About CASA
CASA works on behalf of the English-speaking population of the Gaspé Coast by advancing community priorities and delivering programs that respond to local realities. Their work, which includes youth employability initiatives, is rooted in long-standing relationships, local presence, and a commitment to practical, personalized supports.
Community Context
Recent data from the region reveal persistent employment challenges and a sharp disparity between local needs and available supports.
At the Spring 2025 Career & Education Fair, more than 60 percent of adult respondents reported being unemployed, even though most had completed high school or vocational training. Nearly one-third identified limited French proficiency as a major barrier.
Mature workers, individuals with essential skills gaps, people transitioning from social assistance, rural residents with limited access to services, and self-employed individuals seeking stability face compounded obstacles.
Many aspire to work in trades, trucking, and heavy equipment operations, which are fields not sufficiently handled by traditional employment services.
COF-Supported Project
Through the COF-supported project Bridging Opportunities: Employability and Employment for English-speaking Gaspesians, CASA is expanding its employment assistance services and strengthening collaboration with CAMI, Vision Gaspé-Percé Now, and NSCA.
The project provides:
- Job readiness supports such as resume writing, interview preparation, and digital navigation
- Soft skills development communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence-building
- Essential skills upgrading in literacy, numeracy, and basic computer use
Clients can gain workplace exposure through field trips and mentorship pairings, receive job-retention support, and are referred to entrepreneurship programs where appropriate.
This career-specific preparation connects participants to training in locally high-demand sectors, creating clearer and more responsive pathways to employment.
Website: CASA