RAY’s Place would like to see its programs extended to youth throughout Clearview Township.
The Creemore based youth service wants township support as it expands a youth summer employment program and promotes post secondary education.
RAY’s Place, which has recently given out thousands of dollars in scholarship funds, is the home base for the Rent-a-Youth program, which used to pair student workers with people who needed odd jobs done. This year, the program changed to help workers develop their own businesses, removing themselves as the middleman.
“We thought the old program was long on handholding and short on creating initiative,” RAY’s Place chairperson Doug Mills told council June 22.
He said they are looking for a “joint venture” to extend the possibilities associated with RAY’s Place to more youth in Clearview.
When talking about economic development, he said preparing youth for careers should be a priority.
“This is the kind of economic development that ought to be looked at, it’s cheaper than reinventing the logo,” said Mills, adding later on, “The focus is on keeping kids busy, getting them some money and getting them into post secondary education or they will be working for $12 an hour for the rest of their lives.”
Council members struggled to see how the township could be involved but in the end it was agreed that a working committee would be struck to explore the possibilities.
Failing interest from council, said Mills, RAY’s Place will continue with the program, as is.
Councillor Thom Paterson said council often talks about youth programming.
“Perhaps this is the catalyst for getting to the program level of youth services,” he said.
Councillor Kevin Elwood said he employs many people, including students, at his business and it is quite a lot of work to organize the workers.
“I need some more convincing,” he said.
Back in the day, said Elwood, young people went out and found their own jobs.
“I don’t know if it’s part of the Clearview Township’s mandate to shepherd students to a neighbour’s to do some work,” he said.
“Maybe some hand-holding is required. It’s unfortunate but it seems to be the truth,” replied Mills.
Councillor Deborah Bronée opposed the motion to strike a working committee but said if it were struck, the public should be invited to participate, perhaps negating the need for township involvement.