Just a couple of weeks after graduating a group of youth, the Access to Success program is closing due to a lack of funding.
Last Friday was the last day for the program that helped people between ages of 15 and 30 to overcome barriers to employment and education. The program was run by EmployAbilities and funded by the federal government, offering free classes and work experience to youth.
Doris Nashim, the coordinator for the program, said that it’s very unfortunate they had to close their doors.
“People are very sad the program won’t be available anymore,” Nashim said. “There’s definitely a need in the community for it.”
They found out a month ago that the funding wasn’t confirmed, and they’ve been disbanding since, Nashim said.
“We gave away furniture and resources to other youth programs in the area,” she said. “It’s just been winding down.”
Since it first started, the program has graduated four groups of youth, with more than ten graduating at the end of January this year.
Through the years, people in different circumstances had enrolled into Access to Success. Some were single parents, others dropped out of school, and there were participants who didn’t benefit from traditional education.
Participants were able to learn life skills — like cooking and nutrition — as well as resume writing skills, computer training and had a chance to earn certificates in first aid and construction safety training.
Back in October, Nashim told the POST that funding for the program often fluctuated and that she was worried that the existence of the program wasn’t guaranteed.
