Thank you.
I would also like to thank both of the witnesses for your testimonies today and for the valuable work that both of your organizations do.
We know that job creation and job security are going to be integral to a successful economic restart. Some businesses, we know, have been able to weather the pandemic and some businesses have weathered it with the help of the emergency government programs that have been offered. Unfortunately we also know that some businesses haven't and that others are on the brink of permanently closing and others have had to restructure completely.
My first question is for Steve Cordes with Youth Opportunities Unlimited. Connecting at-risk youth to employment opportunities is very valuable on the individual level, and also we know that it benefits society as a whole. I did have an opportunity this morning to look at the letter from Samuel that you shared with the committee. It's certainly a testament to how empowering a job opportunity is but also to how empowering people can be when we take the time to listen and to help others one on one, and that comes from taking the time to genuinely listen and grow a rapport with them. Frankly, it comes down to caring. It's important that youth job opportunities continue to be available and accessible.
I'm just wondering, in your view, what the greatest barriers facing at-risk youth seeking employment are and whether the pandemic has changed these barriers.