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In this episode of United Way’s Do Local Good podcast, hosts Nate Spasiuk and Josh Smith sit down with Ryan from YOUCAN Youth Services alongside program participants Kiana and Mursal for a powerful conversation about resilience, employment, and what it truly means to meet people where they are.
Together, they explore YOUCAN’s philosophy of Relentless Outreach, a commitment to never giving up on youth who have often been let down by traditional systems of education, employment, and social support. Through honest storytelling, listeners hear how YOUCAN builds trust, accountability, and confidence by offering individualized, trauma-informed pathways to work.
From navigating housing instability and mental health challenges to celebrating milestones like ringing the YOUCAN bell, this episode highlights how programs like Verto and Road to Work help youth move from survival to stability. The conversation also challenges employers and young leaders to rethink what “job readiness” really looks like and to recognize the immense, untapped potential in youth who simply need the right support to succeed.
YOUCAN Youth Services empowers youth facing significant barriers to employment by combining paid training, industry-recognized certifications, and intensive wraparound supports delivered through their Relentless Outreach model. Their programs focus on building stability, confidence, and real-world job readiness with ongoing follow-up to ensure youth not only secure employment but sustain long-term success.
A five-week paid pre-employment program for youth aged 18–25 that prepares participants for careers in construction, road building, and traffic safety. Youth gain industry-relevant safety certifications, hands-on tool training, and employability skills while earning an hourly allowance. After completion, participants receive support connecting with employers and transitioning into the workforce.
A 20-week full-time employment readiness program for youth aged 18–24 designed to help participants build stability, confidence, and work habits before entering the workforce. The program combines personal and employment skill development with a 12-week paid placement and ongoing support to ensure a successful transition into employment or education.
United Way’s GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community.
Learn MoreWe extend our sincere thanks to Ryan, Kiana, and Mursal for sharing their experiences and insights so openly. Your stories bring to life what Relentless Outreach looks like in action and why believing in people, even when they doubt themselves, can change everything.
Thank you as well to the entire team at YOUCAN Youth Services for their unwavering commitment to youth, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to help ensure the next generation has access to meaningful opportunities.
To every listener, thank you for tuning in and continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities.
