William Dale
Published online July 1, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
CAMPBELL’S BAY – The Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du Pontiac (CJEP) highlighted new initiatives, stable employment services and continued community impact during its annual general meeting (AGM) on June 25, held under the theme S’adapter aux vents du changement, s’élever vers la réussite (Adapting to the winds of change, rising toward success). The meeting also marked the first AGM led by new Executive Director Jessica Kelly.
Kelly said the transition into the role was eased by years of working alongside former executive director Karim El Kerch, first as a coordinator beginning in 2020 and later as interim director. She credited the CJEP staff and board of directors for ensuring a seamless handover, noting that strong organizational continuity helped streamline preparation of the organization’s annual report and financial statements.
Among the year’s new initiatives is a localized carpooling mobile app designed to help address transportation barriers facing local job seekers. The organization is also preparing to launch À l’écoute du Pontiac, a podcast intended to encourage discussion around local issues, including housing, workforce retention and immigration.
The annual report also highlighted the organization’s ongoing services. Employment support services continued to see steady demand, with 61 per cent of clients being male, 60 per cent aged 36 or older, and an almost even split between francophone and anglophone clients. More than one-third of program participants had not completed Secondary 5.
The Sortir du bois social integration program welcomed 23 participants, who completed 10,383 hours of work. Program-generated revenue covered 20 per cent of participant wages. Meanwhile, Place aux jeunes provided one-on-one support to 78 prospective immigrants and helped facilitate seven permanent relocations to the Pontiac. The financial literacy program delivered 316 hours of training to 270 local youth and recorded a 97 per cent satisfaction rate.
The meeting also featured testimonials from participants. Kory Beaudry said the
CJEP helped him obtain his driver’s licence, allowing him to overcome transportation
barriers to employment, while Jean-Yves Ethier said he “always feels respected” when accessing the organization’s services.
The AGM concluded with a tribute to former executive director Karim El Kerch for his years of leadership. The organization will continue into the coming year under the leadership of Board President Richard Marenger and Executive Director Jessica Kelly.
Photo: Participants gather outside the CJEP following the organization’s 2025–26 annual general meeting in Campbell’s Bay. (WD)
