Montreal Thrift Store Helps At-Risk Teens Get Workplace Skills
Within the past year, The Salvation Army St. Hubert Thrift Store in Montreal, Quebec, has opened its doors to eight teenagers, providing them hands-on work experience and exposure to the retail environment.
But, these are not your average teenagers. They are a group of youth who have endured a difficult past by being exposed to neglect, physical and psychological abuse, or have faced major family problems such as poverty and domestic violence.
They are a few out of the thousands of children being rehabilitated by the Montreal Youth Centre – University Institute. The MYC-UI plays an important role in bringing stability to these young teenagers’ lives through partnerships with various organizations that can help provide them with skills necessary to turn their lives in a positive direction.
“We have been in partnership with the youth centre for one year now and it is a relationship that has been a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said Tobias Ferreira, store manager.
“We have the benefit of their help to keep the store tidy, well-stocked and organized, but on an emotional level they raise our spirits and morale. Our team really feels bonded together in an effort to help these young people.”
On average, the teens work a full-day shift at the store for three to four days a week. They are always supervised by a social worker from the youth centre who monitors their activities and works alongside them to offer coaching and support. The placement for each teenager can last up to four months at the store.
Ferreira says the feedback he has received from the youth centre is that the Thrift Store’s involvement in the program has greatly contributed to increasing the teenagers’ confidence, self-worth and sense of belonging.
“While they are here with us, we make sure that they are treated like an employee and that they feel like they are part of the St. Hubert team,” he said.
Of the eight teens that worked at the Thrift Store, one has decided to return to school to complete her High School diploma and another successfully finished the program and found employment.
About The Montreal Youth Centre – University Institute
The Montreal Youth Centre – University Institute provides psychosocial and rehabilitation services to 13,000 children and youth who have experience a difficult past.
These children have been neglected, abandoned, abused psychological, physical or sexual. Some were facing major family problems: poverty, domestic violence, mental health problems. Others have severe behavioural disorders and, despite the efforts of their parents, they fail to regain control. The MYC-UI also offers full support for parents.
