For several years, the MHSO and a number of other associations partnered with the Serve Canada Youth Service Organization (Serve Canada) in delivering its GTA-based, experiential learning program, Experience This! A full-time program offered to participants over a five-and-a-half-month period, Experience This! supported at-risk youth from diverse racialized communities and economic backgrounds. It focused on building skills, establishing goals, and increasing capacity. Each year a group of youth was engaged in personal development activities, educational workshops, teamwork initiatives, and community projects. Members of the MHSO staff assisted in assessing applicants and selecting the youth. They taught them about oral history, trained them in interviewing techniques, and supervised them in conducting oral history interviews. Unfortunately, in late 2013 Serve Canada announced that it was suspending direct program delivery because of funding challenges.
