic development (specifically focused on hard-to-reach residents) and the existing community assets (e.g. grassroots entrepreneurial groups/supports, agency programs and services, businesses, and other), along with a labour market research. The final report will be finalized in the coming weeks and will be presented to the community at various meetings and through grassroots organizations, community leaders, agency networks, and the various levels of government. A presentation (attached) with the highlighted findings has been created and shared with the EED Table.
Below are some of the recommendations we heard from youth about what could be done to improve employment and economic development opportunities in the community:
- Conference: Bringing together people who grew up in the community who have done well in their careers to come and give talks on how they did it, and motivate the youth
- Workshops: Financial Literacy Workshops for youth so they can learn young about important personal finance tools - could be offered through schools and/or agencies in partnership
- Mentorship: A group in the area who could support one another, share experiences and suggestions, hear from employers, get tips and advice, share opportunities
- Job Trials: Opportunities for youth to try out jobs to see whether it is a good fit for them - including whether it's what they want to pursue in postsecondary
- Peace Garden: This would memorialize the youth who have been lost to violence and show the community the history hasn't been forgotten, and create a job to maintain
- Bridging the Gap: Bridging the gap between 'newcomers' and TCHC residents to foster relationships that can be built upon for future opportunities
Some of the quotes stated by residents include:
“We are given the opportunity to dream, but not the means to make those dreams a reality”
“When there is no opportunity, people fall through the gaps”
“If these companies are profiting off of us, they should give us an opportunity to also learn from them and a chance to work there”
“You can’t optimize people and profit at the same time”
2. EED LEAD (500K SDP CITY FUNDING)
The second project is to hire the much anticipated Employment and Economic Development Lead whose hiring is underway. The goals of this role are:
- Build on the research currently being completed by the E&ED Community Engagement and Research Lead which will identify the needs and gaps as well as the assets around employment and economic development in Regent Park. These findings will be used to properly inform the direction and future actions of the SDP Employment and Economic Development Table to ensure all projects and initiatives are truly meeting the needs of the community and utilizing the assets in the neighbourhood.
- Bridge the gap between residents and resources in the areas of employment and economic development by building relationships with residents and stakeholders (agencies, employers, business owners, etc.) working to ensure there is proper communication and collaboration between residents and other stakeholders in the community.
SECURITY TRAINING BY INFINIGUARD - (500 K SDP CITY FUNDING)
The first one is for a project which will provide FREE security training and mentorship accessible to 25 Regent Park residents in collaboration with InfiniGuard Security and Protection Services Inc.
InfiniGuard has now completed and virtualized the security training. It’s available to Regent Park residents at no cost. Currently, we have 5 residents going through the security training program which includes CPR & First Aid. We are currently waiting for a few residents to get their criminal background checks which is one of the requirements to become a security guard. We have also provided employment to 3 youth as of May 31st on a part-time basis. These 3 youth have a criminal record and face other barriers that prevent them from becoming security guards. These youth will support with operations, logistics and marketing. Lastly, we are also preparing for additional training that will enhance the security guard skills and ensure success in the industry.