Local co-ordinator named Mentor of the Year

A local woman who works with young people has been recognized for her efforts.

Jennifer McCarthy, co-ordinator for youth at the P4 Youth Centre, was named Mentor of the Year at the 13th annual Youth Ventures Awards Luncheon.

This year, she and Katie Gambin, who works with Youth Ventures in Placentia in the summer, decided they could collaborate on a specific program for young people in this area.

“Katie is on our board of directors, and through discussions with each other, we decided to work together on a program that put youth and businesses together,” explained McCarthy.

The pair came up with a youth job fair in which youth came up with a business idea and the job fair enabled them to display their talents.

Gambin and two youth who use the P4 Youth Centre nominated McCarthy for the award.

“I was surprised,” said McCarthy. “I’ve worked with Youth Ventures here at P4 for the last two years. My whole job involves the youth.”

She accepted the award from Human Resources, Labour and Employment Minister Susan Sullivan at the awards luncheon at Harbour Grace on Aug. 17.

McCarthy said she plans to keep working with youth of the area through P4 youth Centre as well as through other organizations such as Junior Achievement and Youth Ventures.

“At Junior Achievement we deliver an Economics for Success program, another business program done through them to Grade 9 students to help with budgeting tips, job searches and career profiles, that sort of thing,” explained McCarthy. “I’m also involved with the Youth Protocol Committee.”

McCarthy said there would be an extensive program through the fall and winter for youth at the P4 Centre.

Youth Ventures was established to help foster the entrepreneurial spirit in the youth of the province and is sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) and is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

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