Oct 29th, 2024

Partner Spotlight: Community Benefit Program Gives Residents the Tools to Succeed 

A group of 15 youths got a head start learning about the construction trades at the Foster Farm Community House on Oct. 23.    

This learning opportunity was made possible thanks to a grant from the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Community Benefits Network Workforce Development Program.   

Candace Carson, Workforce Development Consultant for OCBN, emphasized that the program is intended to support residents of OCH and other affordable housing providers interested in learning more about skilled trades in the construction sector.  During this one-week course, participants can explore the skills, education, and certificates necessary for entry-level construction trades jobs and prepare for the next steps in their career journey, which could include pre-apprenticeship programming and entry-level maintenance jobs.  

This program is for you, the residents of OCH communities. This partnership is one of the many ways OCH works with partners who support your communities and help residents succeed.  

Participants completed an interlock pad under the pergola in the backyard of the community house.    

The dedicated staff from the community house connect with residents over 20,000 times each. For example:  

The Community House provides important services to residents, including food banks, after-school programs, summer camps, and adult programs. With food security needs rising by 45 percent, the support they offer is more important than ever.  

The interlock is just one of the series of improvements to the community house, organized by OCH’s Volunteer Engagement program. In August, a group of youth from the community built a pergola. Volunteers have also painted the community house and completed landscaping in the backyard.    

Marie-Louise Knight, the Community House Coordinator, said the additional space provided by recent improvements has allowed residents to gather in the space, forging connections. Recently, an adult art class was able to do a woodburning project thanks to the covered space in the backyard provided by the pergola.    

 I am interested in participating; where do I go?    

The Ottawa Community Benefits Network is committed to running courses for residents of social and affordable housing over 18. This ongoing program is a beacon of hope for those looking to enter the construction trades.    

The next session is set to take place from Nov. 11 to 15. The course will also include a hands-on project in an OCH community to be determined. Please complete the form using the following link to register for a session. We look forward to welcoming you to the program: https://ottawacommunitybenefits.ca/workforce/#interest-form