Youth Resource Centre

What is the Youth Resource Centre?

The Youth Resource Centre provides a safe, supportive environment where "at risk" youth can participate in a variety of activities which foster a healthy lifestyle and have access to staff who are able to provide or broker any services needed.

The Centre offers a one-stop resource service that provides a full spectrum of social, health and recreational services both on-site and through referrals to other agencies, including counselling, human rights information, legal aid, addiction and mental health, clothing, transportation, financial assistance, employment, vocational, educational, religious and spiritual, crisis intervention, housing and food.

Program Goals

• To prevent and reduce youth homelessness.
• To reconnect youth with their families.
• To decrease high-risk behaviours.
• To identify strengths and develop skills.

Who can use the Youth Resource Centre?

Services are available for youth 15-19 who are experiencing personal problems that have led them to be "homeless".

YRC Counsellors can help youth:

• overcome drug and alcohol problems
• cope with mental health problems
• find a job
• return to school or training
• set realistic goals
• talk with your parents
• recognize your skill areas
• find volunteer opportunities
• access community services
• get information you need

Free Teen Groups

DNA Seeds - drug/alcohol education, information on addictions and coping skills

Peers & Parents Night - events are planned with family and friends

Independence - develop skills needed for independent living

Residential Services

• 20-bed residence providing emergency, short-term and long-term care
• drop-in services such as meals and access to showers
• individual counselling
• group counselling with the focus on lifeskills, problem solving, independence preparation, drug and alcohol abuse and healthy relationships

Learning Centre

In partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board, the YRC offers a learning centre classroom to assist youth with their educational goals. the school is open daily Monday to Friday from 9:20 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. and is located at the Youth Action Centre.

On-Site Employment Services

The YRC has an Employment Counsellor who works one-on-one with youth to assist them in their search for full or part-time employment. Assistance is catered to the individual and can include:

• resume and cover letter preparation
• interview preparation
• assisting with job searching
• how to keep a job by understanding employer expectations
• safety training

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Emergency Housing

24 hours a day, 7 days a week