Employing our communities: Recognizing our partner employers

We at the YMCA of Greater Toronto are committed to building healthy communities and the health of our communities spans many issues, people and aspects of our daily lives. One vital part of this mission is creating opportunities for employment, which can have a direct impact on one’s health, happiness and quality of life. YMCA employment services are not only available to those who are unemployed and looking for work, but also those in the GTA who are under-employed and looking to augment their skills and experience to reach their next career goals. These opportunities we match people with would not be possible with out the partnership and collaborations with area businesses.  Last year, we partnered with over 5000 employers in the GTA, and this week, we’re recognizing their efforts and invaluable contribution to the health of our community.

Events in your community. Oct. 20th - Scarborough  and York Region, Oct. 27th - Durham, Oct. 29th - NorthYork,  Etobicoke, Vanauley Street, Nov. 4th - YMCA Mississauga Employer Recognition event

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Here are two of those business leaders being recognized this year;

Peek-A-Pak (Etobicoke)

Peek a Pak has experienced outstanding support and growth with the help of the YMCA in placing qualified candidates to help with their business. One such candidate’s involvement and commitment with the YMCA, Ajay, has been continuous from teenage years.  Ajay’s relationship with the YMCA has helped him with his business venture when a YMCA Job Developer connected him with Peek a Pak.  Ajay proved himself with his knowledge and work based experience and is now an Operational Manager of the company. Ajay is mindful of how helpful the YMCA was in helping him find his career path, and is now in partnership with many new organizations to help promote Peek a Pak’s products and services.

Cannon Services (York)

Cannon Services created a relationship with the YMCA Employment Services in 1999.  Over the past 15 years, Cannon Services has offered jobs to nearly 20 participants in positions varying from general labour to office administration.  Cannon has even gone the extra mile, being a participant in every York Region YMCA Golf Tournament over the past 7 years, and has made financial contributions to the YMCA’s Strong Kids campaign. Cannon has a particular knack for identifying and serving the needs of the community. Although they had no openings at the time, Cannon hired a client who urgently required employment.  Initially, the person was hired for a period of six weeks, allowing the staff at the YMCA time to continue looking for alternate employment.  18 months later, the individual is still a full-time employee.

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Here are two stories of people who’ve found success through the combined efforts of our programs and employers’ opportunities. 

Paul (Durham)

Having left his profession to help his sister care for her two young children, Paul was looking to re-enter the workforce after a three year absence.  Upon hearing about the Durham YMCA Employment Services from a friend, Paul decided to drop into the Whitby Garden Street YMCA Centre.  Unsure of his future and how to overcome a drastically changed job market, Paul worked one-on-one with his Job Skills Specialist to tailor a resume and was quickly referred to a Job Developer, who arranged an interview for Paul at Metroland Media. Within a week, Paul was hired and working as a Line Feeder where his talents were soon recognized by Onelia Pope, Mailroom Supervisor.

“I’m impressed at how much the YMCA is involved in peoples’ lives.  From a business perspective, they assist people in need of employment by providing resources to connect people to the work force.  The Y provides people with a sense of hope.”

With Paul’s exceptional work ethic and his previous experience in the consulting world, he was quickly promoted to District Representative where he now oversees 300 carriers delivering to 18,000 customers, along with business development for his designated territory.

“The YMCA provided me professional, rapid and exceptional service to help me obtain a job when I was in need.  For anyone looking to re-enter the labour market, I highly recommend the YMCA’s Employment Centres.” 

Yossra (Mississauga)

Coming to Canada as an immigrant has a number of challenges, including a new language, a new culture and finding a new job. Yossra experienced this when she emigrated from Egypt in 2012. Yossra had completed a Bachelor of Oral Medicine in Egypt and wanted to pursue a career in the dental field when she moved to Canada; however, this proved to be one of the greatest challenges she would face.

Yossra came to the Mississauga City Centre YMCA Centre searching for assistance to find a career in the dental field.  Working with an Employment Counsellor and Job Developer she was connected with Dr. Timothy Lee at Streetsville Dental.

Though Yossra wasn’t able to complete x-rays or work individually with patients, she was able to assist Dr. Lee in many other ways, including booking appointments and sanitizing equipment.  Yossa completed her job placement successfully and gained more hands-on experience in the dental field. Dr. Timothy Lee took the time to give an employee a chance for a future, commenting that “working with a long standing organization such as the YMCA is important”.  Yossra’s placement has since completed and she continues to work on an on-call basis with Dr. Lee. We’re always looking for ways to partner with employers to find jobs in Toronto’s communities. To find out what our Employer Services can do for you, click here.