Posted by Leighton Reid on Sep 18, 2016
Homelessness and joblessness did not keep Kristoff from following his dream.
 
Kristoff came to the MicroSkills Rotary Youth Centre as a newcomer from Jamaica. His passion for food and cooking was immediately clear in his eagerness to volunteer for the afterschool program snack preparation. In 2012, Kris enrolled in the Microskills Pre-Cook Apprenticeship Program delivered in partnership with Humber College. After completing the program, Kris faced new challenges such as difficulties finding and retaining employment. He was also homeless for a time...
 
Kris returned to the Youth Centre because he knew that the Center was a place where he could find positive adults and support to help him get back on track.  
 
After intake and assessment, Kris was provided with employment support. He received a short term employment opportunity preparing meals for the Microskills Rotary youth afterschool programs and facilitated healthy eating workshops for program participants. After he had completed this contract, Kris continued to visit the Youth Centre to update his resume, search for jobs and find his own apartment.  Within a month he had gained employment as a chef at a restaurant.
 
The Youth Centre has not only provided Kris with a place to belong, but also a positive environment that encourages him on his journey towards personal growth and professional development. When he is not working, he visits the Centre and continues to help out with snack preparation for the next generation of youth.
 
When you become a member of the Rotary Club of Toronto West, you  help newcomer and at-risk youth.
 
Our club partnered with Microskills and The Rotary Club of Etobicoke to upgrade the Microskills Rotary Youth Centre at Dixon and Islington in Etobicoke, and we are now rolling up our sleeves to join with Microskills to “ignite the potential in youth”!  
 
Help vulnerable youth to succeed academically, find employment and build social skills through recreation, sports, team-building and leadership programs.  Consider joining us.