A Transition Resource Fair geared towards helping students and young adults with diverse needs transition out of high school in the next five years is coming to Maple Ridge.
The Inclusion Action Committee’s Life After High School Transition Resource Fair will have representatives from a variety of organizations, service providers and agencies who will be on hand to discuss continuing education, employment, health, and recreational services, and provide specific information to assist youth in their transition to adulthood.
“The Transition Resource Fair encourages students to talk to people and learn about the different resources and
opportunities available to them,” explained Shelli Silvestri, in SD42’s learning services department.
“Each student is on their own journey, and we want to help them find the thing that sparks their interest and takes them down a new path. Our goal is to ensure they leave high school with strong community connections and a transition plan. We want them to know they have options and a strong community network to support their adult years.”
The Inclusion Action Committee was started over 20 years ago through the collaborative effort of many agencies in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
The idea was based on studies showing that transition planning makes a difference in obtaining employment and post-secondary education and increases their community participation, helping them become more proactive in planning their lives, said Silvestri.
The fair takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at the Greg Moore Youth Center, 11925 Haney Place, Maple Ridge.
Students, youth, families, caregivers, support workers, and interested community members are all invited to attend.
Admission is free and there will be complimentary refreshments and door prizes.
A special performance will take place at noon.
Attendees will also receive a list of service providers for local education,employment, health, and recreational resources for young people with diverse needs.
For more information go to: www.inclusionac.org or contact Shelli Silvestri from School District 42 at: shelli_silvestri@sd42.ca.