YMCA Employment Services - La Boussole

Finding work with a criminal record

Finding a job isn’t always easy, especially if you have just been released from prison. In fact, for two out of three people, the existence of a criminal record has a negative impact on employment.

Created in 1985, La Boussole, YMCA’s employment service program, offers free,  personalized services to adults with a criminal record to help them find a job or go back to school.

The main services provided are:

  • job search preparation (writing a CV and cover letters, interview techniques, etc.); 
  • information about careers and schools;
  • one-on-one and group meetings;
  • access to various tools (computers, internet, telephones, newspapers and fax machines).

Other benefits include:  

  • free access to the fitness centre (limited);
  • access to many other community reintegration services.  

Each year, La Boussole contributes to the social reintegration of hundreds of inmates and individuals with a criminal record. In doing so, it helps reduce recidivism rates and other social costs.  

Watch a video about the program (French only).

This program is offered at the Downtown YMCA.

La Boussole provides similar services at the Montréal detention centre (Bordeaux) to help inmates set a professional goal before they leave prison. This way, they can find work, start a business or pursue their studies as soon as they are released.

Contact
For any questions:
Phone: 514 849-8393, ext. 1785
Email: laboussole@ymcaquebec.org

Partners:
Emploi Québec

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