RAY's Place changes employment structure
RAY’s Place is changing the way it supports youth by removing itself as the middleman.
Instead of being the employer, RAY’s Place will give young people the tools to be their own boss.
The youth employment program for which it is named, Rent-a-Youth (RAY), began in 2009. RAY’s Place, founded by Tony Fry and the late Jim Vandewater, is managed by a volunteer board of directors.
Always intended to be a youth resource centre with the goal of preparing youth for post-secondary education and the work world, RAY’s Place is becoming more about helping youth create their own opportunities, while maintaining a focus on education and scholarships, said Fry.
“We have been, with our kids, fishing for them and now we are going to teach them to fish,” said Fry. “Rent-a-youth was fantastic and it’s going to be even better. They will learn more and earn more.”
In past years, when people wanted to hire youth to do odd jobs, they would call the centre. In this new model, people will be dealing directly with the youth.
RAY’s Place will teach students between the ages of 14 and 18 how to operate a summer business and offer training in specific areas.
The students are available to do yard work, plant trees, wash cars and windows, do outside painting, and other general work around a property or business. They will have taken RAY’s Place courses in safety training, first aid, marketing and promotion, customer service and financial management.
Officials are looking for community members who are willing to offer workshops on various skills.
Fry said RAY’s Place will also continue to offer free tutoring and scholarships. There are three $20,000 scholarships up for grabs this spring.
RAY’s Place will also continue to offer career mentoring, financial literacy education, including budgeting and preparing for the cost of living, including the cost of post secondary education.
A general information session about the new youth summer opportunity program will be held at Station on the Green in Creemore on Saturday, April 11.
Anyone interested in participating in the youth summer opportunity program is asked to call RAY’s Place at 705-466-5363 to register for the April 11 information session, beginning at 1 p.m.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
For more information about scholarships and tutoring, visit raysplaceyrc.com. The scholarship application deadline is May 1.
Eligible applicants are Grade 12 students at Stayner Collegiate Institute, Collingwood Collegiate Institute, Jean Vanier Catholic High School, Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School and Centre Dufferin District High School or be a resident of Clearview or Mulmur townships with a minimum average of 75 per cent who are entering their first year of post secondary education at a Canadian school.
