Growing up in some parts of Saskatoon can be tough. There are many things that can get in the way of marginalized kids getting a decent start on life. Things like substance abuse, truancy, gang membership and chronic unemployment.
Community First recognizes that one of the soundest investments it can make is in the young people of our community.
It's inspiring ...it's helped a lot ...between working and school, it keeps me on the ball
The IDA program is a community project that encourages at risk youth to stay in school and plan for their future.
These are young people living without the supports we normally expect to see in middle or upper income families. They could be single moms, or kids living on their own, or kids living at home without parental guidance.
IDA helps them save money towards investments that will improve their future. While in the program, the students commit to:
stay in school while working p/t
save $40 / mo
take financial training
set a goal - educational, housing, travel or other
They learn:
how to make a résume
how to get and keep a job
how to manage on a budget
life skills and self esteem
to become contributing members of the community
At the end of the program, their savings are matched 2 to 1, giving them a good start towards achieving their goals as well as a feeling of accomplishment.
To deliver the IDA program, Community First partners with: Nutana Collegiate, FirstSask Credit Union, Saskatoon Rotary Club, Saskatoon Community Foundation as well as the two boards of education and their teachers and school counsellors. Additional funding comes from the Muttart Foundation and the provincial government.