IRES Partners with SIYS to Celebrate Young Entrepreneurial Graduates

Bridging Community and Success: IRES Partners with SIYS to Celebrate Juvenile Entrepreneurial Graduates
When a community comes together to support its youth, incredible things happen. Today, the Islamic Restoration Society (IRES) had the profound honor of sponsoring the catering and food for a deeply inspiring event: the SIYS CYOC Juvenile Entrepreneurial Skills Graduation.
Held in partnership with PMAST (Peer Mediation and Skills Training), this ceremony marked a milestone achievement for a group of resilient young individuals who have dedicated themselves to breaking barriers, learning crucial business and leadership fundamentals, and charting a new path forward.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Struggle Is Your Success (SIYS) is a Calgary-based, Black-led non-profit dedicated to equipping youth—especially those from BIPOC, newcomer backgrounds, or those facing systemic barriers—with entrepreneurial toolkits, mentorship, and financial literacy. By fostering a growth mindset, SIYS works tirelessly to reduce youth recidivism and unlock real economic opportunities.
At IRES, our core mission has always centered on community restoration, healing, and establishing robust support networks for individuals navigating transitions in life. We know that true social reintegration and community safety begin when young people are given the trust, skills, and resources they need to thrive.
When youth are empowered to look at challenges through the lens of innovation and resilience, the entire community benefits.

Nourishing Bodies, Nourishing Futures

Sharing a meal has always been a universal symbol of community care, belonging, and celebration. Sponsoring the food for today’s graduation ceremony was our way of standing in solidarity with these young graduates, their dedicated mentors, and their families.
Bringing this mission to life on the ground were two of our incredible IRES volunteers, Rose and Feride. Representing our organization with warmth and dedication, Rose and Feride were at the event to deliver and serve the meals, ensuring the graduates and guests felt celebrated and supported. Their presence exemplified the hands-on care that defines the IRES family.
As these bright minds stepped forward to receive their certificates, the room was filled with shared pride, hope, and determination. This graduation is a testament to what is possible when community organizations combine their strengths—pairing crucial life-skills education with compassionate, wraparound community support.
We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates of the Juvenile Entrepreneurial Skills program! Your resilience is inspiring, your future is vast, and your community stands firmly behind you.
We also want to thank the incredible teams at SIYS and PMAST for their vital work, and a special thank you to Rose and Feride for their hard work in making today a success.