Live-in Community Builder @ The Refuge

Do you desire to make a difference in the lives of youth experiencing housing challenges in Oshawa? Are you passionate about building community through hospitality? Youth Unlimited is seeking to hire a live-in missionary worker to foster community with 26 youth and young adults residing in The Refuge’s new affordable housing apartment complex located in South Oshawa.

About Youth Unlimited (YFC Toronto)

With over 1 million young people in the Toronto area alone, Youth Unlimited’s vision is to see every one of them transformed by God's love & life-changing power. Our hope is that by cultivating relationships with caring adults who will mentor and cheer them on, our young people will be able to bring about positive change to our city – both now and in the future. We do this through grassroots programming, a focus on wholistic transformation, and a network of local partnerships. This includes after-school programs, sports programs, summer camps, and more. To learn more visit www.yugta.ca.

About The Refuge

The Refuge is a Christian charitable community called to show Jesus Christ’s love and kindness to the youth of our community through practical and compassionate means of intervention and prevention. While we offer programs that meet basic needs (food and clothing), our real purpose is to create a community where youth can come to be loved, nurtured, encouraged, be safe and find a place to belong... a community in which youth can encounter Christ and find healing. To learn more visit www.refugeoutreach.com.

As part of an exciting ministry partnership between Youth Unlimited and The Refuge, the onsite missionary worker will foster community among the 26 youth/young adults living in the Refuge apartment complex by hosting large and small group gatherings, providing guidance and support, and being a light for Christ within the building.

Key Responsibilities:

• Live onsite in an affordable housing complex in South Oshawa.
• Implement creative ways to foster community and make the building feel like home.
• Be a positive presence in the building by providing guidance and support.
• Host small gatherings and coordinate community events for the 26 youth/young adults that live in single occupancy units in the building.
• Participate as a member of Youth Unlimited’s Light Patrol team.

Requirements:

• Pursue a vital spiritual life and growing relationship with God as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
• Be a faithful and contributing member of a local church.
• A deep commitment to a holistic approach of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and God’s Kingdom.
• Related experience, education or training regarding homelessness, poverty, mental health and working with youth is an asset.
• Compassion, patience and active listening skills.
• Commitment to healthy self and soul care practices.

Position Information:

This is a part-time position of 20 hours/week. The salary of this staff position is determined on a scale based on education and experience and is 100% funded on a missionary basis – requiring the successful applicant to fundraise and gather a personal support team. The chosen applicant will live in the ‘missionary suite’ of the apartment complex at a subsidized rate.

To Apply:

Please submit a resumé and cover letter below. Your resumé should note (1) your employment experience; (2) your ministry experience, whether volunteer or paid; and (3) any relevant certification. Your cover letter should include a description of (a) How you would integrate your faith with this role, and (b) your desire to make a difference in the lives of youth experiencing housing challenges. (Each response should be 150 - 200 words.)

If you have any further questions, please contact David at dannesley@yugta.ca or (416) 383-1229, ext.7316. Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.