You may know KEYS as the largest provider of employment services in Kingston, Gananoque, and the surrounding region. But did you know they’re also a registered Canadian Charity, and that your donation, no matter the size, can help support vital community programs?
Founded in 1983 as a Youth Employment Centre, KEYS is a registered charity that, over the years, has developed into a much larger presence within our community. Its programs support youth and students, mature workers, newcomers, job seekers, and persons with disabilities in building brighter futures through meaningful employment and community connections.
While helping people find work remains at the heart of its mission, KEYS’ impact extends far beyond employment services. KEYS assists local businesses with recruitment, training, and staff retention, provides entrepreneurs with resources and coaching, spotlights and supports small businesses, helps newcomers and refugees settle successfully in Kingston, and so much more. In 2021, the Newcomer Services hub opened on Bagot St. as KEYS expanded to meet needs, adding services for children and youth, employer outreach, digital literacy, and LGBTQIA+ settlement.
In 2024-25 alone, KEYS delivered 4,078 hours of English Language Training to over 600 individuals, invested $1,426,140 into the local economy to support labour market need and employee training, provided 1,120 hours of pre-employment and skills development training to youth in our community, and helped 458 newcomers participate in KEYS’ employment and settlement services. From 2016 to 2025, KEYS’ Refugee Services team has supported over 400 refugee families, representing more than 1,500 individuals who have embarked on the journey of rebuilding their lives in Canada.
“I wanted to say how impressed I have been in recent weeks with the services offered by KEYS. The scope of assistance plus the professional skills offered is truly remarkable. I just wanted to let you know how valuable KEYS’ help is to our newcomers.”
– St. George’s Cathedral Refugee Support Committee
Connected People, Decent Work, Inclusive Communities.
KEYS’ vision is to help all individuals realize their full potential within a vibrant, thriving community. This Spring, KEYS is inviting that same community to come together and help turn that vision into reality.
KEYS’ 2026 Spring Charitable Giving Campaign seeks to Make More Possible: More opportunity, more support, and more impact for those in need.
Every dollar raised helps KEYS deliver critical services to our diverse community including more supports to empower women, more pathways of opportunity for youth and more essential connections and services for newcomers through initiatives like:
Refugee and Newcomer Support
KEYS offers specialized services for immigrants and newcomers as they settle into life in a new community, with a strong focus on employment and career development. Beyond our core programs, we also connect individuals with vital resources and assistance that help address urgent, life-changing challenges while they establish a sense of stability, belonging, and opportunity in their new home.
The Michael Harris Youth Award
The Michael Harris Youth Award was established to honor the vision and values of Michael Harris, founding Executive Director of KEYS. This $10,000 award is given to first-generation youth aged 16 to 29 who navigate significant barriers— including poverty, disability, homelessness, displacement, or involvement with the justice or care systems— and strive toward a better future through education, training, entrepreneurship, or community leadership. The first winner(s) will be announced at KEYS Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2026.
The Harbour Community Kitchen
Since launching in 2023, The Harbour Community Kitchen has helped women entrepreneurs overcome one of the biggest barriers to starting and growing a food-based business: access to an affordable commercial kitchen. Located at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, this initiative provides commercial kitchen space, as well as mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and community support to women, with a focus on underrepresented groups (including newcomers, racialized and Indigenous women, and women with disabilities).
“This program has helped me transform my business. The guidance and encouragement I have received as a member of Harbour Community Kitchen has led me towards financial freedom.”
– Lisa, Program Participant
KEYS welcomes the valuable contributions of community volunteers and graciously accepts financial donations to help the charity continue the work that it does.
Want to make a difference in your community? Join us in supporting KEYS’ 2026 Spring Charitable Giving Campaign. As a registered charity, KEYS is proud to support individuals on their journeys toward stability and success. Together, we can make a lasting impact, help change lives and give back to our community.
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