About Argus

At Argus, we offer 24/7 homelesness prevention and shelter diversion services to youth in crisis anywhere within the Waterloo Region. In addition to our food, shelter and constant staff support, we also offer a voluntary life-skills acquisition program whose main goal is to mobilize young people experiencing homelessness towards a healthy and viable re-integration into their community.

24/7 Support Line

Administrative Contact

(519) 650-0452

1 (877) 818-0388

Bridges for Youth (Applicants)

Bridges for Youth (Participant)

Argus has received partial funding from the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF) to develop a new program, namely, Bridges for Youth.

Bridges for Youth supports young adults aged 15–30 in getting ready for work, finding jobs, and keeping meaningful employment. It also helps participants overcome barriers that may make it harder to join the workforce.

Participants start with one-on-one job coaching and an assessment, followed by a 12-week employment training program. After completing the program, they are matched with jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals.

Participants work up to 21 hours per week for 12 weeks. Employers are reimbursed for wages at the prevailing minimum wage.

Eligibility

  • Age: 15 – 30 years of age
  • Legal Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person who has been granted refugee status, and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Employment Status: You must be unemployed or underemployed.
  • Education Status: Currently not in school
  • Disability Status: You must self-identify as having a permanent physical, mental disability, emotional, developmental, or a chronic health condition that restricts your ability to perform daily activities.
  • Need for Assistance: You must require assistance to prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment or self-employment

Outcomes

  • Increased Employment & Income: Participants have shown an increase in average employment income following the program, with wage subsidies and skills development interventions often yielding the largest gains.
  • Enhanced Employability: The program provides supports such as job search assistance, work experience, and self-employment assistance.
  • Success Rates: Evaluations have noted high success rates for participants transitioning into employment, self-employment, or returning to school.
  • Employer Awareness: A key component involves helping employers create more inclusive and accessible workplaces

Contacts

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Nancy Murray at this email: nancy.m.bridges@execulink.com  or phone (519) 404-1521 .