Teen co-op workers rewarded for their community service

The Youth Co-op Services was highlighted at the recent Méritas evening, held at the student café of Saint-Laurent High School's Émile-Legault Pavilion. Each participant of the Teen-Helpers Co-op was honoured and project partners were thanked.

The young members of the Co-op received a certificate of participation, a letter of recommendation, a compact disc of memorable work photographs and activities that their group accomplished. They were also given a cash payment according to the number of volunteer hours which they invested in the project.

The organizers of the group, Laurence de la Sablonnière and Julien Gagnon, recognized important qualities in each member of the Youth Co-op Services, calling them most welcoming, dynamic, attentive, creative, motivated and artistic.

The young people emphasized that they "liked painting" and gained an understanding of the operation of a board of directors of a functioning organization. Villemaire stated that participants improved their courtesy, their French and their patience. "One of them even developed their muscles," she remarked jokingly.

Thanks to the project, Patricia Lissade learned how to work in a team and to communicate with people, in addition to discovering how to build a company. A colleague, Suzanne Stephens, who managed the group, found the experience "amusing and interesting," especially because there are few work opportunities at her age. While working on marketing, Sophia Niselselshtein showed that she could assume responsibilities.

More importantly, these four young people made a point of continuing their work this winter. "We did not want to drop our customers," they explained.

In addition to collecting leaves, caretaking, house maintenance and snow removal were also some of the work assignments. During the summer, the young people cut grass, painted and performed various maintenance work.

The young people in particular received the assistance of mentors in finance and human resources to manage the Teen Helpers Co-op. They held 42 meetings in eight weeks, in addition to training, management and fieldwork.

Cote-de-Liesse Borough Councillor Maurice Cohen attended the evening as guest of honour at the request of the Youth Co-op Services. He did not hesitate to accept this honour, since he used the services of the Teen Helpers Co-op during the summer. He praised the work carried out by participants. "To manage a company requires perseverance," he said. "I congratulate you to have taken the initiative to create a project which resulted in a summer of new work experiences."

Cohen invited Saint-Laurent citizens to do business with the young people of the Youth Co-op Services. The co-ordinator of the Youth Co-op Services Jennifer-Anne Forgues, noted that Co-op participants can work only outside of school hours and must have time for homework. To use the service or to join call 514 855-1616, ext. 223. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)