YWCA Canada Celebrates Success of Youth Eco Internship Program with
Capacity-Building Eco-Community Fair

TORONTO, Nov. 19 /CNW/ - YWCA Canada, the country's oldest and largest women's multi-service organization today celebrated the success of the Youth Eco Internship Program.  To date, YEIP has placed over 300 youth from more than 120 communities in 9 provinces and 3 territories in paid internships in over 180 organizations with a focus on the environment, community and women's services.  

"We are very excited about the success of this initiative," said Paulette Senior, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canada.  "YEIP has been an exercise in building partnerships for the future and has been an important extension of YWCA Canada's youth-focused programming, supporting young people with opportunities to utilize the internship experience as a bridge to long-term and meaningful work.  In addition to fostering leadership, the program allows us to extend the reach of our mandate to be a turning point for young women across the country at critical junctures in their lives." 

The program was celebrated with over 100 host organizations and interns, and was comprised of exhibits showcasing the latest in environmental products and services across Ontario.  The event is one of three such regional gatherings planned for the program and encourages capacity building amongst host organizations to develop long-term sustainable relationships and deepened sector knowledge. 

"This program has truly given YWCA Canada the opportunity to lead in supporting community sustainability projects," said Jenny Struyk, Director of the Program.  "Many of the small organizations which hosted YEIP interns have shown great vision, innovation, sustained effort and commitment to the environment and the women's community.   Our interns will no doubt become the "ecopreneurs" of the future.  They are already leaders." 

This exciting program is a collaboration between YWCA Canada and the YMCA, with funding provided by the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. By offering internships within the non-profit and community services sector in Canada, YWCA Canada supports a wide range of organizations and youth, helping young Canadians to learn the skills required to gain and sustain future employment within the sector and supporting organizations to increase their capacity and outreach.  

"It has been a pleasure to partner and work closely with our long-time colleagues at YMCA on this initiative," said Senior.  "We are grateful to them and to the Government of Canada for their commitment to demonstrate innovative and practical ways to support non-profits, the environment, and improve urban and rural life, while creating opportunities for Canada's youth."

About YWCA Canada:

YWCA Canada is the country's oldest and largest women's multi-service organization. With 33 Member Associations operating in more than 400 districts and communities across the country, our Turning Point Programs for Women™ - which address personal safety, economic security and well-being - reach out to 1 million women and girls in nine provinces and one territory. YWCA is the largest national provider of shelter to women, serving 25,000 women, children and teen girls, including 6,000 fleeing domestic violence, each year. We are the largest provider of literacy, life skills, employment and counselling programs in the country, and the second largest provider of childcare services. YWCA Canada is a member association of the World YWCA which unites 25 million women and girls worldwide and spans 125 countries. For more information about YWCA Canada and our Member Associations, visit www.ywcacanada.ca.

For further information:

For further information on The Youth Eco Internship Program or to set up an interview with Paulette Senior, CEO of YWCA Canada, contact Laura Tilley, Communications Manager at 416.962.8881 x 233 or visit www.ywcacanada.ca/yeip