Building Impact Together: How Canada Summer Jobs Supports Our Team and Community

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a Government of Canada program that helps young people (ages 15 to 30) gain valuable work experience, skills, and training to prepare for future careers. Delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada, the program provides wage subsidies so that not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and small businesses can create quality summer job opportunities for youth.

For many, CSJ offers a first chance to enter the workforce—an experience that can shape future education, training, and career paths. The program is designed to respond to both national and local priorities, while also addressing the needs of today’s labour market.

NYCH has been part of the Canada Summer Jobs program for many years, and it’s been a rewarding experience for both the young people we hire and our organization. The program not only helps us increase staffing during the busy summer months but also brings fresh ideas and perspectives that strengthen and grow our work.

For youth, this program supports professional growth by providing meaningful, hands-on experience in community work. Participants gain skills in outreach, planning, program delivery, and evaluation, while also developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

This year, we offered two Canada Summer Job positions to support our Community Development and Newcomer Youth Programs.

Meet Farwa and Adriana.

Farwa

Farwa, the Community Development Summer Assistant, spent the summer liaising with resident groups who received the Local Leadership Grant from the City of Toronto, with North York Community House acting as their trustee. She led the trusteeship process by connecting with residents, establishing rapport, and supporting them through financial details and deadlines, and any other matter that came up.

“Feedback from participants and colleagues highlighted Farwa’s approachability, leadership potential, and genuine care for the community.“

— Mandana, Community Development Manager

During her time here this summer, Farwa was able to strengthen her communication, problem-solving, diplomacy, and relationship building skills through her work with the Local Leadership Grant and by attending community events.

“This role gave me clarity on my future goals and the type of work environment that I feel best supported in. I am grateful to have made strong connections during my time here at NYCH, who are incredibly supportive of my future career in community work,” reflected Farwa. 

Learn more about Farwa and her summer at North York Community House here.

Adriana

Adriana was the Newcomer Youth Programs Summer Assistant, and comes with previous experience working in our After-School Programs. Adriana spent the month of July supporting our youth summer camps, including our 3-week Summer Fun-O-Rama, and the Youth Volleyball Program at the Lawrence Heights Community Centre. In August her role slightly shifted—she still supported various youth programs, but also assisted with administrative duties, and filming and editing video content for the Jays Care Foundation.

“Adriana’s familiarity with the youth and families gave her an advantage in building trust quickly and contributing to the success of the summer programs.”

– Elizabeth, Youth and Family Programs Manager.

During this experience Adriana got to strengthen her digital creativity, organizational, and leadership skills by having creative freedom and control over the program videos she created.

Video edited by the NYCH Communications Team, with footage captured by Adriana.

“I’ve enjoyed the field trips with the kids and seeing them play with the water and get excited during each field trip we went on. Also, having laughs with the kids and dancing parties during free time. Being able to capture the moments through it all is the most enjoyable,” said Adriana.

Learn more about Adriana and her summer at North York Community House here.