Next Wave Youth Centre
5,100 youth attended the Centre for activities and assistance with job searches.
The Break into Business program completed its eighth successful session with a total of 48 youth participants throughout the year.
Since opening in 2007, Next Wave Youth Centre has provided youth in Middlesex County with programs and services to help them reach their goals and guide them on a path to a successful future. Located on Front Street in downtown Strathroy, the Centre provides youth ages 12 to 29 with career counselling, café training, volunteer opportunities and education options. The Break into Business program, in partnership with Community Futures Development Corporation of Middlesex County, provides youth with an opportunity to work in the Next Wave Café, receive certification in Service Excellence and Safe Food Handling, and attend workshops on developing and marketing a business. The program also allows youth to gain insight into self-employment through on-the-job experience. This year The Break into Business program completed its eighth successful session with a total of 48 youth participants throughout the year. In the Resource Centre staff assist youth with resumes and job searches. Last year, 5,100 youth attended the Centre for activities and assistance with job searches with 171 youth attending career workshops. The Centre also provides a monthly calendar of scheduled workshops for Smart Serve Training, First Aid and CPR Certification and WHMIS. During the school year, 11 members of Next Wave Youth Council meet monthly to discuss challenges facing today’s youth and plan recreational activities for the Centre including foosball tournaments, cooking competitions and talent shows. Council members are from Strathroy District Collegiate Institute and Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Strathroy. In February, Next Wave Youth Centre opened a renovated on-site office and meeting space available for organizations and community groups in Middlesex County to use for small gatherings, interviews or business meetings. Catering is provided by youth participants in the Break into Business program. The project is in partnership with the Homelessness Partnering Strategy through the United Way of Greater Simcoe County. Next Wave continues to build strong community relationships by collaborating with local partners such as the Strathroy Chamber of Commerce and Strathroy & Area Seniors’ Centre on special events including Strathroy Hometown Turkey Festival, Strathroy & Area Seniors’ Centre Garage Sale & BBQ and Strathroy 150th Birthday Celebration. The Centre is a member of the Strathroy Business Improvement Association, the Strathroy Chamber of Commerce and the Strathroy District Arts Council.
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