Rock Resources- Work & Learn To Earn
Rock Resources isn’t just any program — it’s your chance to learn new skills, meet new people, gain confidence and experience that will help you in life and the work force.
Whether you’re trying to finish high school, figure out your next move, or just want something positive in your life — we have a role for you to plug in to.
What’s in it for you?
- Get community service hours & maybe even high school credit through PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
- Learn real-life skills that actually help (job stuff, life stuff, all the stuff). Earn great incentives while you learn.
- Participate in work crews and earn incentives
- Boost your confidence & build your goals with a personal coach
- Find support for whatever you're dealing with — no judgment
- Helpful workshops including DBT
- Meet youth who are on a similar journey as you.
🎁 Plus: bus tickets, gift cards, and stuff you actually need
📍 Where: Living Rock (30 Wilson St, downtown Hamilton)
🕒 When: Flexible times that work with your schedule
💬 Cost: $0. Free. Nada.
“As a person who struggles with mental illness, I tend to feel useless and unproductive more often than not. Helping out with cleanup after the breakfast program has strengthened my (unfortunately low) sense of self-worth.” -Youth


2025 STATISTICS
808 YOUTH VISITS
180 INDIVIDUAL YOUTH PARTICIPATED IN WORK CREWS
890 BUS TICKETS GIVEN OUT AS INCENTIVES
454 TOTAL REFERRALS
Rock Resources Program
The Rock Resources Program at Living Rock supports vulnerable youth ages 16–25 through innovative Work-to-Earn and Earn-while-you-Learn models. Our approach combines practical training, one-on-one coaching, and real-world work experience to help youth build skills, set and reach personal goals, and move toward stable, independent futures.
Each participant works alongside a dedicated coach to create SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) that reflect both the challenges they face and the dreams they hold. These goals often focus on securing stable housing, improving mental health and wellness, overcoming barriers like substance use, and building a meaningful path forward.
We believe in celebrating progress — not just outcomes. As youth engage in the program, we recognize each milestone with incentives that meet their essential needs: food, clothing, and transportation. These include bus tickets and gift cards, reinforcing that their time, energy, and growth matter.
Youth participate in:
- Weekly coaching sessions focused on life and employment readiness
- Skill-building workshops that grow confidence and capacity
- Hands-on work crews in food services, retail/merchandising, shipping & receiving, janitorial, and more
This is more than a job-readiness program — it’s a life-readiness experience. Rock Resources equips youth with the tools they need to thrive in the workplace and in life, while also providing a safe, supportive environment where they are heard, empowered, and encouraged. Rock Resources is about providing youth with a role, a reason, responsibilities and rewards as they work towards and reach their personal development goals.



