The employment program offered by Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY) has officially been discontinued. It served Greater Sudbury for 32 years, and helped launch the organization in 1986.
According to the organization's website, the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth began as an employment centre with the purpose of offering casual labour for people who were recently released from prison.
Many youth registered for the program, and it became apparent they were in need of specialized support.
"The program was unique in its delivery as it met individuals where they were at in their healing journey," said Catherine Savarie, executive director at SACY in an email.
"It provided individuals with the ability to access employment, build skills and gain confidence with a slow integration into part-time or full-time employment."
For many years, the employment program was funded by the federal government. This shifted to the province sometime between 2011 and 2012, and SACY's program did not meet provincial funding criteria. Since then, the centre has attempted to sustain the program through alternative sources.
Savarie said that the agency will work to explore funding options to reinstate the program.
Until sustainable funding and support can be obtained, the client base that previously accessed the employment program at SACY will be referred to other employment-based agencies in the city.
