UWV & Operation Come Home launch new program: ArtWorks

Posted on March 17, 2016April 3, 2016 by Elly Saidi

UWV is proud to announce that we are kicking off 2016 with an exciting local collaboration designed to empower and engage at risk and homeless youth in Ottawa.

We will be working with Operation Come Home to deliver a program called ArtWorks that bridges artistic expression with inspirational presentations and discussions relating to personal achievement, sustainable living, employment opportunities, and self-expression. By creating handcrafted items from recycled materials participants will have the opportunity to engage in a creative process and build awareness of how their self-expression can translate into income generating opportunities.

With local artist Claudia Salguero as an instructor for the first series we can’t wait to see what our participants create when the program begins March 29^th.

Using spoken word for youth engagement

Posted on December 14, 2015January 11, 2016 by Elly Saidi

Check out Jamaal Rogers if you get the chance. He is an amazing Ottawa-based spoken word artist that does terrific work with youth, both in the schools and with other organizations, to build self-confidence and creative self-expression. We’re building plans to work with him on some innovative programs for youth in 2016!

Planning programs for vulnerable youth

Posted on December 7, 2015January 11, 2016 by Elly Saidi

We had a great meeting with Operation Come Home earlier this month. They are doing wonderful work with vulnerable youth in Ottawa. UWV is building up a program that we hope to operate in collaboration with Operation Come Home early in 2016, focused on income generating activities combined with employment and life skills training. We’re working with local artist and musician Claudia Salguero to build out an innovative program that combines artistic expression and specialty hand-crafted items that will engage youth and enhance community integration. This amazing program is the initial launch of a broader initiative that we will also conduct together with youth-oriented partners overseas.