Every summer, Indwell benefits from the time, skills, and creative contributions of young adults thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. This year, we were pleased to receive two types of funding to support summer hires: CSJ funding through Service Canada, and a Social Prescribing grant from a private family foundation for Hamilton roles that were not funded — or not fully funded — by CSJ.
As a result, Indwell was able to hire 25 young people, with two more joining us in September. These young adults supported facilities, intake, housing support, and community programs. One young person also worked with Flourish, the development services provider that’s part of the Indwell family of companies.
Olivia H worked at Strathearne Suites in Hamilton and was supported by CSJ and the Social Prescribing grant.
“I learned in real time about how sign language can help people who have partial deafness or intellectual disabilities to comprehend messages,” she shared as one highlight from her summer. “I had previously learned from a linguistics course that people who are hard-of-hearing can also benefit from learning and using sign language, but I had never seen this occur in real life until attending a Coffee & Sign Language Group working at Indwell. It was wondrous to see tenants light up when seeing signs and practicing the signs for future use. This level of communication support in programming and the dedication to understanding tenants was fantastic to see because people really do feel comfortable and appreciated when understood. I even picked up a few words in sign language while I was there!”
Yasmine G was a Community Coordinator at Cornerstone Suites in Mississauga and was funded through CSJ.
“Being a CSJ student at Indwell was rather different than most workplace experiences I have encountered over the years,” she said. “Throughout the whole process I felt like I was learning something new about the workplace and about myself. Staff and leadership are willing to help when asked, but don’t hold your hand throughout the whole process. Through this I’ve learned time management skills, how to handle tense situations, and the importance of taking care of yourself first and foremost. For any social work, social service, nursing, or psychology student this placement is a great opportunity to get introduced to the field.”
To support our summer hires, Indwell created a CSJ Community of Learning to provide training beyond daily tasks, and help young adults process their experiences together. This program included sessions co-led by Indwell’s People & Culture team and a former Canada Summer Jobs student who has transitioned into a permanent role with Indwell. Workshop topics included values and story, as well as discernment and development. The summer hires also received support from their supervisors, peers, and the tenants with whom they interacted.
“One of my favourite parts of being a CSJ with Flourish was when a bunch of people from the team would eat their lunches together outside,” said Naomi M, who was a Project Coordinator with Flourish in Hamilton this summer. “There was such a strong sense of community and an intentionality and connection that went beyond coworkers. It really showed me that what we are doing in the day to day goes beyond a job or a career but is rooted in a greater purpose. I’ve discovered that that intentionality is carried into the work we do. As I worked on reports or attended meetings or walked active construction sites, I knew that I was contributing to bringing about Hope and Homes for All and that was super inspiring.”
Kasia M, whose Community and Supportive Housing Coordinator position was funded through the social prescribing grant, did her placement at the Wentworth program in Hamilton. She said, “A highlight of my summer experience was getting to know all the tenants individually. Everyone has such unique life stories and special qualities that show every day. They have an intrinsic value that they add to the home and community.”
And for those young adults thinking of applying for a summer job next year, the message from this year’s hires is clear: “Do it, you won’t regret it!”
“My experience at Indwell has been very positive. I enjoy engaging with tenants and creating a welcoming and supportive environment for them through programs and daily interactions,” said Ruhi S (pictured above), who did her placement at Cornerstone Suites in Mississauga. “This role has strengthened my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while allowing me to make a positive impact in the community.”
“One thing I would tell someone else who is looking to pursue this next summer is to not be afraid to participate, engage, and ask questions both to staff and tenants,” added Leah W, who served as a Community and Supportive Housing Coordinator at Embassy Commons in London. “This may seem like a short time that goes by very fast, but the more active you are the better experience you have. I would say to really connect with the tenants with an open mind, listen to their stories, and be honest with them and recognize their feelings and experiences even if you don’t know how to respond, but remember to keep firm boundaries as you are still an employee. Overall, it is a wonderful learning experience that I would encourage anyone to do.”
Most of these summer hires have now completed their placements. We’re so grateful for their hard work! For more information about current positions check out Indwell’s careers page or email hr@indwell.ca.
Indwell