YFC Canada
Work Force is all about introducing Jesus and creating positive opportunities for youth in Winnipeg’s North End! We equip youth with skills that they can use to achieve their dreams and build their future while providing a caring community to cheer them on.
Our Programs
Connects with youth ages 12 – 15 in the William Whyte neighborhood who are looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend their summer, and earn a little extra cash! Our program runs 3 days a week and creates a positive community for youth to build life and work skills, healthy relationships, and boost confidence. We partner with businesses around the neighborhood to provide job placements where youth can experience the workforce, learn employable skills and earn an honorarium. When not in their job placements, the youth engage in fun activities, hands-on learning, and exploring faith. Each participating youth is paired with a mentor to connect with and even go for a treat from time to time throughout the summer.
June 5 – 27: Meets Mon, Wed and Thurs, 3:45 – 6:45 PM, at 467 Manitoba Ave.
Jul 3 – Aug 19: Meets Mon, Wed and Thurs, 1:30 – 4:30 PM, at 467 Manitoba Ave.
Connects youth and young adults ages 16 – 20 to an employment skills training program. Youth learn employment skills necessary to navigate the transition to becoming adults and entering the working world. The course focuses on skills such as resume writing, how to search and find a job, handling the interview process, and dealing with practical everyday skills such as budgeting, working together, dealing with stress, conflict, etc. At the end of 7 months, mentors help youth to use their new skills to find jobs.
Meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Oct – Apr at 467 Manitoba Ave.
Job Start is a summer job program for youth and young adults ages 16 – 20 running from May to September. Youth are hired to work part time in a 1 acre garden plot where they learn how to grow, harvest, weed, compost and other farm/garden related tasks. Job Start is designed to follow our Job Studio program. Working at the garden, youth are able to have a positive first job experience and learn the skills necessary to be successful in their future jobs.
A weekly youth night for ages 12 – 18 that is all about building an encouraging, positive community. The evening always starts by sharing a delicious home cooked meal together and then moves into fun activities and a chance to explore who Jesus is in creative and interactive ways. We often take youth to do fun activities outside the North End such as skating, scavenger hunts, the parkour gym and so much more in order to give them positive experiences where they can make lasting memories with friends. As in all our programs, each participating youth is paired with a mentor to connect with.
Meets 6:30 – 830PM every Thursday from Oct – Apr, at 467 Manitoba Ave.
Thrive is a program for young adults in the North End ages 18-25. We seek to provide a safe, welcoming place for young adults in which they can have fun, develop resiliency, learn life skills, further discover their identity and connect meaningfully with other young adults as they navigate their way into adulthood. Participants are also given the opportunity to explore who Jesus is and continue their discipleship journey, where applicable.
Meets Mondays from 6:00-8:00PM at the YFC building from October – May.
Our Mission
YFC Work Force exists to see every young person fully alive in Christ through vocational training and mentorship.
The values that help us with our mission
Community: We value creating a safe, fun community for youth to actively participate, belong, and develop healthy relationships.
Discovery: We value journeying with youth as they discover who Jesus is and who He created them to be.
Mentorship: We value mentoring relationships that encourage youth to dream and grow in character and confidence.
Equip: We value equipping youth with healthy life skills they’ll need not only to survive but thrive at home, school, communities and future work.
What area are Work Force youth from?
Our programs are meant for youth in and around the William Whyte area of North End Winnipeg.
Is there a cost for any of the Work Force programs?
All of our programs and activities are completely free! In fact, we provide many opportunities for youth to earn money.
What does the mentorship component look like?
We believe youth have so much potential and sometimes just need a listening ear and some encouragement. We want to be caring, dependable adults in their lives who can encourage their dreams and be a positive sounding board. Mentorship includes meeting in public spaces over a meal or fun activity. Conversations with youth are confidential unless we believe them to be a harm to themselves or others.
Do you have to follow God in order to be part of Work Force?
Youth do not have to be part of any particular faith or world view to participate in any of our programs. We only ask that they are respectful of themselves and those around them.
Are there ways for me to get involved if I’m not a youth?
Absolutely! We are always welcoming new volunteers and staff to our team who want to make a difference in the lives of youth. There are many avenues to be part of what we are doing so no matter what you’re good at, we can find a place for you.
For more details on volunteering with YFC Winnipeg Click Here