Scarborough, ON – May 30, 2025 — On Friday, MPP David Smith was at a graduation ceremony for the Catholic Crosscultural Services’ (CCS) Youth Career Empowerment Program (YCEP). This was the graduation ceremony since the program began, and it began as a result of receiving an $81,700 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) last fall. This program has helped out-of-school and at-risk newcomer youth in Scarborough with building confidence and developing essential career skills as they navigate the Canadian job market.

“The Youth Career Empowerment Program is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when we invest in our communities,” said David Smith, MPP for Scarborough Centre. “I commend Catholic Crosscultural Services, Executive Director Claudio Ruiz, and inspiring participants like Mehmood Murad for their dedication to supporting newcomer youth in Scarborough. With the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, through our provincial government, this initiative is helping individuals integrate, grow, and thrive—empowering them to contribute meaningfully to our society. Today’s graduation marks an important step in that journey.”

YCEP is a pilot initiative designed to enhance self-confidence and career readiness among newcomer youth. Following its successful first cohort from February to March 2025 at Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute , the program continues with a second cohort that started on April 1st at the CCS Networking Hub.  Funds from the OTF grant are being used to help with key staffing and program costs, as well as helping with some transportation and administrative costs too. YCEP operates with ongoing participant recruitment and will implement five or more cohorts based on demand.

“This grant and the creation of this Youth Career Empowerment program has elevated and continued to transform the great work that the CCS does for newcomers and the residents of Scarborough,” said Andrea Hazell, MPP for Scarborough Guildwood. “The funding and creation of this program has empowered newcomer youth across Scarborough and its surrounding areas.  It has helped build confidence and develop essential career skills to help navigate the Canadian job market for those who have had the opportunity to take part in this program. It is programs like this that are vital in shaping the next generation of leaders and fostering brighter futures for our youth. Congratulations to CCS on this well-deserved grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and thank you for your unwavering dedication to the success of our youth and community building.”

“The impact of YCEP on our youth cannot be overstated,” said Claudio Ruiz, Executive Director at CCS. “This program not only equips participants with essential skills but also fosters a supportive community where young individuals can share experiences and build professional networks. The May 30th event will also highlight the launch of CCS’s refreshed brand. CCS has grown, and so has our look. Our new identity reflects who we are today: a trusted guide for newcomers, offering hope, support, and direction.”

Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS) is dedicated to providing free, confidential settlement services to newcomers in Canada. Our mission is to support individuals in their journey towards integration and empowerment, helping them thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. For more information about our services and upcoming events, visit our website at www.ccscan.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

Nadia Afrin
Manager, Communications and Special Projects
Catholic Crosscultural Services
Nafrin@ccscan.ca  / 416.644.0816 ext. 2308