Youth Employment Services, better known as YES does a terrific job of helping young English-speaking Montrealers and Quebecers to improve their job seeking skills, prepare for interviews, gain work experience and ultimately find a job that suits their abilities. Recent statistics have shown that unemployment is double that of the overall population and is significantly higher for those whose mother tongue is English than for those whose mother tongue is French.

YESThe organization also works with entrepreneurs and artists. In the case of entrepreneurs, YES provides business plan coaching and the procedures needed to make the business a success. Artists receive similar coaching on the business aspects of marketing and selling their work.

And while YES has solid funding, the organization holds an annual fundraiser to help finance additional programs, such as the program to assist Women Entrepreneurs.

The results are impressive, and all the more worthy of our support. Last year YES:

● provided more than 17,000 services to over 4,000 clients
● helped launch or grow 532 businesses
● 87% of Job Search clients found employment, started a business, returned to school, or were referred to another program
● served 11% more clients than the year before

The YES programming has expanded to include changing needs in the community to include programming for newcomers and for women entrepreneurs and women in STEM. The age restrictions have been reduced or removed the organization’s programming, including Job Search for ages 18-40. Entrepreneurship & Artist programs are now open to all ages and stages of business. YES has also expanded to include regional programming throughout Quebec.

The Job Search program includes coaching in letter writing and interview skills, an eight-week employability training program, followed by twelve weeks of work experience. All this preparation adds up to and outstanding 87% success rate. Yes, almost 9 out of 10 participants get a full time job.

So – it’s yours and my turn to help YES continue their good work. And we can do it and have a good time on Thursday, October 24th at Centre St-Jax, at 1439 Ste-Catherine West, H3G 1S6. There will be delicious food, beverages and a terrific Silent Auction. The highlight of the evening will be a live circus performance by Le Monastere. For more information about Tune In To Yes and to purchase tickets: www.tuneintoyes.com

For information about YES: www.yesmontreal.ca