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Programs |
Participants The Mill Centre participants, individuals between the ages of 15 and 30, produce handcrafted quality furniture and wood products beginning their six month training program by making simple bread boards and ending with an ability to design, construct and finish wood furniture and wood products. The Mill Centre supports the development of both technical and social skills and provides participants with an unparalleled training experience. It enables individuals to gain employment skills, to practice interacting and communicating with peers, and, to assume the mantle of one who has hope for a better future. Social and technical tools, combined with a supportive learning/work environment, help participants build new lives. The Mill Centre uses a blend of hard and soft woods - ash, oak, birch, pine, and maple, to create stylish and functional products. By using strong joinery and durable hardware, each product is designed to stand up to years of enjoyment. And, our production team will assist you in custom designing furniture and products to your specification that will complement your already established lifestyle or décor. The Mill Centre also accepts commissions for products for the retail or other industries. For example, institutional furniture, gift promotions and branded items have been put into production and delivered to our valued Business-to-Business clients such as: Heyworth House Shelter, Schoolhouse Hostel, Na-Me-Res Housing and Harvest House and Bark and Fitz. The Mill Centre has a number of in-stock furniture and beautiful wood-crafted gifts in the SEED Marketplace Showroom – located at 449 Carlaw Avenue , just North of Gerrard Street East (behind the TTC bus shelter). The talent and dedication of each participant combined with the social consciousness of the Mill Centre program produces fine-quality, handcrafted wood products with character. To see the Mill Centre products visit our showroom History In 1998, a group of homeless men staying at Dixon Hall's St.Lawrence Men's Shelter wanted to learn to build and sell wood products. They approached the staff with a request for support in establishing a woodworking shop. And, in spite of difficulties that these people faced in their every day lives – i.e. isolation and poverty, they were determined to acquire woodworking skills, earn an income and rebuild their lives. Initially with funds raised from the community, the woodworking program was established and training was underway. Later, support from the City of Toronto and United Way helped further the aims and goals of the program and, most recently, with the support of Loblaw Properties and HRSDC, the Mill Centre is what and where it is today, a fully equipped, 2000 square-foot, woodworking shop.
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Participants Over the past three years, Calico YES has evolved and grown to be an entrepreneurial development program targeted specifically to youth aged 15 to 30. Over the course of 48 weeks, Calico participants receive comprehensive small business training and assistance. Furthermore, each participant is matched with mentor who provides them with continuing feedback and support as they grow their venture. Participants also receive a training stipend to assist them in meeting their financial obligations while in the program. Calico YES is a unique program and is always looking for new participants. If you would like more information about the Calico YES, please contact: Steven Johnston Products Throughout the years, the St. Lawrence Market has remained an important partner in the program. Each Saturday, Calico YES participants market their products or service in the St. Lawrence Market. This provides real-world experience not found in other programs. During their time in Calico YES, the participants can hone their business skills, develop their product or service and perhaps, most importantly, boost their self-esteem. And now, all Calico participants will have the added opportunity to showcase their products in the SEED Marketplace - providing them with another distinct revenue stream. History Several years ago, social service agencies recognized the potential of micro-enterprises to combat poverty and provide opportunities and hope to a marginalized population struggling to overcome barriers to healthy living. The original Calico YES program was developed to meet these needs. However, in order to meet the potential, these various enterprises needed access to affordable retail space. The St. Lawrence Market was approached as a potential partner and they immediately saw the intrinsic value of such a program. Through their generous donation of a significant space within the St. Lawrence Market, Calico YES was able to host a number of community-based entrepreneurs and provide them (risk free) with a launch pad to build their ventures.
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