RADF Investment: $1 million

Other Investment: $146,531

Total Investment: $1.14 million

Project Period: March 2009–June 2012

T: 780.679.6803
E: [email protected]

Project Description

Support from the Rural Alberta Development Fund helped to create and launch an innovative social enterprise program that combines employability skills development and supported work experience with skills support for rural at-risk youth aged 15 to 24. Called PEER Connections, the program is the first of its kind in rural Alberta and serves youth who live in Camrose and area. The life skills and work experience training is held through a Camrose café operated by the Camrose Open Door Association. Other resources include an online training program and a youth drop-in centre.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:

• Nearly 60% of the program’s initial participants found employment immediately after graduating
• Provide at-risk youth with training before they become street-entrenched
• Enhance work experience for at-risk youth
• Increase quality of life for both at-risk youth and the community in general